Daniel 2:15 "Why is the decree from the king so harsh?" he asked. At this time Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.

◄ Daniel 2:15 ►

New International Version
He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel.

New Living Translation
He asked Arioch, “Why has the king issued such a harsh decree?” So Arioch told him all that had happened.

English Standard Version
He declared to Arioch, the king’s captain, “Why is the decree of the king so urgent?” Then Arioch made the matter known to Daniel.

Berean Standard Bible
“Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” he asked. Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.

King James Bible
He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

New King James Version
he answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, “Why is the decree from the king so urgent?” Then Arioch made the decision known to Daniel.

New American Standard Bible
he said to Arioch, the king’s officer, “For what reason is the decree from the king so harsh?” Then Arioch informed Daniel of the matter.

NASB 1995
he said to Arioch, the king’s commander, “For what reason is the decree from the king so urgent?” Then Arioch informed Daniel about the matter.

NASB 1977
he answered and said to Arioch, the king’s commander, “For what reason is the decree from the king so urgent?” Then Arioch informed Daniel about the matter.

Legacy Standard Bible
he answered and said to Arioch, a powerful official for the king, “For what reason is the law from the king so urgent?” Then Arioch made the matter known to Daniel.

Amplified Bible
he said to Arioch, the king’s captain, “Why is the decree from the king so harsh and urgent?” Then Arioch explained the matter to Daniel.

Christian Standard Bible
He asked Arioch, the king’s officer, “Why is the decree from the king so harsh? ” Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He asked Arioch, the king’s officer, “Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.

American Standard Version
he answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Wherefore is the decree so urgent from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

Contemporary English Version
and asked, "Why did the king give such cruel orders?" After Arioch explained what had happened,

English Revised Version
he answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Wherefore is the decree so urgent from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He asked Arioch, the royal official, "Why is the king's decree so harsh?" So Arioch explained everything to Daniel.

Good News Translation
he asked Arioch why the king had issued such a harsh order. So Arioch told Daniel what had happened.

International Standard Version
He asked him, "Why such a harsh decree from the king?" Then Arioch informed Daniel,

Majority Standard Bible
?Why is the decree from the king so harsh?? he asked. Then Arioch explained the situation to Daniel.

NET Bible
He inquired of Arioch the king's deputy, "Why is the decree from the king so urgent?" Then Arioch informed Daniel about the matter.

New Heart English Bible
he answered Arioch the king's captain, "Why is the decree so urgent from the king?" Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

Webster's Bible Translation
He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

World English Bible
He answered Arioch the king’s captain, “Why is the decree so urgent from the king?” Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
He has answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, “Why [is] the sentence so urgent from before the king?” Then Arioch has made the thing known to Daniel,

Young's Literal Translation
He hath answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, 'Wherefore is the sentence so urgent from before the king?' Then Arioch hath made the thing known to Daniel,

Smith's Literal Translation
He answered and said to Arioch the king's ruler, For what the severe edict from before the king? Then Arioch made known the word to Daniel.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he asked him that had received the orders of the king, why so cruel a sentence was gone forth from the face of the king. And when Arioch had told the matter to Daniel,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he asked him, who had received the orders of the king, for what reason such a cruel sentence had gone forth from the face of the king. And so, when Arioch had revealed the matter to Daniel,

New American Bible
He asked Arioch, the officer of the king, “What is the reason for this harsh order from the king?” When Arioch told him,

New Revised Standard Version
he asked Arioch, the royal official, “Why is the decree of the king so urgent?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Why is this decree from the king so urgent? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“Why is this commandment from before the King so urgent?” And Ariuk revealed the matter to Daniel

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
he answered and said to Arioch the king's captain: 'Wherefore is the decree so peremptory from the king?' Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Chief magistrate of the king, wherefore has the preemptory command proceeded from the king? So Arioch made known the matter to Daniel.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Dream Revealed to Daniel
14When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon, Daniel replied with discretion and tact. 15“Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” he asked. At this time Arioch explained the situation to Daniel. 16So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him some time, so that he could give him the interpretation.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 41:16
“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”

Esther 4:5
Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs appointed to her, and she dispatched him to Mordecai to learn what was troubling him and why.

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Acts 23:17-18
Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” / So the centurion took him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner sent and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”

Nehemiah 2:4
“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven

1 Kings 3:9
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

Acts 22:25-26
But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?” / On hearing this, the centurion went and reported it to the commander. “What are you going to do?” he said. “This man is a Roman citizen.”

Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.

Matthew 10:19-20
But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Luke 21:14-15
So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves. / For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Acts 4:19
But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.

2 Kings 6:17
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Acts 7:10
and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Treasury of Scripture

He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

made.

Daniel 2:9
But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.

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Account Arioch Ar'i-Och Captain Commander Cruel Daniel Decree Hasty Informed Issue King's Matter Officer Order Peremptory Reason Rigorous Sentence Severe Urgent Wherefore

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Account Arioch Ar'i-Och Captain Commander Cruel Daniel Decree Hasty Informed Issue King's Matter Officer Order Peremptory Reason Rigorous Sentence Severe Urgent Wherefore

Daniel 2

1. Nebuchadnezzar, forgetting his dream,
5. requires it of the Chaldeans, by promises and threats.
10. They acknowledging their inability are judged to die.
14. Daniel obtaining some respite finds the dream.
19. He blesses God.
24. He staying the decree is brought to the king.
31. The dream.
36. The interpretation.
46. Daniel's advancement.

Berean Study Bible

He asked Arioch
The phrase "He asked Arioch" introduces us to Daniel's interaction with Arioch, the commander of the king's guard. The name "Arioch" is of Babylonian origin, meaning "servant of the moon god," which reflects the polytheistic culture of Babylon. Daniel's approach to Arioch demonstrates his wisdom and tact. In a time of crisis, Daniel chooses to engage in dialogue rather than react impulsively. This highlights the importance of seeking understanding and clarity in difficult situations, a principle that resonates with the biblical call to be "quick to listen, slow to speak" (James 1:19).

the commander of the king’s guard
This phrase identifies Arioch's role as a high-ranking official responsible for the king's security. The "king's guard" would have been an elite group tasked with protecting the king and executing his orders. Historically, such positions were held by trusted individuals, often of noble or military background. Daniel's interaction with Arioch, a man of authority, underscores his courage and faith. Despite the potential danger, Daniel approaches Arioch with confidence, trusting in God's providence and guidance.

'Why is the decree from the king so harsh?'
Daniel's question, "Why is the decree from the king so harsh?" reveals his concern and desire to understand the situation fully. The word "harsh" indicates the severity and urgency of the king's command, which was to execute all the wise men of Babylon due to their inability to interpret the king's dream. This decree reflects the absolute power of ancient Near Eastern monarchs, whose decisions could mean life or death. Daniel's inquiry shows his wisdom in seeking to comprehend the root of the problem before taking action, a reminder of the biblical principle to "get wisdom, get understanding" (Proverbs 4:5).

Then Arioch explained the matter to Daniel
The phrase "Then Arioch explained the matter to Daniel" signifies a turning point in the narrative. Arioch's willingness to explain the situation to Daniel suggests a level of respect or recognition of Daniel's character and reputation. This moment of communication opens the door for Daniel to later seek an audience with the king, demonstrating the power of respectful dialogue and the importance of building relationships even with those in authority. It also sets the stage for God's intervention through Daniel, highlighting the theme of divine sovereignty and the belief that God places His people in strategic positions for His purposes.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(15) So hasty.--Literally, why is this severe decree of the king? By this question Daniel wished Arioch to understand that after all the matter was not impossible, as the wise men had stated it to be.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 15. - He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. The opening clause in this verse is doubtful. In the Septuagint the verse is rendered, "And he asked him saying, Ruler, why is it decreed so bitterly by the king? And he showed him the warrant." Theodotion is yet briefer, "Ruler of the king, why has so harsh a sentence come forth from the king? And he declared (ἐγνώρισε) to him his orders." But briefest of all is the Peshitta. It begins at once without any address, "Why is this harsh decree from the king? And Arioch showed the matter (miltha) to Daniel." As a rule, the shorter a reading is the better it is. Therefore we are inclined to prefer the Peshitta rendering. "Answered and said" is a formula that might easily be stuck in where anything of the kind seemed needed. Here it is not suitable, as Daniel is already said to have "answered Arioch with counsel and prudence." The addition of the Septuagint is more reasonable, "He asked him saying, Ruler." Theodotion feels some title is necessary, so he calls Arioch "ruler of the king." It appears to us that the brief Peshitta represents the best text. Hasty repesents to some extent, though not fully, the clement of blame implied in the word mehahetzpah in greater degree than our English word would indicate. It means" rough," "raging," "shameless;" it might be too strong to say that "scandalous" represents Daniel's meaning. Some commentators cannot imagine a man thus criticizing a royal decree to one of the court officials. Much, however, is permitted to a man speaking about a decree which has condemned him to death without his having an opportunity to defend himself It is possible that he might be able to use all the more freedom by seeing that Arioch had no favour for the business to which he was ordered. The Greek versions represent that Arioch showed the warrant, the king's order for the execution. As that would not be considered an answer to Daniel's question, on the one hand, so on the other, it would not be an occasion for the step Daniel immediately thereafter took. We think, on the whole, that the Massoretic reading amended here by the Peshitta is the better. As leader of the royal bodyguard, the place of Arioch would be beside Nebuchadnezzar, even in the council-chamber. He would thus be quite cognizant of everything that took place the demands of the king, the arguments of the wise men. All this scene he could portray for the information of Daniel. The mere exhibition of a warrant would tell nothing more than the fact that the action of Arioch was in obedience to orders.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

“Why
עַל־ (‘al-)
Interrogative
Strong's 5922: Above, over, upon, against

is the decree
דָתָ֛א (ḏā·ṯā)
Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 1882: A royal edict, statute

from
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than

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

so harsh?”
מְהַחְצְפָ֖ה (mə·haḥ·ṣə·p̄āh)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 2685: To shear, cut close, to be severe

he asked.
עָנֵ֣ה (‘ā·nêh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6032: To answer

At this time
אֱדַ֣יִן (’ĕ·ḏa·yin)
Adverb
Strong's 116: Then, thereupon

Arioch
אַרְי֖וֹךְ (’ar·yō·wḵ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 746: Arioch -- king of Ellasar

explained
הוֹדַ֥ע (hō·w·ḏa‘)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3046: To know

the situation
מִלְּתָ֔א (mil·lə·ṯā)
Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 4406: A word, command, discourse, subject

to Daniel.
לְדָנִיֵּֽאל׃ (lə·ḏā·nî·yêl)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1841: Daniel -- 'God is my judge', an Israelite leader in Babylon

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OT Prophets: Daniel 2:15 He answered Arioch the king's captain Why (Dan. Da Dn)