King James Version

What Does Daniel 6:20 Mean?

Daniel 6:20 in the King James Version says “And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Dani...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?”

Daniel 6:20 · KJV

Context

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

19

Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20

And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

21

Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

22

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The king's sleepless night and early return demonstrate his anxiety: 'Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.' The phrase 'very early' and 'in haste' show he couldn't wait—he spent the night in anguish wondering if Daniel survived. This pagan king's concern for God's servant demonstrates how faithful living creates genuine relationships even with unbelievers. Darius's anxiety parallels the women hurrying to Jesus's tomb (Mark 16:2)—both situations involve sealed places where death seemed certain but divine deliverance occurred.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings typically began days with elaborate morning rituals and audiences. Darius's immediate trip to the lion's den, abandoning normal protocol, shows extraordinary concern. The king's sleepless night (v. 18—no music, no food) demonstrates genuine distress over Daniel's fate. This contrasts with typical royal indifference to subjects' suffering. Darius's emotional investment in Daniel reflects decades of faithful service that transcended mere professional relationship to create genuine regard.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does faithful service create genuine relationships that transcend professional or cultural boundaries?
  2. What does Darius's anxiety teach about how our faithfulness under trial affects those who watch, creating concern and investment in the outcome?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וּכְמִקְרְבֵ֣הּ1 of 24

“And when he came”

H7127

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לְגֻבָּ֔א2 of 24

“to the den”

H1358

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

דָּֽנִיֵּאל֙3 of 24

“O Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

בְּקָ֥ל4 of 24

“voice”

H7032

a voice or sound

עֲצִ֖יב5 of 24

“with a lamentable”

H6088

to afflict

זְעִ֑ק6 of 24

“he cried”

H2200

to make an outcry

עָנֵ֨ה7 of 24

“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,

מַלְכָּ֜א8 of 24

“and the king”

H4430

a king

וְאָמַ֣ר9 of 24

“and said”

H560

to speak, to command

דָּֽנִיֵּאל֙10 of 24

“O Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

דָּֽנִיֵּאל֙11 of 24

“O Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

עֲבֵד֙12 of 24

“servant”

H5649

a servant

אֱלָהָ֗ךְ13 of 24

“God”

H426

god

חַיָּ֔א14 of 24

“of the living”

H2417

alive; also (as noun in plural) life

אֱלָהָ֗ךְ15 of 24

“God”

H426

god

דִּ֣י16 of 24
H1768

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

אַ֤נְתְּה17 of 24
H607

thou

פָּֽלַֽח18 of 24

“whom thou servest”

H6399

to serve or worship

לֵהּ֙19 of 24
H0
בִּתְדִירָ֔א20 of 24

“continually”

H8411

permanence, i.e., (adverb) constantly

הַיְכִ֥ל21 of 24

“able”

H3202

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לְשֵׁיזָבוּתָ֖ךְ22 of 24

“to deliver”

H7804

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

מִן23 of 24

“thee from”

H4481

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

אַרְיָוָתָֽא׃24 of 24

“the lions”

H744

a lion

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 6:20 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 6:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 16:11Hebrews 7:25Daniel 6:27Daniel 6:162 Timothy 4:16-18Daniel 3:17

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