King James Version

What Does Daniel 6:5 Mean?

Daniel 6:5 in the King James Version says “Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the la...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 6:5 · KJV

Context

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

7

All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. decree: or, interdict

Read Daniel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Unable to find legal fault, conspirators shift tactics: '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.' This acknowledges Daniel's absolute integrity while identifying the one non-negotiable area: his religious devotion. They recognize he won't compromise worship of God even under legal threats. Ironically, their plot validates Daniel's testimony—his faith is so public, consistent, and uncompromising that enemies know they can trap him only through religious persecution. This models effective witness: living such that the only accusation against us concerns faithful devotion to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern polytheism typically allowed multiple religious practices simultaneously. Jews' exclusive monotheism made them inflexible in ways polytheists found incomprehensible and politically dangerous. Daniel's daily prayer practice was evidently well-known, providing predictable behavior enemies could criminalize. The plot parallels tactics used against early Christians—when unable to prove criminal behavior, authorities attacked religious practice (cf. persecution under Rome). Throughout history, faithful believers have been targeted specifically for religious conviction when other accusations fail.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does enemies targeting Daniel's faith validate that his witness was public, consistent, and uncompromising?
  2. What does the shift from legal accusation to religious persecution teach about how the world ultimately opposes godliness itself?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אֱ֠דַיִן1 of 16

“Then”

H116

then (of time)

גֻּבְרַיָּ֤א2 of 16

“men”

H1400

a person

אִלֵּךְ֙3 of 16

“these”

H479

these

אָֽמְרִ֔ין4 of 16

“said”

H560

to speak, to command

דִּ֣י5 of 16
H1768

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

לָ֧א6 of 16

“We shall not”

H3809

no, not

הַשְׁכַּ֥חְנָֽא7 of 16

“find”

H7912

to discover (literally or figuratively)

לְדָנִיֵּ֥אל8 of 16

“Daniel”

H1841

danijel, the hebrew prophet

דְּנָ֖ה9 of 16

“this”

H1836

this

כָּל10 of 16

“any”

H3606

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

עִלָּ֑א11 of 16

“occasion”

H5931

a pretext (as arising artificially)

לָהֵ֕ן12 of 16

“except”

H3861

therefore; also except

הַשְׁכַּ֥חְנָֽא13 of 16

“find”

H7912

to discover (literally or figuratively)

עֲל֖וֹהִי14 of 16

“against”

H5922

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

בְּדָ֥ת15 of 16

“it against him concerning the law”

H1882

a royal edict or statute

אֱלָהֵֽהּ׃16 of 16

“of 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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 24:13-16Esther 3:81 Samuel 24:17Acts 24:20-21John 19:6-7

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