King James Version

What Does Daniel 6:26 Mean?

Daniel 6:26 in the King James Version says “I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the livin...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.”

Daniel 6:26 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

26

I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

27

He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. power: Cald. hand

28

So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Read Daniel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
King Darius's decree represents remarkable theological testimony from a pagan ruler. The phrase "I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel" demonstrates how God's deliverance of Daniel influenced imperial policy throughout the Medo-Persian Empire. The command to "tremble and fear" (dahlin uzain, דָּחֲלִין וְזָאעִין) uses emphatic Aramaic terms for reverential awe and holy fear, appropriate responses to encountering the living God.

The titles ascribed to God reveal deep theological insight for a pagan: "the living God" (Elaha chayya, אֱלָהָא חַיָּא) contrasts Yahweh with lifeless idols worshiped throughout the empire; "stedfast for ever" affirms God's unchanging nature and eternal existence; "his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed" echoes Daniel 2:44 and 4:34, acknowledging divine sovereignty over earthly empires; "his dominion shall be even unto the end" confesses God's rule extends throughout time until history's consummation.

This decree fulfilled God's purpose in Daniel's ordeal—not merely personal vindication but imperial testimony to God's supremacy. One man's faithfulness resulted in empire-wide proclamation of Yahweh's sovereignty, demonstrating how individual obedience advances God's kingdom purposes beyond personal blessing. This points to Christ's faithful obedience, which secured salvation for multitudes and will ultimately result in every knee bowing and every tongue confessing His lordship (Philippians 2:10-11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Darius's decree (circa 538 BC) provided legal recognition of Yahweh's supremacy throughout the Persian Empire, creating favorable conditions for Jewish religious practice during exile. This decree, combined with Cyrus's earlier edict allowing Jewish return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4), demonstrated how God sovereignly used pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes for His people. The Persian policy of religious tolerance, when combined with supernatural demonstrations like Daniel's deliverance, advanced knowledge of Yahweh throughout the ancient world.

Archaeological evidence reveals that Persian kings sometimes issued decrees honoring foreign deities, particularly when impressed by miraculous demonstrations. The Cyrus Cylinder shows similar religious tolerance. Darius's decree represents divine orchestration—using Daniel's faithfulness and miraculous deliverance to create legal protection and testimony platform for Jewish communities throughout the empire during the exile period.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use individual believers' faithfulness in hostile contexts to create broader opportunities for gospel advancement?
  2. What does this passage teach about God's sovereignty over human authorities and His ability to influence governmental policies for His kingdom purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
מִן1 of 29

“I”

H4481

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

קֳדָמַי֮2 of 29
H6925

before

שִׂ֣ים3 of 29

“make”

H7761

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

טְעֵם֒4 of 29

“a decree”

H2942

properly, flavor; figuratively, judgment (both subjective and objective); hence, account (both subjectively and objectively)

דִּ֣י׀5 of 29
H1768

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

בְּכָל6 of 29

“That in every”

H3606

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

וְשָׁלְטָנֵ֖הּ7 of 29

“and his dominion”

H7985

empire (abstractly or concretely)

וּמַלְכוּתֵהּ֙8 of 29

“and his kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

לֶהֱוֺ֤ן9 of 29

“men tremble”

H1934

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

זָאְעִין֙10 of 29
H2112

to shake (with fear)

וְדָ֣חֲלִ֔ין11 of 29

“and fear”

H1763

to slink, i.e., (by implication) to fear, or (causatively) be formidable

מִן12 of 29

“I”

H4481

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

קֳדָ֖ם13 of 29
H6925

before

אֱלָהָ֣א14 of 29

“God”

H426

god

דִּי15 of 29
H1768

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

דָֽנִיֵּ֑אל16 of 29

“of Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

דִּי17 of 29
H1768

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

ה֣וּא׀18 of 29
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

אֱלָהָ֣א19 of 29

“God”

H426

god

חַיָּ֗א20 of 29

“for he is the living”

H2417

alive; also (as noun in plural) life

וְקַיָּם֙21 of 29

“and stedfast”

H7011

permanent (as rising firmly)

לְעָ֣לְמִ֔ין22 of 29

“for ever”

H5957

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

וּמַלְכוּתֵהּ֙23 of 29

“and his kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

דִּֽי24 of 29
H1768

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

לָ֣א25 of 29

“that which shall not”

H3809

no, not

תִתְחַבַּ֔ל26 of 29

“be destroyed”

H2255

to ruin

וְשָׁלְטָנֵ֖הּ27 of 29

“and his dominion”

H7985

empire (abstractly or concretely)

עַד28 of 29

“shall be even unto”

H5705

until

סוֹפָֽא׃29 of 29

“the end”

H5491

a termination

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 6:26 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 6:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 4:34Luke 1:33Daniel 2:44Daniel 7:14Daniel 3:29Psalms 29:10

Test Your Knowledge

Daniel 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDaniel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Daniel 6 with CommentaryAll Daniel ChaptersComplete Daniel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes