King James Version

What Does Daniel 9:6 Mean?

Daniel 9:6 in the King James Version says “Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fat... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

Daniel 9:6 · KJV


Context

4

And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

5

We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:

6

Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

7

O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. belongeth: or, thou hast

8

O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel's confession continues: "Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land." This adds another layer to Israel's guilt—not only did they violate God's revealed law, they rejected His sent messengers. The phrase "thy servants the prophets" emphasizes these were divinely authorized spokespersons, not self-appointed critics. Rejecting prophets meant rejecting God Himself (1 Samuel 8:7, Luke 10:16).

The comprehensive listing—"kings, princes, fathers, and all the people"—indicates that prophetic warning reached every level of society. No one could claim ignorance; all social classes heard divine warning yet chose disobedience. This aggravates guilt: willful rejection of repeatedly offered grace. The phrase "in thy name" emphasizes prophetic authority—these messengers spoke with divine commission, making their rejection particularly heinous.

This pattern recurs throughout redemptive history: God sends prophets, people reject them, judgment follows (Matthew 23:37). Christ, the final prophet (Hebrews 1:1-2), faced ultimate rejection, crucified by those He came to save. Yet His death accomplished salvation for all who receive Him (John 1:11-12). Daniel's confession of Israel's prophetic rejection points to humanity's greater rejection of Christ, yet also to God's redemptive response through the rejected cornerstone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history included persistent prophetic ministry: Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others repeatedly warned of covenant violation consequences. Despite miracles, authoritative messages, and patient pleading, the nation generally ignored or persecuted prophets (1 Kings 19:10, Jeremiah 38:6, Matthew 23:29-31). 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 summarizes this pattern: "And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers...But they mocked the messengers of God...until there was no remedy."

Reflection Questions

  1. How does rejection of divinely sent messengers demonstrate deeper rebellion than mere ignorance or moral failure?
  2. What does the comprehensive warning to all social levels teach about God's patience and humanity's accountability?
  3. How does Israel's prophetic rejection point forward to humanity's ultimate rejection of Christ, and His redemptive response?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְלֹ֤א1 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֙עְנוּ֙2 of 16

Neither have we hearkened

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲבָדֶ֣יךָ4 of 16

unto thy servants

H5650

a servant

הַנְּבִיאִ֔ים5 of 16

the prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֲשֶׁ֤ר6 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבְּרוּ֙7 of 16

which spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּשִׁמְךָ֔8 of 16

in thy name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֶל9 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מְלָכֵ֥ינוּ10 of 16

to our kings

H4428

a king

שָׂרֵ֖ינוּ11 of 16

our princes

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וַאֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ12 of 16

and our fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאֶ֖ל13 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל14 of 16
H3605

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

עַ֥ם15 of 16

and to all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָֽרֶץ׃16 of 16

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 9:6 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 9:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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