King James Version

What Does Daniel 6:8 Mean?

Daniel 6:8 in the King James Version says “Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and P...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. altereth not: Cald. passeth not”

Daniel 6:8 · KJV

Context

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

8

Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. altereth not: Cald. passeth not

9

Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime .

Read Daniel 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The conspirators' request—"establish the decree, and sign the writing"—uses emphatic language demanding immediate royal action. The phrase "that it be not changed" appeals to "the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not," referencing the famous irrevocability of Persian royal decrees (cf. Esther 8:8). This legal principle, designed to uphold royal authority, becomes a trap binding the king to enforce a law he will desperately wish to revoke.

The Aramaic di la tishne (דִּי לָא תִשְׁנֵא, "which altereth not") emphasizes absolute unchangeability. Once signed, the decree becomes permanent regardless of changed circumstances or the king's wishes. The conspirators weaponize this legal tradition, creating a situation where the king's word condemns his most valued servant and the king cannot undo his action. This demonstrates how legal rigidity, while protecting against arbitrary rule, can enable injustice when manipulated by the wicked.

This irrevocable decree parallels divine law—God's word does not change and His decrees stand eternally (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8). Yet unlike human law manipulated for evil, God's unchangeable word serves perfect justice and mercy. The law's curse for sin stood irrevocable until Christ fulfilled it completely, satisfying justice while extending mercy (Romans 8:3-4). Believers rest in God's unchangeable promises (Hebrews 6:17-18) while navigating human legal systems that may be corrupted against righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The irrevocability of Medo-Persian law was proverbial in the ancient world (referenced in Esther 1:19, 8:8). This legal principle reflected the belief that royal authority depended on the unchangeable nature of the king's word—if decrees could be revoked, royal power would appear weak and unstable. Persian kings were considered semi-divine, making their pronouncements sacred and permanent.

This legal tradition, while intended to establish stable governance and prevent arbitrary rule, created vulnerability when rulers were manipulated into hasty decrees. The conspirators exploited this weakness, using the very mechanism designed to protect subjects against capricious authority to destroy an innocent man through legal procedure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the irrevocability of Persian law illustrate both the value of unchangeable standards and the danger when rigid systems are manipulated for evil?
  2. What comfort does God's unchangeable word provide compared to human legal systems that may be corrupted against righteousness?
  3. How does Christ's fulfillment of the law's unchangeable requirements demonstrate God's perfect balance of justice and mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כְּעַ֣ן1 of 15

“Now”

H3705

now

מַלְכָּ֔א2 of 15

“O king”

H4430

a king

תְּקִ֥ים3 of 15

“establish”

H6966

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

אֱסָרָ֖א4 of 15

“the decree”

H633

an interdict

וְתִרְשֻׁ֣ם5 of 15

“and sign”

H7560

to record

כְּתָבָ֑א6 of 15

“the writing”

H3792

something written, i.e., a writing, record or book

דִּ֣י7 of 15
H1768

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

לָ֥א8 of 15

“not”

H3809

no, not

לְהַשְׁנָיָ֛ה9 of 15

“changed”

H8133

to alter

כְּדָת10 of 15

“according to the law”

H1882

a royal edict or statute

מָדַ֥י11 of 15

“of the Medes”

H4076

madai, a country of central asia

וּפָרַ֖ס12 of 15

“and Persians”

H6540

paras (i.e., persia), an eastern country, including its inhabitants

דִּי13 of 15
H1768

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

לָ֥א14 of 15

“not”

H3809

no, not

תֶעְדֵּֽא׃15 of 15

“which altereth”

H5709

to advance, i.e., pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck (i.e., bring an ornament upon)

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 6:8 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 6:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 1:19Daniel 6:15Daniel 6:12Isaiah 10:1Esther 3:12Esther 8:10

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