King James Version

What Does Daniel 6:21 Mean?

Daniel 6:21 in the King James Version says “Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 6:21 · KJV

Context

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.

23

Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The king's cry combines hope and despair: 'O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?' The address 'servant of the living God' shows theological development—Darius now distinguishes the 'living' God from lifeless idols. The question 'is thy God...able' could mean either doubt or hope that the answer is yes. The repetition of 'continually' (cf. v. 16) again emphasizes Daniel's consistent faithfulness. This question represents humanity's universal longing—is God truly powerful to save in impossible circumstances?

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Historical & Cultural Context

The designation 'living God' appears throughout Scripture contrasting Yahweh with lifeless idols (Jeremiah 10:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). Ancient Near Eastern polytheism featured gods with limited power over specific domains. Darius's question addresses whether Daniel's God has power over physical nature (lions) and political structures (irrevocable law). The theology is progressing—from 'most high God' (v. 16) to 'living God,' showing deeper understanding through witnessing Daniel's faith and coming deliverance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the crisis of impossible circumstances force the fundamental question: is God really able to save?
  2. What does the progression in Darius's theological language teach about how witnessing faithfulness educates observers about God's character?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֱדַ֙יִן֙1 of 8

“Then”

H116

then (of time)

דָּנִיֶּ֔אל2 of 8

“Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

עִם3 of 8

“unto”

H5974

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

מַלְכָּ֖א4 of 8

“O king”

H4430

a king

מַלִּ֑ל5 of 8

“said”

H4449

to speak

מַלְכָּ֖א6 of 8

“O king”

H4430

a king

לְעָלְמִ֥ין7 of 8

“for ever”

H5957

remote time, i.e., the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever

חֱיִֽי׃8 of 8

“live”

H2418

to live

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 6:21 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 6:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 2:4Daniel 6:6Nehemiah 2:3

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