King James Version

What Does Daniel 6:4 Mean?

Daniel 6:4 in the King James Version says “Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none ...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 6:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. assembled: or, came tumultuously

Read Daniel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The text states that Daniel's enemies 'could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.' This establishes Daniel's exemplary character—his administrative excellence, personal integrity, and faithful service were beyond reproach. The Hebrew 'faithful' (מְהֵימַן, meheiman) means trustworthy, reliable, dependable. 'Error' (שָׁלוּ, shalu) refers to negligence or mistakes; 'fault' (עֻשְׁתְּ, ushte) means corruption. Despite thorough investigation by hostile colleagues seeking grounds for accusation, they found nothing. This demonstrates that Christian witness includes professional excellence and personal integrity. Believers should be so faithful in secular work that enemies can find no legitimate grounds for accusation (1 Peter 2:12, Titus 2:7-8). The only grounds Daniel's enemies found was 'concerning the law of his God' (6:5)—his religious devotion, not professional incompetence or moral failure, gave them opportunity. This is the pattern Jesus described: 'Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you...for my sake' (Matthew 5:11)—persecution for righteousness, not for foolishness or actual wrongdoing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred early in Darius the Mede's reign (539 BC) after Babylon's fall to Persia. Daniel, approximately 80 years old, had served Babylonian and now Persian administrations faithfully for over 65 years. His administrative skill and integrity had earned him appointment as one of three presidents over 120 provincial governors. This provoked jealousy among fellow administrators who conspired to destroy him. Their investigation reveals ancient bureaucratic politics—threatened officials seeking to eliminate a competitor. Yet their thorough examination found nothing. Daniel's decades of faithful service, refusing bribes, administering justly, and working excellently had created an unimpeachable record. This demonstrates that consistent faithfulness over time builds reputation that withstands hostile scrutiny.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your professional conduct and character reflect Christian integrity to watching colleagues and superiors?
  2. What areas of your work, finances, or personal life would hostile investigation reveal as compromised or unfaithful?
  3. How can you maintain excellence and integrity in secular work as a form of Christian witness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
אֱדַ֨יִן1 of 27

“Then”

H116

then (of time)

סָֽרְכַיָּ֜א2 of 27

“the presidents”

H5632

an emir

וַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֗א3 of 27

“and princes”

H324

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

הֲו֨וֹ4 of 27

“sought”

H1934

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

בָעַ֧יִן5 of 27
H1156

to seek or ask

עִלָּ֨ה6 of 27

“occasion”

H5931

a pretext (as arising artificially)

הִשְׁתְּכַ֖חַת7 of 27

“find”

H7912

to discover (literally or figuratively)

לְדָנִיֵּ֖אל8 of 27

“against Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

מִצַּ֣ד9 of 27

“concerning”

H6655

used adverbially (with preposition) at or upon the side of

מַלְכוּתָ֑א10 of 27

“the kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

וְכָל11 of 27

“but”

H3606

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

עִלָּ֨ה12 of 27

“occasion”

H5931

a pretext (as arising artificially)

וּשְׁחִיתָ֔ה13 of 27

“fault”

H7844

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

לָ֥א14 of 27

“neither”

H3809

no, not

יָכְלִ֣ין15 of 27

“they could”

H3202

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

הִשְׁתְּכַ֖חַת16 of 27

“find”

H7912

to discover (literally or figuratively)

וְכָל17 of 27

“but”

H3606

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

קֳבֵל֙18 of 27

“forasmuch”

H6903

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

דִּֽי19 of 27
H1768

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

מְהֵימַ֣ן20 of 27

“as he was faithful”

H540

to believe in

ה֔וּא21 of 27
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

וְכָל22 of 27

“but”

H3606

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

שָׁלוּ֙23 of 27

“error”

H7960

a fault

וּשְׁחִיתָ֔ה24 of 27

“fault”

H7844

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

לָ֥א25 of 27

“neither”

H3809

no, not

הִשְׁתְּכַ֖חַת26 of 27

“find”

H7912

to discover (literally or figuratively)

עֲלֽוֹהִי׃27 of 27

“in him”

H5922

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

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 6:4 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 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 3:16Philippians 2:151 Peter 2:12Luke 20:20Luke 23:14-15Titus 2:8

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