Daniel 6:7
New International Version
The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.

New Living Translation
We are all in agreement—we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors—that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions.

English Standard Version
All the high officials of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.

Berean Standard Bible
All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions.

King James Bible
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellers, 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.

New King James Version
All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.

New American Standard Bible
All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors, have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who offers a prayer to any god or person besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.

NASB 1995
“All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den.

NASB 1977
“All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den.

Legacy Standard Bible
All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have counseled together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who seeks to make a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den.

Amplified Bible
All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors have consulted and agreed together that the king should establish a royal statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who petitions (prays to) any god or man besides you, O king, during the next thirty days, shall be thrown into the den of lions.

Christian Standard Bible
All the administrators of the kingdom —the prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors—have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an edict that, for thirty days, anyone who petitions any god or man except you, the king, will be thrown into the lions’ den.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
All the administrators of the kingdom, the prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an edict that for 30 days, anyone who petitions any god or man except you, the king, will be thrown into the lions’ den.

American Standard Version
All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counsellors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong interdict, 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.

Contemporary English Version
All of your officials, leaders, advisors, and governors agree that you should make a law forbidding anyone to pray to any god or human except you for the next 30 days. Everyone who disobeys this law must be thrown into a pit of lions.

English Revised Version
All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counsellors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong interdict, 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All the officials, governors, satraps, advisers, and mayors agree that the king should make a statute and enforce a decree. The decree should state that for the next 30 days whoever asks for anything from any god or person except you, Your Majesty, will be thrown into a lions' den.

Good News Translation
All of us who administer your empire--the supervisors, the governors, the lieutenant governors, and the other officials--have agreed that Your Majesty should issue an order and enforce it strictly. Give orders that for thirty days no one be permitted to request anything from any god or from any human being except from Your Majesty. Anyone who violates this order is to be thrown into a pit filled with lions.

International Standard Version
All of the royal administrators, prefects, regional authorities, scribes, and governors have concluded that the king should establish and enforce an edict that anyone who prays to any god or man for the next 30 days (except to you, your majesty) is to be thrown into the lions' pit.

Majority Standard Bible
All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions.

NET Bible
To all the supervisors of the kingdom, the prefects, satraps, counselors, and governors it seemed like a good idea for a royal edict to be issued and an interdict to be enforced. For the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human other than you, O king, should be thrown into a den of lions.

New Heart English Bible
All the administrators of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counselors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong decree, that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.

Webster's Bible Translation
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counselors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whoever 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.

World English Bible
All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the local governors, the counselors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a strong decree, that whoever asks a petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Taken counsel have all the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects, and the satraps, the counselors, and the governors, to establish a royal statute, and to strengthen an interdict, that any who seeks a petition from any god and man until thirty days, except of you, O king, is cast into a den of lions.

Young's Literal Translation
Taken counsel have all the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects, and the satraps, the counsellors, and the governors, to establish a royal statute, and to strengthen an interdict, that any who seeketh a petition from any god and man until thirty days, save of thee, O king, is cast into a den of lions.

Smith's Literal Translation
All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and satraps, and counselors and governors, will counsel together to set up a statute of the kingdom, and to make strong an interdict that whoever shall seek a request from any God and man even to thirty days, except from thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
All the princes of the kingdom, the magistrates, and governors, the senators, and judges have consulted together, that an imperial decree, and an edict be published: That whosoever shall ask any petition of any god, or man, for thirty days, but of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.

Catholic Public Domain Version
All the leaders of your kingdom, the magistrates and governors, the senators and judges, have taken counsel that an imperial decree and edict should be published, so that all who ask any petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of you, O king, will be cast into the den of lions.

New American Bible
All the ministers of the kingdom, the prefects, satraps, counselors, and governors agree that the following prohibition ought to be put in force by royal decree: for thirty days, whoever makes a petition to anyone, divine or human, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions.

New Revised Standard Version
All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an interdict, that whoever prays to anyone, divine or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
All the governors of the kingdom, the princes, the generals, and the lords 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, except of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
All the Rulers of the kingdom and the Princes and the Generals of the Armies and the Lords have taken counsel to establish a covenant for the King and fasten the bonds of every man who will make a request of any god or man during thirty days, except only from you, oh, King, he will be thrown into a pit of lions
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the ministers and the governors, have consulted together that the king should establish a statute, and make a strong interdict, 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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
All who preside over thy kingdom, captains and satraps, chiefs and local governors, have taken counsel together, to establish by a royal statue and to confirm a decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plot Against Daniel
6So the administrators and satraps went together to the king and said, “O King Darius, may you live forever! 7All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. 8Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”…

Cross References
Esther 3:8-9
Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. / If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.”

Psalm 2:2
The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:

Acts 4:26-27
The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ / In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed.

Matthew 27:1
When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death.

Mark 15:1
Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate.

Luke 23:1-2
Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate. / And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”

John 11:47-53
Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” / But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ...

Acts 5:27-28
They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. / “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.”

Acts 6:11-14
Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” / So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, / where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. ...

Acts 24:5-6
We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, / and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Revelation 12:10
And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God.

2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Psalm 31:13
For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.

Psalm 56:5-6
All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise. / They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.


Treasury of Scripture

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 whoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.

All.

Daniel 6:2,3
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…

Daniel 3:2,27
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellers, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up…

have consulted.

Psalm 2:2
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

Psalm 59:3
For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.

Psalm 62:4
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

decree.

Daniel 3:6,11
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace…

Psalm 10:9
He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.

Nahum 2:12
The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his holes with prey, and his dens with ravin.

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Daniel 6
1. Daniel is made chief of the presidents.
4. They, conspiring against him, obtain an idolatrous decree.
10. Daniel, accused of the breach thereof, is cast into the lion's den.
18. Daniel is saved;
24. his adversaries devoured;
25. and God magnified by a decree.














All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors
This phrase highlights the extensive and hierarchical nature of the Persian administration. The term "satraps" refers to provincial governors in the ancient Persian Empire, a system established by Darius the Great. The inclusion of various officials indicates a unified front among the leadership, suggesting a well-orchestrated plan. Historically, this reflects the bureaucratic complexity of the empire, which was known for its administrative efficiency. The unity among these officials also underscores the gravity of the conspiracy against Daniel, as it involved the highest levels of government.

have agreed
The phrase "have agreed" implies a consensus or collusion among the officials. In the Hebrew text, the word used can suggest a secretive or deceitful agreement, indicating that the officials were conspiring with ulterior motives. This agreement was not just a casual decision but a calculated plot to entrap Daniel, who was known for his unwavering faithfulness to God. Theologically, this reflects the spiritual warfare that believers often face, where opposition can arise from those in positions of power.

that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree
The terms "ordinance" and "decree" refer to legal enactments that were binding and irrevocable under the law of the Medes and Persians. This reflects the historical context where royal decrees were considered unchangeable, emphasizing the seriousness of the plot against Daniel. Theologically, this highlights the contrast between human laws and God's sovereign will, as God's plans ultimately prevail despite human schemes.

that for thirty days
The specification of "thirty days" indicates a temporary but significant period designed to trap Daniel. The choice of a limited timeframe suggests that the conspirators were confident that Daniel's faithfulness would lead to his downfall within this period. This reflects the historical context of testing loyalty to the king, a common practice in ancient empires to ensure allegiance. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the trials believers may face, which are often temporary but require steadfast faith.

anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king
This phrase reveals the exclusivity and idolatry inherent in the decree. By elevating the king to a divine status, the officials were appealing to his pride and desire for absolute loyalty. Historically, rulers in ancient times were often deified, and this decree reflects such practices. Theologically, this challenges the first commandment, as it places a human authority above God. It serves as a warning against idolatry and the temptation to compromise one's faith for political or social gain.

will be thrown into the den of lions
The "den of lions" was a method of execution that symbolized ultimate judgment and punishment. Archaeologically, lion pits have been discovered in ancient Near Eastern sites, confirming the historical practice of using lions for executions. This phrase underscores the severity of the decree and the peril Daniel faced. Spiritually, it represents the trials and persecutions believers may endure for their faith. However, it also foreshadows God's deliverance, as seen later in the chapter, reminding believers of God's power to save and protect those who remain faithful to Him.

(7) All the presidents.--Observe the order in which the State officers are mentioned--civil rulers, legal advisers, military governors--and comp. Note on Daniel 3:2. The spokesman represents all these officers to have come to a fixed determination after due deliberation. This was false, as it is plain from Daniel 6:24 that all were not involved in the conspiracy. The object of the decree was political, as well as hostile towards Daniel. By consenting to the plan proposed, Darius would acknowledge the Babylonian system of theology, according to which the king was "the living manifestation of all the gods," while, at the same time, his subjects would have an opportunity of doing him religious homage. Probably this prevented the king from perceiving any plot against Daniel. We see from this history the antiquity of espionage in political matters.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
All
כֹּ֣ל ׀ (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every

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

administrators,
סָרְכֵ֣י (sā·rə·ḵê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5632: Chief, overseer

prefects,
סִגְנַיָּ֤א (siḡ·nay·yā)
Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 5460: A prefect of a, province

satraps,
וַֽאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּא֙ (wa·’ă·ḥaš·dar·pə·nay·yā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 324: A satrap, governor, of a, main province

advisers,
הַדָּֽבְרַיָּ֣א (had·dā·ḇə·ray·yā)
Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 1907: Counselor, minister

and governors
וּפַחֲוָתָ֔א (ū·p̄a·ḥă·wā·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 6347: A governor

have agreed
אִתְיָעַ֜טוּ (’iṯ·yā·‘a·ṭū)
Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3272: To counsel, to consult

that the king
מַלְכָּ֔א (mal·kā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430: A king

should establish
לְקַיָּמָ֤ה (lə·qay·yā·māh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6966: To arise, stand

an ordinance
קְיָם֙ (qə·yām)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7010: A statute

and enforce
וּלְתַקָּפָ֖ה (ū·lə·ṯaq·qā·p̄āh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8631: To become, mighty, obstinate

a decree
אֱסָ֑ר (’ĕ·sār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 633: An interdict

that
דִּ֣י (dî)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

for
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5705: Even to, until

thirty
תְּלָתִ֗ין (tə·lā·ṯîn)
Number - common plural
Strong's 8533: Ten times three

days
יוֹמִ֣ין (yō·w·mîn)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3118: A day

anyone
כָל־ (ḵāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every

who
דִּֽי־ (dî-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

petitions
יִבְעֵ֣ה (yiḇ·‘êh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1156: To seek, ask

any
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every

god
אֱלָ֨הּ (’ĕ·lāh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 426: God

or man
וֶֽאֱנָ֜שׁ (we·’ĕ·nāš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 606: Man, mankind

except you,
לָהֵן֙ (lā·hên)
Conjunction
Strong's 3861: Therefore, except

O king,
מַלְכָּ֔א (mal·kā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430: A king

will be thrown
יִתְרְמֵ֕א (yiṯ·rə·mê)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7412: To throw, set, assess

into the den
לְגֹ֖ב (lə·ḡōḇ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1358: A pit, den

of lions.
אַרְיָוָתָֽא׃ (’ar·yā·wā·ṯā)
Noun - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 744: A lion


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OT Prophets: Daniel 6:7 All the presidents of the kingdom (Dan. Da Dn)
Daniel 6:6
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