Daniel 6 4

Daniel 6:4 kjv

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

Daniel 6:4 nkjv

So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.

Daniel 6:4 niv

At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.

Daniel 6:4 esv

Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.

Daniel 6:4 nlt

Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.

Daniel 6 verses

Daniel 6 4 Meaning

Daniel was found to be without fault or corruption, showing exceptional integrity and trustworthiness in his service.

Daniel 6 4 Context

The verse is part of Daniel chapter 6, which describes Daniel's appointment as one of three high officials overseeing the entire empire of Darius the Mede. His competence and integrity were so evident that King Darius intended to set him over all the satrapies. This exceptional favor and potential promotion became the catalyst for the conspiracy against Daniel, as the other high officials grew envious. The context highlights Daniel's upright character within a high-pressure political environment, which paradoxically became the basis for an accusation rather than a commendation by his adversaries. The Persian administrative structure involved multiple layers of officials, with satraps governing provinces, and these top officials were responsible for overseeing the broader administration.

Daniel 6 4 Word Analysis

• Daniel (דָּנִיֵּאל – Daniyyel): The name itself means "God is my judge." This foreshadows his trust in God to vindicate him.

• Then (וּב – uv): Connective, indicating a progression of events.

• the: Definite article.

• presidents (שָׂרִים – sarim): Chiefs, rulers, captains. In this context, the highest rank of officials appointed by the king to govern the provinces or supervise departments. Plural of sar.

• and (וְ – ve): Conjunction.

• satrap (אַדַרְגַּזַרְיָה – adargazzarya'): This is a Persian word, not Hebrew or Aramaic, likely a borrowed term for the provincial governors under the Medo-Persian system. It signifies a high-ranking administrator of a province. The precise etymology is debated but refers to "strengthener of the kingdom."

• sought (בְּעָא – be'a'): To seek, ask, require, desire. Here, it implies a deliberate effort to find fault or something to accuse Daniel of. It suggests an active, possibly hostile, investigation.

• to find (לְמִשְׁחָה – lemishḥa): This is a very unusual phrasing, possibly reflecting Aramaic grammatical influence or a specific idiomatic expression. The root mashach (מָשַׁח) typically means "to anoint." The meaning here seems to be "to find occasion," "to find a way," or "to find something against." It's a pursuit of any blemish or weakness.

• against (עִלּוֹי – 'illoy): Upon, against, on account of.

• Daniel (דָּנִיֵּאל – Daniyyel): See above.

• in (בּ – b): In, at, with.

• respect (עִסָּא – 'issa'): Cause, matter, account, concern. The phrase "cause of action" or "matter against."

• or (וְ – ve): Conjunction.

• in (בּ – b): In, at, with.

• fault (פְּסִיל – psil): Corruption, failure, flaw, blemish. It suggests moral or administrative defect, something blameworthy. The text emphasizes a complete absence of such negative qualities.

• and (וְ – ve): Conjunction.

• negligence (שְׁלוּ – shluh): Failure, neglect, oversight, mistake. It covers both intentional wrongdoing and unintentional errors in duty. Daniel's administration was marked by diligence.

• or (וְ – ve): Conjunction.

• malversation (שָׁחַת – shaḥat): Corruption, destruction, ruin. Specifically referring to corrupt or fraudulent conduct in an official position. Daniel's actions were pure and free from any financial or administrative corruption.

• Word Group Analysis: The adversaries sought to find any fault or failure (psil) or neglect/oversight (shluh) or corruption (shaḥat). This tripartite description covers a comprehensive spectrum of potential accusations, indicating that Daniel's performance was demonstrably flawless across all aspects of his responsibilities. The exhaustive nature of their search underscores the thoroughness of his integrity.

Daniel 6 4 Bonus Section

The phrase "to find occasion" or "to find something against" (implied by the unique use of "lemishḥa") reflects a meticulous, hostile surveillance rather than a routine review. It highlights the intensity of the political opposition. The enemies were not looking for administrative improvements but for a weapon. This pursuit of Daniel's "faults" is a stark contrast to his unwavering faithfulness and points to a spiritual battle disguised as political intrigue, a theme common in Daniel’s life and in biblical narratives of faithful servants facing persecution. His uprightness becomes a public testimony to the favor of God.

Daniel 6 4 Commentary

The rulers, driven by jealousy and a desire to depose Daniel, actively searched for any deficiency in his governance. Their inability to find even a minor oversight or a hint of corruption demonstrates Daniel’s exceptional integrity and administrative skill. He served the kingdom faithfully and without personal gain or favoritism. This absolute lack of fault made them incapable of formulating any credible charge, forcing them to resort to fabricating a religious basis for his downfall. Daniel's diligence and moral uprightness are presented as his defense even before an accusation could be mounted. His faithful stewardship, from minor responsibilities to major ones, ensured his unimpeachable character.