Lexical Summary berak: Blessing, Benediction Original Word: בֶּרֶךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance knee (Aramaic) corresponding to berek -- knee. see HEBREW berek NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to berek Definition the knee NASB Translation knees (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [בְּרַךְ] noun [feminine] knee; — plural suffix בִּרְכ֫וֺהִי Daniel 6:11. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Context The sole appearance of בֶּרֶךְ in the Old Testament (Daniel 6:10) portrays Daniel “getting down on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, just as he had done before” (Berean Standard Bible). The scene unfolds after the Medo-Persian decree prohibiting petitions to any deity except the king. Daniel’s choice of posture—kneeling—visibly proclaims allegiance to the LORD above imperial authority and is integral to the narrative that leads to his deliverance from the lions’ den. Posture of Kneeling in Scripture Though Scripture presents varied bodily positions in prayer and worship (standing, prostration, sitting), kneeling consistently expresses humility, submission, and earnest supplication: Daniel’s use of בֶּרֶךְ thus aligns him with a biblical heritage of worshippers who physically bow to confess God’s majesty. Theological Significance 1. Lordship. Kneeling acknowledges that ultimate sovereignty belongs to God, not to earthly rulers (Daniel 6:10 vs. 6–9). Historical Insights from the Exile The Persian court tolerated diverse religions yet demanded political supremacy. Daniel’s kneeling becomes an act of civil disobedience grounded in the First Commandment, showing how exiles could honor governmental structures (Daniel 6:1–2) while refusing idolatrous loyalty. His rescue vindicates faith and foreshadows later deliverances recorded in Jewish and Christian history when believers chose worship of God over compliance with ungodly edicts. Practical Application for Ministry Today • Corporate Worship: Encouraging physical expressions such as kneeling can deepen congregational awareness of God’s holiness. Foreshadowing Christ and Eschatological Fulfillment Daniel’s bowed knees anticipate the climactic confession foretold by Isaiah 45:23 and fulfilled in Messiah: “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow” (Philippians 2:10). His account therefore links Old Covenant fidelity with New Covenant consummation, assuring the church that voluntary kneeling now points toward universal recognition of Christ’s reign. Related Passages Isaiah 45:23; 1 Kings 8:54; Ezra 9:5; Psalm 95:6; Luke 22:41; Acts 7:60; Romans 14:11; Ephesians 3:14; Philippians 2:10. Summary בֶּרֶךְ in Daniel 6:10 encapsulates more than a bodily joint; it signifies the believer’s entire posture before God—humble, resolute, and publicly loyal. Daniel’s knees bent in prayer stand as a timeless call for the people of God to honor Him above all earthly powers, confident that their vindication ultimately rests in His sovereign hands. Forms and Transliterations בִּרְכ֗וֹהִי ברכוהי bir·ḵō·w·hî birChohi birḵōwhîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 6:10 HEB: בָּרֵ֣ךְ עַל־ בִּרְכ֗וֹהִי וּמְצַלֵּ֤א וּמוֹדֵא֙ NAS: and he continued kneeling on his knees three KJV: he kneeled upon his knees three times INT: kneeled upon his knees praying and giving 1 Occurrence |
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