King James Version

What Does Daniel 6:23 Mean?

Daniel 6:23 in the King James Version says “Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was ta...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 6:23 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

24

And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

25

Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

Read Daniel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Divine vindication is complete: '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.' The king's joy ('exceeding glad') shows genuine affection. The detail 'no manner of hurt' emphasizes total protection—not injured, not bitten, completely unharmed. The causal clause 'because he believed in his God' identifies faith as the critical factor. Deliverance came not from Daniel's merit but from his faith in God's power and faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern executions were designed to demonstrate royal power through spectacular death. Daniel's survival with zero injuries represented stunning reversal—the execution method became platform for demonstrating God's superior power. The phrase 'no manner of hurt' parallels the three friends emerging from the furnace without even smell of smoke (3:27). Both miracles demonstrate God's comprehensive protection of faithful servants. Archaeological evidence of lion's power makes the miracle's magnitude clear—lions were fearsome predators.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's complete protection (no hurt at all) demonstrate God's comprehensive care for those who trust Him?
  2. What does the explicit connection to faith ('because he believed') teach about trust as the instrument through which we receive divine protection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
בֵּאדַ֣יִן1 of 22

“Then”

H116

then (of time)

מַלְכָּ֗א2 of 22

“was the king”

H4430

a king

שַׂגִּיא֙3 of 22

“exceeding”

H7690

large (in size, quantity or number, also adverbial)

טְאֵ֣ב4 of 22

“glad”

H2868

to rejoice

עֲל֔וֹהִי5 of 22

“for him”

H5922

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

דָּנִיֵּ֜אל6 of 22

“Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

אֲמַ֖ר7 of 22

“and commanded”

H560

to speak, to command

וְהֻסַּ֨ק8 of 22

“that they should take”

H5267

to take up

מִן9 of 22

“out of”

H4481

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

גֻּבָּ֗א10 of 22

“the den”

H1358

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

וְהֻסַּ֨ק11 of 22

“that they should take”

H5267

to take up

דָּנִיֵּ֜אל12 of 22

“Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

מִן13 of 22

“out of”

H4481

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

גֻּבָּ֗א14 of 22

“the den”

H1358

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

וְכָל15 of 22

“manner”

H3606

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

חֲבָל֙16 of 22

“of hurt”

H2257

harm (personal or pecuniary)

לָא17 of 22

“and no”

H3809

no, not

הִשְׁתְּכַ֣ח18 of 22

“was found”

H7912

to discover (literally or figuratively)

בֵּ֔הּ19 of 22
H0
דִּ֖י20 of 22
H1768

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

הֵימִ֥ן21 of 22

“upon him because he believed”

H540

to believe in

בֵּאלָהֵֽהּ׃22 of 22

“in his God”

H426

god

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 6:23 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 6:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 5:20Daniel 3:27-28Mark 9:23Daniel 3:25Daniel 6:18Isaiah 26:3

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