King James Version

What Does Daniel 6:3 Mean?

Daniel 6:3 in the King James Version says “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king th...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”

Daniel 6:3 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

1

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

2

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

3

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

4

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

5

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

Read Daniel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel's excellence provokes both favor and opposition: 'Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.' The phrase 'excellent spirit' (Aramaic: ruach yattir, extraordinary spirit) describes Daniel's outstanding administrative competence and character. His superiority wasn't merely technical skill but character excellence. The king's intent to elevate him 'over the whole realm' indicates recognition of exceptional ability. Yet this very excellence provokes the jealous conspiracy that follows. Faithfulness and competence don't guarantee human favor; they often provoke opposition.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Daniel, now elderly (likely 80+), had served three empires: Babylonian (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar), Median (Darius), and would serve into Persian (Cyrus). His survival through multiple regime changes while maintaining high position demonstrates exceptional wisdom and competence. Ancient Near Eastern regime changes typically executed previous officials to prevent rebellion. Daniel's retention and promotion under Darius shows his value transcended political rivalries. His decades of faithful service under pagan kings models engaging culture without compromise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's 'excellent spirit' teach that character excellence matters more than mere technical competence in positions of influence?
  2. What does the plot against Daniel teach about how excellence and favor often provoke jealous opposition rather than universal acclaim?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אֱדַ֙יִן֙1 of 20

“Then”

H116

then (of time)

דָּנִיֵּ֣אל2 of 20

“Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

דְּנָ֔ה3 of 20

“this”

H1836

this

הֲוָ֣א4 of 20

“was”

H1934

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

מִתְנַצַּ֔ח5 of 20

“preferred”

H5330

to become chief

עַל6 of 20

“above”

H5922

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

סָרְכַיָּ֖א7 of 20

“the presidents”

H5632

an emir

וַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֑א8 of 20

“and princes”

H324

a satrap or governor of a main province (of persia)

כָּל9 of 20

“because”

H3606

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

קֳבֵ֗ל10 of 20
H6903

(adverbially) in front of; usually (with other particles) on account of, so as, since, hence

דִּ֣י11 of 20
H1768

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

ר֤וּחַ12 of 20

“spirit”

H7308

mind, spirit

יַתִּירָא֙13 of 20

“an excellent”

H3493

preeminent; as an adverb, very

בֵּ֔הּ14 of 20
H0
וּמַלְכָּ֣א15 of 20

“was in him and the king”

H4430

a king

עֲשִׁ֔ית16 of 20

“thought”

H6246

to purpose

לַהֲקָמוּתֵ֖הּ17 of 20

“to set”

H6966

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עַל18 of 20

“above”

H5922

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

כָּל19 of 20

“because”

H3606

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

מַלְכוּתָֽא׃20 of 20

“realm”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

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 6:3 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 6:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 5:14Genesis 41:38-41Proverbs 22:29Daniel 5:12Esther 10:3Daniel 9:23

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