King James Version

What Does Daniel 2:49 Mean?

Daniel 2:49 in the King James Version says “Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babyl...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.”

Daniel 2:49 · KJV

Context

47

The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

48

Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.

49

Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

Read Daniel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel's request for his companions shows covenant loyalty—he doesn't grasp power selfishly but ensures his friends benefit. 'Daniel sat in the gate of the king' indicates maintaining position in the royal court while his companions managed provincial affairs. This distribution of responsibility allowed faithful Jews to influence multiple spheres of Babylonian society. The verse demonstrates both humility (sharing honor) and wisdom (building a team of trustworthy administrators). It also sets up chapter 3, where these three face the fiery furnace while Daniel is absent.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sitting 'in the gate' represented judicial and administrative authority in ancient Near Eastern cities. The gate complex served as courthouse, marketplace, and administrative center. Daniel's position gave him direct access to the king and oversight of kingdom affairs. His companions—Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego—administering provincial affairs meant they handled taxation, justice, and local governance. This dispersed influence prevented concentration of Hebrew power that might threaten the regime while maximizing impact.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's inclusion of his friends demonstrate godly leadership that empowers others rather than hoarding power?
  2. What does this distribution of responsibility teach about strategically positioning believers for maximum kingdom influence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְדָנִיֵּ֖אל1 of 17

“Then Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

בְּעָ֣א2 of 17

“requested”

H1156

to seek or ask

מִן3 of 17

“of”

H4481

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

מַלְכָּֽא׃4 of 17

“of the king”

H4430

a king

וּמַנִּ֗י5 of 17

“and he set”

H4483

to count, appoint

עַ֤ל6 of 17

“over”

H5922

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עֲבִֽידְתָּא֙7 of 17

“the affairs”

H5673

labor or business

דִּ֚י8 of 17
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

מְדִינַ֣ת9 of 17

“of the province”

H4083

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

בָּבֶ֔ל10 of 17

“of Babylon”

H895

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

לְשַׁדְרַ֥ךְ11 of 17

“Shadrach”

H7715

shadrak, the babylonian name of one of daniel's companions

מֵישַׁ֖ךְ12 of 17

“Meshach”

H4336

meshak, the babylonian

וַעֲבֵ֣ד13 of 17
H0
נְג֑וֹ14 of 17

“and Abednego”

H5665

abed-nego, the name of azariah

וְדָנִיֵּ֖אל15 of 17

“Then Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

בִּתְרַ֥ע16 of 17

“sat in the gate”

H8651

a door; by implication, a palace

מַלְכָּֽא׃17 of 17

“of the king”

H4430

a king

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Daniel 2:49 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Daniel 2:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 2:19Daniel 1:7Amos 5:15Daniel 3:12-30Esther 2:21Esther 3:2

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in Daniel 2 →

Test Your Knowledge

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