King James Version

What Does Daniel 6:10 Mean?

Daniel 6:10 in the King James Version says “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber towa...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime .”

Daniel 6:10 · KJV

Prayer

Context

8

Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. altereth not: Cald. passeth not

9

Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime .

11

Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

12

Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

Read Daniel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase "when Daniel knew" indicates Daniel was fully aware of the decree making prayer to anyone except King Darius a capital offense, yet he deliberately continued his prayer practice. The words "went into his house" emphasize that this was his habitual practice, not a public display—Daniel prayed privately as he always had. "His windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem" reflects Solomon's prayer: when in exile, Israelites should pray toward Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:48).

"He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God" describes Daniel's disciplined prayer life. The threefold pattern may reflect morning, afternoon, and evening prayers (Psalm 55:17). Significantly, Daniel not only prayed but "gave thanks." Even facing death, Daniel's prayers included thanksgiving, demonstrating faith that trusts God's goodness regardless of circumstances.

The phrase "as he did aforetime" is crucial—Daniel didn't begin praying when crisis came but maintained lifelong habits that sustained him in testing. This passage teaches: (1) genuine faithfulness is rooted in daily spiritual disciplines; (2) believers must obey God rather than human authorities when they conflict; (3) thanksgiving should characterize prayer even in dire circumstances.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This event occurred circa 539-538 BC, shortly after the Medo-Persian conquest of Babylon under Darius the Mede. Daniel was approximately 80-85 years old, having served in high government positions for over 65 years through regime changes. His exceptional ability prompted jealous rivals to seek his destruction, knowing they could "find no occasion nor fault" in his administrative duties (Daniel 6:4).

The decree forbidding prayer to anyone except the king for thirty days was designed specifically to trap Daniel. Ancient Near Eastern rulers often claimed divine or semi-divine status, making refusal to worship them tantamount to treason.

Reflection Questions

  1. What daily spiritual disciplines sustain your faith during crisis—and are you practicing them consistently now, before testing comes?
  2. How do you balance submission to governing authorities with obedience to God when they conflict?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 33 words
וְ֠דָנִיֵּאל1 of 33

“Now when Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

כְּדִ֨י2 of 33
H1768

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

יְדַ֜ע3 of 33

“knew”

H3046

to inform

דִּֽי4 of 33
H1768

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

רְשִׁ֤ים5 of 33

“was signed”

H7560

to record

כְּתָבָא֙6 of 33

“that the writing”

H3792

something written, i.e., a writing, record or book

עַ֣ל7 of 33

“he went”

H5954

to enter; causatively, to introduce

לְבַיְתֵ֔הּ8 of 33

“into his house”

H1005

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְכַוִּ֨ין9 of 33

“and his windows”

H3551

a window (as a perforation)

פְּתִיחָ֥ן10 of 33

“being open”

H6606

to open

לֵהּ֙11 of 33
H0
בְּעִלִּיתֵ֔הּ12 of 33

“in his chamber”

H5952

a second-story room

נֶ֖גֶד13 of 33

“toward”

H5049

opposite

יְרוּשְׁלֶ֑ם14 of 33

“Jerusalem”

H3390

jerusalem

וְזִמְנִין֩15 of 33

“times”

H2166

an appointed occasion

תְּלָתָ֨ה16 of 33

“three”

H8532

three or third

בְיוֹמָ֜א17 of 33

“a day”

H3118

a day

ה֣וּא׀18 of 33
H1932

he (she or it); self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally (instead of copula) as or are

בָּרֵ֣ךְ19 of 33

“he kneeled”

H1289

to bless

עַל20 of 33

“upon”

H5922

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

בִּרְכ֗וֹהִי21 of 33

“his knees”

H1291

a knee

וּמְצַלֵּ֤א22 of 33

“and prayed”

H6739

pray

וּמוֹדֵא֙23 of 33

“and gave thanks”

H3029

to praise

קֳדָ֣ם24 of 33

“before”

H6925

before

אֱלָהֵ֔הּ25 of 33

“his God”

H426

god

כָּל26 of 33
H3606

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

קֳבֵל֙27 of 33

“as”

H6903

(adverbially) in front of; usually (with other particles) on account of, so as, since, hence

דִּֽי28 of 33
H1768

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

הֲוָ֣א29 of 33

“he did”

H1934

to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)

עָבֵ֔ד30 of 33
H5648

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

מִן31 of 33

“aforetime”

H4481

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

קַדְמַ֖ת32 of 33
H6928

former time

דְּנָֽה׃33 of 33
H1836

this

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 6:10 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 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 5:29Psalms 55:171 Thessalonians 5:17-18Psalms 95:6Philippians 4:6Hebrews 13:15

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Daniel 6 →

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