King James Version

What Does Daniel 6:16 Mean?

Daniel 6:16 in the King James Version says “Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto D...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.”

Daniel 6:16 · KJV

Context

14

Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

15

Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.

16

Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

17

And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.

18

Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. instruments: or, table

Read Daniel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The king's hopeful word to Daniel shows both desperation and dawning faith: 'Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.' This statement combines acknowledgment of Daniel's faithful service ('whom thou servest continually') with hope in divine deliverance. Darius doesn't say 'may deliver' but 'will deliver'—expressing either politeness to a doomed man or genuine faith that Daniel's God is powerful. The phrase 'continually' recognizes Daniel's consistent devotion. This contrasts with the king's own failure—he served pride and self-interest by signing the foolish decree.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings rarely expressed confidence in foreign gods, making Darius's statement remarkable. The timing matters—spoken as Daniel descends into the lion's den, this represents either desperate hope or genuine faith. Ancient lion dens were typically pits or caves used for keeping lions for royal hunts. Throwing someone into a den of multiple hungry lions normally meant certain death. Darius's words show he recognizes Daniel's God might accomplish what the king's power couldn't—deliverance from impossible circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does consistent ('continual') faithfulness create testimony that even unbelievers recognize and respect?
  2. What does Darius's statement teach about how our faithful service to God can provoke faith (or at least hope) in observers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
בֵּאדַ֜יִן1 of 21

“Then”

H116

then (of time)

מַלְכָּא֙2 of 21

“Now the king”

H4430

a king

וְאָמַ֣ר3 of 21

“and said”

H560

to speak, to command

וְהַיְתִיו֙4 of 21

“and they brought”

H858

to come, to bring

לְדָנִיֵּ֔אל5 of 21

“Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

וּרְמ֕וֹ6 of 21

“and cast”

H7412

to throw, set, (figuratively) assess

לְגֻבָּ֖א7 of 21

“him into the den”

H1358

a pit (for wild animals) (as cut out)

דִּ֣י8 of 21
H1768

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

אַרְיָוָתָ֑א9 of 21

“of lions”

H744

a lion

עָנֵ֤ה10 of 21

“spake”

H6032

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

מַלְכָּא֙11 of 21

“Now the king”

H4430

a king

וְאָמַ֣ר12 of 21

“and said”

H560

to speak, to command

לְדָנִיֵּ֔אל13 of 21

“Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

אֱלָהָ֗ךְ14 of 21

“Thy God”

H426

god

דִּ֣י15 of 21
H1768

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

אַ֤נְתְּה16 of 21

“whom thou”

H607

thou

פָּֽלַֽח17 of 21

“servest”

H6399

to serve or worship

לֵהּ֙18 of 21
H0
בִּתְדִירָ֔א19 of 21

“continually”

H8411

permanence, i.e., (adverb) constantly

ה֖וּא20 of 21
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

יְשֵׁיזְבִנָּֽךְ׃21 of 21

“he will deliver”

H7804

to leave, i.e., (causatively) free

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 6:16 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 6:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 37:39-40Job 5:19Psalms 91:14-16Isaiah 43:2Daniel 3:28Psalms 118:8-9

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