King James Version

What Does Daniel 5:31 Mean?

Daniel 5:31 in the King James Version says “And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old. being: Cald. he as the son of, etc abo...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old. being: Cald. he as the son of, etc about: or, now”

Daniel 5:31 · KJV

Context

29

Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

30

In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.

31

And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old. being: Cald. he as the son of, etc about: or, now

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The chapter concludes with stark simplicity: 'And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.' This verse fulfills the interpretation's final element—'thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians' (v.28). The overnight transition from Babylonian to Medio-Persian control demonstrates prophecy's accuracy and God's sovereign control over kingdoms. Babylon, thought impregnable due to massive walls and substantial supplies, fell through stratagem (Cyrus's forces diverted the Euphrates, entered via the riverbed). The timing—during Belshazzar's feast—fulfilled Isaiah and Jeremiah's prophecies of sudden judgment. Darius the Mede (possibly Cyrus's general or governor; historical identification debated) represents the shift in imperial power prophesied in chapter 2's statue (from bronze to iron) and fulfilled in history.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical sources (Herodotus, Xenophon, Berossus) confirm Babylon fell to Cyrus's Persian forces in 539 BC, apparently without major battle—treachery or stratagem enabled entrance. The Bible's account of fall during a feast aligns with classical sources. The identity of 'Darius the Mede' remains debated—possibly Gubaru (Gobryas), Cyrus's general who governed Babylon; possibly an alternative name for Cyrus himself; or possibly Cambyses II. Regardless of precise identification, the historical fact remains: Babylon fell to Medio-Persian forces exactly as prophesied (Daniel 2, 5; Isaiah 13, 21, 44-45; Jeremiah 50-51). This fulfilled prophecy demonstrated Yahweh's sovereignty and encouraged Jewish exiles that restoration promises would likewise fulfill.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the overnight fall of 'impregnable' Babylon illustrate that no human power can resist God's determined purposes?
  2. What does the precise fulfillment of multiple prophecies teach about Scripture's reliability and God's sovereignty?
  3. Why does Scripture sometimes leave historical details (like Darius the Mede's precise identity) less than fully clear while emphasizing theological truths?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְדָרְיָ֙וֶשׁ֙1 of 8

“And Darius”

H1868

darejavesh, a title (rather than name) of several persian kings

מָֽדָיָ֔א2 of 8

“the Median”

H4077

a madian or native of madai

קַבֵּ֖ל3 of 8

“took”

H6902

to acquire

מַלְכוּתָ֑א4 of 8

“the kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

כְּבַ֥ר5 of 8

“old”

H1247

a son, grandson, etc

שְׁנִ֖ין6 of 8

“years”

H8140

year

שִׁתִּ֥ין7 of 8

“being about threescore”

H8361

sixty

וְתַרְתֵּֽין׃8 of 8

“and two”

H8648

two

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 5:31 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 5:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 9:1Daniel 6:1

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