Lexical Summary teeb: Goodness, good thing Original Word: טְאֵב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be glad (Aramaic) a primitive root; to rejoice -- be glad. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to tob Definition to be good NASB Translation pleased (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs טְאֵב verb be good (ᵑ7 Syriac, see Biblical Hebrew טוֺב); — Pe Perfect3masculine singular ׳ט, with עַל person Daniel 6:24 it was good to him = he was glad (compare בְּאֵשׁ Daniel 6:15). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuanceטְאֵב in Daniel 6:23 serves as an Aramaic superlative of gladness—“overjoyed,” “exceedingly glad.” It expresses a joy that rises from relief and gratitude when God has vindicated His servant. The verse shows the king’s emotional swing from dread to exuberant delight after witnessing divine intervention. Biblical Context Daniel 6 records the conspiracy of jealous officials, the unalterable Medo-Persian injunction, and Daniel’s unwavering devotion to prayer. When God shuts the lions’ mouths, the king’s response captures a rare glimpse of a pagan ruler openly rejoicing in the work of Israel’s God. טְאֵב marks that pivotal moment: “Then the king was overjoyed and commanded that Daniel be lifted out of the den.” (Daniel 6:23) Themes Highlighted by טְאֵב 1. Vindication of the Righteous The king’s exuberance underscores the principle later articulated in Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice.” God’s vindication not only blesses the faithful but also brings joy to observers—even to those who do not yet fully know Him. 2. God-Centered Joy over Political Expediency Persian law demanded Daniel’s death, yet the king’s real happiness arrives when God’s deliverance overrides imperial decree. Joy grounded in divine justice surpasses every human system (cf. Psalm 97:1). 3. Public Witness The king’s reaction magnifies Daniel’s witness. In delivering Daniel, God secures an imperial proclamation of His power (Daniel 6:26–27). The gladness begun with טְאֵב culminates in evangelistic testimony that reaches “all peoples, nations, and languages.” Historical Setting Darius (likely a Medo-Persian title) operated within a legal code considered irrevocable. Royal decrees bound kings themselves, fostering a culture of careful policy. When Daniel survived the lions’ den, it demonstrated a power higher than Medo-Persian edict. The king’s overflowing gladness betrays relief that his unwise decree did not destroy a trusted administrator. Ancient Near Eastern inscriptions portray kings as stoic, yet Scripture records Darius’ profound emotional turn, adding authenticity to the narrative. Comparative Scripture Other Scriptural expressions of intense joy follow divine deliverance: • Exodus 15:1–2 – Israel sings after crossing the sea. These parallels show that whether under Mosaic, monarchic, or New Covenant settings, salvation births overflowing gladness—an enduring biblical motif. Typological and Christological Insight Daniel’s emergence from the sealed den prefigures Christ’s emergence from the sealed tomb. In both events earthly authorities secure a death sentence, God intervenes, and witnesses respond with astonishment and joy. The king’s טְאֵב anticipates the angelic announcement, “I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10) and the disciples’ post-resurrection rejoicing (John 20:20). Ministry Application 1. Cultivating Expectant Joy Believers can pray and labor in confidence that God still vindicates faithfulness. As Daniel’s crisis ended in exuberant praise, so trials faced with steadfast trust can lead to testimonies that encourage entire communities. 2. Leadership and Witness Christian leaders in public spheres may feel constrained by hostile structures, yet Daniel’s story—punctuated by טְאֵב—shows that integrity can move even secular authorities to celebrate God’s work. 3. Evangelistic Opportunity through Deliverance Modern accounts of answered prayer or miraculous preservation echo Daniel 6. Sharing such testimonies extends the contagion of joy, reinforcing the gospel’s power (Acts 16:34). Doctrinal Reflection טְאֵב illustrates that God’s saving acts elicit not mere relief but extravagant gladness. Scripture consistently portrays joy as a proper response to grace (Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:22). Daniel 6:23 affirms that such joy is not confined to God’s covenant people; even unbelievers may share in it when they witness His mighty deeds, paving the way for deeper revelation. Summary The lone occurrence of טְאֵב crystallizes the instant a pagan monarch beholds the triumph of Israel’s God: fear gives way to unrestrained joy. It reinforces key biblical truths—God protects the faithful, His deliverance provokes public rejoicing, and such joy can ripple outward to proclamation and belief. Every modern reader encountering Daniel’s deliverance is invited to participate in the same exuberant gladness that declared, long ago, “no injury was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” Forms and Transliterations טְאֵ֣ב טאב ṭə’êḇ ṭə·’êḇ teEvLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 6:23 HEB: מַלְכָּ֗א שַׂגִּיא֙ טְאֵ֣ב עֲל֔וֹהִי וּלְדָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל NAS: was very pleased and gave orders KJV: exceeding glad for him, INT: the king was very pleased him Daniel |
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