Daniel 6:16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!"

◄ Daniel 6:16 ►

New International Version
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”

New Living Translation
So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.”

English Standard Version
Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”

Berean Standard Bible
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”

King James Bible
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

New King James Version
So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.”

New American Standard Bible
Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and thrown into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “Your God whom you continually serve will Himself rescue you.”

NASB 1995
Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.”

NASB 1977
Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the king said the word, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king answered and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself save you.”

Amplified Bible
Then the king gave a command, and Daniel was brought and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you constantly serve, rescue you Himself!”

Christian Standard Bible
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you continually serve, rescue you! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”

American Standard Version
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

Contemporary English Version
So Darius ordered Daniel to be brought out and thrown into a pit of lions. But he said to Daniel, "You have been faithful to your God, and I pray that he will rescue you."

English Revised Version
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So the king gave the order, and Daniel was brought to him and thrown into the lions' den. The king told Daniel, "May your God, whom you always worship, save you!"

Good News Translation
So the king gave orders for Daniel to be taken and thrown into the pit filled with lions. He said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve so loyally, rescue you."

International Standard Version
At this point, the king ordered Daniel brought in and thrown into the lions' pit. The king spoke to Daniel, "Your God, whom you serve constantly, will deliver you himself."

Majority Standard Bible
So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, ?May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!?

NET Bible
So the king gave the order, and Daniel was brought and thrown into a den of lions. The king consoled Daniel by saying, "Your God whom you continually serve will rescue you!"

New Heart English Bible
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spoke and said to Daniel, "Your God whom you serve continually, he will deliver you."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spoke and said to Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

World English Bible
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you serve continually, he will deliver you.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Then the king has spoken, and they have brought Daniel, and have cast [him] into a den of lions. The king has answered and said to Daniel, “Your God, whom you are serving continually, delivers you Himself.”

Young's Literal Translation
Then the king hath said, and they have brought Daniel, and have cast him into a den of lions. The king hath answered and said to Daniel, 'Thy God, whom thou art serving continually, Himself doth deliver thee.'

Smith's Literal Translation
At that time the king said, and they brought Daniel and cast into the den of the lions; the king answered and said to Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest to him continually, he will set thee free.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of the lions. And the king said to Daniel: Thy God, whom thou always servest, he will deliver thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. And the king said to Daniel, “Your God, whom you always serve, he himself will free you.”

New American Bible
So the king ordered Daniel to be brought and cast into the lions’ den. To Daniel he said, “Your God, whom you serve so constantly, must save you.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then the king gave the command, and Daniel was brought and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you faithfully serve, deliver you!”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. And the king spoke and said to Daniel, Your God whom you serve continually, he will deliver you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Then the King spoke and they brought him Daniel and they threw him into the pit of lions. The King answered and he said to Daniel: “Your God whom you serve constantly, he will deliver you!”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spoke and said unto Daniel: 'Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. But the king said to Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Daniel in the Lions' Den
…15Then the men approached the king together and said to him, “Remember, O king, that by the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or ordinance established by the king can be changed.” 16So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” 17A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that nothing concerning Daniel could be changed.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Daniel 3:17-18
If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

Psalm 37:40
The LORD helps and delivers them; He rescues and saves them from the wicked, because they take refuge in Him.

Hebrews 11:33
who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,

2 Timothy 4:17-18
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. / And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 91:11-13
For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. / They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. / You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.

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

Matthew 27:24
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”

Acts 12:11
Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.

2 Corinthians 1:10
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,

Genesis 22:8
Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two walked on together.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Acts 27:23-24
For just last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me / and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’

1 Samuel 17:37
David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.”

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Treasury of Scripture

Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spoke and said to Daniel, Your God whom you serve continually, he will deliver you.

the king.

2 Samuel 3:39
And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Jeremiah 26:14
As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you.

Thy God.

Daniel 6:20
And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

Daniel 3:15,17,28
Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? …

Job 5:19
He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

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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.

Berean Study Bible

So the king gave the order
This phrase indicates the authority and responsibility of King Darius in the narrative. The king's order reflects the irreversible nature of the Medo-Persian laws, which even the king could not alter once decreed. Historically, this highlights the absolute power of ancient monarchs, yet also their subjection to their own legal systems. The king's reluctant compliance with the law underscores the tension between human authority and divine providence.

and they brought Daniel
Daniel, a faithful servant of God, is brought to face the consequences of his unwavering devotion. The Hebrew root for "brought" (הֵבִיאוּ) suggests a sense of being led or carried, indicating Daniel's passive submission to the will of God. This act of bringing Daniel to the lions' den is a pivotal moment that tests his faith and God's faithfulness.

and threw him into the den of lions
The "den of lions" is a literal pit or cave where lions were kept, used as a form of execution. Archaeological evidence from ancient Near Eastern cultures supports the existence of such practices. The act of throwing Daniel into the den symbolizes the ultimate test of faith, where human power seems to triumph over divine protection. Yet, it sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention.

The king said to Daniel
King Darius's words to Daniel reveal a personal concern and a glimmer of hope. Despite being a pagan king, Darius recognizes the power of Daniel's God. This interaction highlights the influence of Daniel's consistent testimony and the respect he garnered even among foreign rulers.

May your God, whom you serve continually
This phrase acknowledges Daniel's steadfast devotion to God. The word "continually" (תָּדִיר) emphasizes the constancy and faithfulness of Daniel's service. It serves as an inspiration for believers to maintain unwavering faith and commitment to God, regardless of circumstances. Darius's recognition of Daniel's God reflects the impact of a life lived in faithful service.

deliver you!
The plea for deliverance is both a hope and a prayer. The Hebrew root for "deliver" (פָּלַט) conveys the idea of rescue or salvation. This reflects the biblical theme of God's power to save His people from peril. Darius's words, though spoken by a pagan king, echo the faith that God is able to deliver His faithful servants, reinforcing the message of divine sovereignty and protection.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) They brought Daniel.--According to Eastern custom, the sentence was generally executed on the day when it was pronounced. This explains why the king's efforts to commute the sentence were prolonged till sunset (Daniel 6:14). The lions were probably kept here for sporting purposes. The form of the den is unknown, but the etymology suggests a vaulted chamber.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. The Septuagint Version here is not so likely to represent the original text, as there are symptoms of displacement, "Then Darius the king called out and said to Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually three times a day, he will deliver thee out of the power of the lions; till the morning be of good cheer." The opening clause of the next verse in the Septuagint really represents the first clause of the verse before us, "And the king was grieved, and spake to cast Daniel into the den of lions." Theodotion and the Peshitta agree with the Massoretic text. The circumstances cannot fail to remind the reader of Herod with John the Baptist, and the still greater crime wrought by weakness - Pilate and our Lord. Darius had failed to overbear the opposition of the legalists who had determined on Daniel's death; he is obliged, therefore, to give the order that the sentence be executed. In doing so he commends his friend to the God, or the gods, if we take the K'thib instead of the Q'ri. Darius probably knew nothing of Daniel's religious beliefs, and therefore would be prone to imagine that he worshipped several gods, and to them he commends him. The addition of the Septuagint is picturesque, "Be of good cheer until the morning." Moreover, it fits in to what follows, and at the same time it is not of such a nature as that it should suggest itself to the ordinary interpolator.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So
בֵּאדַ֜יִן (bê·ḏa·yin)
Preposition-b | Adverb
Strong's 116: Then, thereupon

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

gave the order,
אֲמַ֗ר (’ă·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 560: To say, tell, command

and they brought
וְהַיְתִיו֙ (wə·hay·ṯîw)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 858: To arrive

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

and threw him
וּרְמ֕וֹ (ū·rə·mōw)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7412: To throw, set, assess

into the den
לְגֻבָּ֖א (lə·ḡub·bā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 1358: A pit, den

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

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

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

said
עָנֵ֤ה (‘ā·nêh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6032: To answer

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

“May your God,
אֱלָהָ֗ךְ (’ĕ·lā·hāḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 426: God

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

you
אַ֤נְתְּ (’ant)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 607: You

serve continually,
פָּֽלַֽח־ (pā·laḥ-)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6399: To pay reverence to, serve

deliver you!”
יְשֵׁיזְבִנָּֽךְ׃ (yə·šê·zə·ḇin·nāḵ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7804: To leave, free

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OT Prophets: Daniel 6:16 Then the king commanded and they brought (Dan. Da Dn)