Daniel 5:31
New International Version
and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.

New Living Translation
And Darius the Mede took over the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.

English Standard Version
And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

Berean Standard Bible
and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.

King James Bible
And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.

New King James Version
And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

New American Standard Bible
So Darius the Mede received the kingdom at about the age of sixty-two.

NASB 1995
So Darius the Mede received the kingdom at about the age of sixty-two.

NASB 1977
So Darius the Mede received the kingdom at about the age of sixty-two.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Darius the Mede received the kingdom at about the age of sixty-two.

Amplified Bible
So Darius the Mede received the kingdom; he was about the age of sixty-two.

Christian Standard Bible
and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of 62.

American Standard Version
And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.

Contemporary English Version
Then Darius the Mede, who was 62 years old, took over his kingdom.

English Revised Version
And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Darius the Mede took over the kingdom. He was 62 years old.

Good News Translation
and Darius the Mede, who was then sixty-two years old, seized the royal power.

International Standard Version
and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom at the age of 62.

Majority Standard Bible
and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.

NET Bible
So Darius the Mede took control of the kingdom when he was about sixty-two years old.

New Heart English Bible
Darayavush the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about sixty and two years old.

World English Bible
Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Darius the Mede has received the kingdom when a son of sixty-two years.

Young's Literal Translation
and Darius the Mede hath received the kingdom, when a son of sixty and two years.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Darius the Median received the kingdom, as the son of two and sixty years.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Darius the Mede succeeded to the kingdom, being threescore and two years old.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Darius the Mede succeeded to the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two years.

New American Bible
And Darius the Mede succeeded to the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.

New Revised Standard Version
And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Darius the Mede took the kingdom, as a son of sixty and two years
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Darius the Mede succeeded to the kingdom, being sixty-two years old.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Daniel Interprets the Handwriting
30That very night Belshazzar king of the Chaldeans was slain, 31and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.

Cross References
Daniel 6:1-2
Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, / and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss.

Isaiah 13:17-19
Behold, I will stir up against them the Medes, who have no regard for silver and no desire for gold. / Their bows will dash young men to pieces; they will have no mercy on the fruit of the womb; they will not look with pity on the children. / And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jeremiah 51:11
Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD—vengeance for His temple.

Jeremiah 51:28-29
Prepare the nations for battle against her—the kings of the Medes, their governors and all their officials, and all the lands they rule. / The earth quakes and writhes because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant.

2 Kings 24:1-2
During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded. So Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years, until he turned and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. / And the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim in order to destroy Judah, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servants the prophets.

2 Kings 25:27-30
On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Judah’s King Jehoiachin, in the year Evil-merodach became king of Babylon, he released King Jehoiachin of Judah from prison. / And he spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. / So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. ...

2 Chronicles 36:20-23
Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. / So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah. / In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: ...

Ezra 1:1-2
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah.

Isaiah 45:1-3
This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: / “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. / I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.

Jeremiah 50:41-43
Behold, an army is coming from the north; a great nation and many kings are stirred up from the ends of the earth. / They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Babylon. / The king of Babylon has heard the report, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor.

Jeremiah 50:9
For behold, I stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the land of the north. They will line up against her; from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed.

Habakkuk 1:6-11
For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans—that ruthless and impetuous nation which marches through the breadth of the earth to seize dwellings not their own. / They are dreaded and feared; from themselves they derive justice and sovereignty. / Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. ...

Revelation 17:5
And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Revelation 18:2
And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast.

Revelation 18:10
In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about three score and two years old.

Darius.

Daniel 6:1
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

Daniel 9:1
In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;

being.

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Age Darius Kingdom Mede Median Received Sixty Sixty-Two Threescore
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Age Darius Kingdom Mede Median Received Sixty Sixty-Two Threescore
Daniel 5
1. Belshazzar's impious feast.
5. A hand-writing unknown to the magicians, troubles the king.
10. At the commendation of the queen Daniel is brought.
17. He, reproving the king of pride and idolatry,
25. reads and interprets the writing.
30. The monarchy is translated to the Medes














and Darius the Mede
The identity of "Darius the Mede" has been a subject of much scholarly debate. In the historical context, Darius is often associated with the Medo-Persian Empire, which succeeded the Babylonian Empire. The Medes were an ancient Iranian people who, along with the Persians, formed a significant part of the empire that conquered Babylon. Some scholars suggest that Darius the Mede could be another name for Gubaru, a governor under Cyrus the Great, or possibly an honorific title for Cyrus himself. From a conservative Christian perspective, Darius the Mede is seen as a historical figure used by God to fulfill His divine plan, as prophesied in the book of Daniel. This transition of power signifies God's sovereignty over the nations and His ability to raise leaders according to His purpose.

received the kingdom
The phrase "received the kingdom" indicates a transfer of power and authority. In the context of Daniel 5, this transfer was divinely orchestrated as a judgment against the pride and idolatry of Belshazzar, the last king of Babylon. The Hebrew root for "received" (קבל - qabal) implies acceptance or taking possession, suggesting that Darius did not seize the kingdom by force but was granted authority, possibly by divine appointment. This highlights the biblical theme that all authority is ultimately given by God, as seen in Romans 13:1, where it states that "there is no authority except that which God has established."

being about sixty-two years old
The mention of Darius's age, "sixty-two years old," provides a historical anchor, suggesting maturity and experience in leadership. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, age was often associated with wisdom and the ability to govern effectively. This detail underscores the notion that God appoints leaders who are equipped for their roles, regardless of their background or nationality. The specificity of age also serves to authenticate the historical narrative, providing a tangible connection to the events described. From a theological perspective, it reminds believers that God’s timing is perfect, and He prepares His chosen instruments for their appointed tasks, as seen throughout the biblical narrative.

(31) Darius the Median.--Note the LXX. variation: "And Artaxerxes of the Medes took the kingdom, and Darius, full of days and glorious in old age." (See Excursus D.)

Took--i.e., received it from the hands of a conqueror. (Comp. Daniel 9:1, where Darius is said to have been "made king over the realm of the Chaldeans.")

EXCURSUS D: DARIUS THE MEDE (Daniel 5:31).

It appears from the account given by Daniel that Darius the Mede was the sovereign appointed to rule over Babylonia after the death of Belshazzar. Cyrus, after the capture of Babylon, appointed a man named Gubaru (Gobryas) as his governor at Babylon. Can he and Darius the Mede be the same person? It is impossible to identify Darius with any personage mentioned in profane history, and hitherto no traces of any such name have been found in Babylonian inscriptions belonging to this period. Till time or circumstances shall give further information, we must maintain that a book like Daniel's, which is correct on many minor points, cannot fail to be accurate upon the subject of Darius.

Difficulties were experienced at a very early time in reference to this subject. The LXX., assuming that Ahasuerus (Daniel 9:1) was Xerxes, identified him with Artaxerxes. The opinion of Josephus is that Darius (Antt. x. 11, ? 4) and his kinsman Cyrus destroyed the supremacy of Babylon; and at the fall of the capital, this Darius, son of Astyages, took Daniel with him to Media, and placed him in an exalted situation. St. Jerome agrees to this relationship between Cyrus and Darius. St. Ephraim is silent; but Theodoret goes further, and identifies Darius with Cyaxares, son of Astyages. In modern times the identity of Darius with Cyaxares II. has been strongly maintained, though without paying sufficient attention to the very slight evidence in favour of the existence of the latter. The identification of Darius with Astyages has an obvious refutation, for in B.C. 536 Astyages would have exceeded the age ascribed to Darius by Daniel (Daniel 5:31).

It is evident from history that Cyrus was the immediate conqueror of Babylon, and that no Median Empire came between the Babylonian and the Persian Empires. It is also clear that Daniel regards Darius as one who "received the kingdom" (Daniel 5:31), and who "was made king" (Daniel 9:1). If the word Darius means "a maintainor," all that is mentioned in this chapter amounts to no more than the statement that a Median governor took the kingdom." How. ever, the use of the word (Daniel 9:1) requires the name of a person rather than an office. . . .

Verse 31. - And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about three score and two years old. It is probable that the Massoretic division of the chapters here is to be preferred. According to it, this verse is assigned to the begining of the next chapter, but most of the more ancient versions, Theodotion, the Peshitta, and the Vulgate, agree with our English arrangement. The Septuagint, like the Massoretic text, assigns this verse to the sixth chapter. Its rendering manifests several striking peculiarities, "And Artaxerxes of the Medes received (παρέλαβε) the kingdom, and Darius was full of days, and reverend (ἔνδοξος) in old age." This is the product of doublets ארְטַחְשַׁשְׁתְ, Artaxerxes, being suggested by some scribe as in his opinion a more probable name than Darius. So the one name begins the first clause, and the other the second. The last clause is evidently due to כְּבַר (kebar), "about" ("as the son of"), being read כַבֵר (kaber), "great," "multiplied" - a meaning this word has in Syriac, but not in Chahlee (Genesis 35:11). Theodotion and the Peshitta agree with the Massoretic text. The uncertainty as to the name has to be noted. We shall reserve for fuller discussion the question of Darius the Mede, only we would say that the name not improbably was modified from a less-known name to one somewhat like it but well known. We know that "Go-baru," or "Oybaru" - "Gobryas," in Greek - was appointed governor by Cyrus when he conquered Babylon, and that, in the script of the Sindschirli monuments, Gobryas, or . is not unlike Darius. One point to be noted is the fact that the verb used is wrongly translated "took." really means "received." When this is said, we naturally expect some one, either God or man, from whom he has received this honour. If this purported to be a history of Babylonia, then it might be reasoned that the implied source from whom the kingdom was received was God; in such a case קבל would be used of one who succeeded to the kingdom by inheritance; this cannot be the meaning here. In this passage it is merely incidentally mentioned in order to explain the events that immediately follow. The more natural interpretation is that he was put on the throne by another person, his superior. The instance quoted by Professor Bevan, in which this verb is used of the accession of Julian the Apostate, tells really against his contention. Julian expected to have to conquer the empire: but, by the death of his cousin, he received it as an inheritance. Nothing could be more unlike what occurred in Babylon, according to his theory of what the author of Daniel meant. He maintains that the author of Daniel thought Darius conquered Babylon, and so ascended the throne. The example he brings does not show that קבל could be used in that sense.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and Darius
וְדָרְיָ֙וֶשׁ֙ (wə·ḏā·rə·yā·weš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1868: Darius -- two person kings

the Mede
מָֽדָיָ֔א‪‬‪‬ (mā·ḏā·yā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

received
קַבֵּ֖ל (qab·bêl)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6902: To acquire

the kingdom
מַלְכוּתָ֑א (mal·ḵū·ṯā)
Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 4437: Royalty, reign, kingdom

at the age
כְּבַ֥ר (kə·ḇar)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1247: A son, grandson

of sixty-two.
שִׁתִּ֥ין (šit·tîn)
Number - common plural
Strong's 8361: Sixty


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OT Prophets: Daniel 5:31 Darius the Mede received the kingdom being (Dan. Da Dn)
Daniel 5:30
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