Daniel 6 5

Daniel 6:5 kjv

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

Daniel 6:5 nkjv

Then these men said, "We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."

Daniel 6:5 niv

Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God."

Daniel 6:5 esv

Then these men said, "We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God."

Daniel 6:5 nlt

So they concluded, "Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion."

Daniel 6 verses

Daniel 6 5 Meaning

Daniel chapter 6, verse 5 states: "Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but he could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him." This verse highlights Daniel's exceptional integrity and faithfulness in his administrative duties, which rendered him immune to the accusations of his jealous rivals.

Daniel 6 5 Context

Daniel chapter 6 describes the political intrigue that Daniel faced as a high-ranking official in the Medo-Persian Empire. King Darius, impressed by Daniel's competence, appointed him as one of three presidents overseeing the entire kingdom. This elevated position aroused the envy and suspicion of other Persian nobles, who, unable to find any fault in Daniel's personal or professional life, resorted to devising a plan to ensnare him through a religious decree. This verse specifically sets the stage for that conspiracy.

Daniel 6 5 Word Analysis

• Then (וַאֲדַי): This word (pronounced "wa-aday") indicates a sequence of events, connecting to what was previously established – Daniel's high position and the resentment it caused.
• the presidents (שָׂרַי): From the Hebrew root "sar" (שר), meaning "prince," "chief," or "ruler." It signifies the highest officials appointed by the king. Daniel was one of these key leaders.
• and princes (וְסָגְנִין): This Aramaic word ("w'-sag'nin") also refers to high-ranking officials, specifically provincial governors or deputies under the presidents. This phrase underscores the widespread opposition from the top echelons of power.
• sought (בְּעָא): The Aramaic verb "be'a" (בעא) means "to seek," "to search," or "to demand." It implies an active, deliberate effort.
• to find (לְמִשְׁכַּח): The Aramaic infinitive "limsh'chach" (למשכח) meaning "to find" or "to discover." Their intent was to uncover a weakness.
• occasion (עִלָּה): This Aramaic word, pronounced "illah" (עלה), signifies a "cause," "reason," "opportunity," or "charge." They were looking for any ground on which to accuse Daniel.
• against (בִּדְמִיל): A compound Aramaic preposition and pronoun, signifying "against him" or "in him" referring to Daniel.
• Daniel (דָּנִיֵּאל): The prophet's name, meaning "God is my judge." This name itself reflects a divine oversight that the princes could not circumvent.
• concerning (בִּגְרָמַת): This Aramaic word, pronounced "big'ramat" (בגרמת), implies "by reason of" or "because of," highlighting their intent to find something that could be attributed to Daniel's character or actions regarding the kingdom.
• the kingdom (מַלְכוּתָא): Aramaic for "kingdom" or "reign." Their search was focused on any failure in his stewardship of the king's domain.
• but (וְהוּא): Connects the previous intention with the following outcome.
• he could find (יָכֵל לְמַשְׁכַּח): This Aramaic phrase means "he was able to find," indicating the lack of success in their endeavor.
• no (לָא): Simple negation.
• occasion (עִלָּה): Repeated for emphasis – no reason, no cause, no opportunity for accusation.
• nor fault (וְשָׁט): "w'-shat." This Aramaic word signifies "defect," "blame," or "corruption." They found no blemish or fault in him.
• forasmuch as (אֲרֵי): Aramaic conjunction "arei" (ארי) meaning "because" or "for." It provides the reason for the absence of fault.
• he was faithful (נְאֵימָן): The Aramaic adjective "ne'eman" (נאמן) means "faithful," "trustworthy," or "reliable." This is the core reason for his impeccable record. This faithfulness extended to both his earthly duties and his devotion to God.
• neither (וְלָא): Another negation, reinforcing the completeness of his unblemished record.
• was there any error (תִּקְּלָה): The Aramaic word "tiq'lah" (תקלה) means "stumbling," "fault," or "error." They found no mistake, slip-up, or act of wrongdoing.
• or fault found (וּשְׁחִית): "u-sh'chit." This Aramaic word denotes "corruption," "depravity," or "damage." It implies a moral or functional flaw. This, too, was absent.
• in him (בֵּהּ): Referring to Daniel.

Words-group analysis

• The presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel: This collective action by the highest officials highlights a powerful, organized opposition driven by jealousy and a desire to remove Daniel.
• but he could find no occasion nor fault: This contrast emphasizes Daniel's exemplary character and performance, which the enemies' most intense scrutiny could not penetrate.
• forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him: This provides the definitive reason for his unassailability: his steadfast faithfulness and impeccable conduct, free from any discernible flaw.

Daniel 6 5 Bonus Section

Daniel's exceptional nature was not solely due to his administrative skills but was deeply rooted in his spiritual discipline. Even while in exile, he committed himself to prayer three times a day (Daniel 6:10), a practice that ultimately led to the lion's den incident. This verse implicitly links his administrative integrity to his faithfulness to God, underscoring that true uprightness encompasses all areas of life. Scholars often point to this verse as a prime example of a public servant whose integrity was beyond reproach, serving as a model of ethical leadership. His spotless record became the very point of contention because it exposed the illegitimacy of the envy against him.

Daniel 6 5 Commentary

Daniel's tenure in Babylon and Persia was marked by divine favor and extraordinary competence. His opponents, unable to find any grounds for legal or ethical accusation, sought to create a legal trap based on his religious devotion. However, Daniel’s unwavering faithfulness in every aspect of his life—personal conduct, professional integrity, and devotion to God—rendered their efforts futile. This verse is a testament to the power of consistent godliness and diligence, which can withstand even the most malicious attacks. It shows that when one walks in faithfulness and truth, no charge can ultimately stand against them.