Daniel Chapter 6 · Verse 3
Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
Original Language Analysis
הֲוָ֣א
was
H1934
הֲוָ֣א
was
Strong's:
H1934
Word #:
4 of 20
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
עַל
above
H5922
עַל
above
Strong's:
H5922
Word #:
6 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֑א
and princes
H324
וַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֑א
and princes
Strong's:
H324
Word #:
8 of 20
a satrap or governor of a main province (of persia)
כָּל
because
H3606
כָּל
because
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
קֳבֵ֗ל
H6903
קֳבֵ֗ל
Strong's:
H6903
Word #:
10 of 20
(adverbially) in front of; usually (with other particles) on account of, so as, since, hence
דִּ֣י
H1768
דִּ֣י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
11 of 20
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
לַהֲקָמוּתֵ֖הּ
to set
H6966
לַהֲקָמוּתֵ֖הּ
to set
Strong's:
H6966
Word #:
17 of 20
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
עַל
above
H5922
עַל
above
Strong's:
H5922
Word #:
18 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Daniel 5:14I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.Proverbs 22:29Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.Daniel 5:12Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.Esther 10:3For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.Daniel 9:23At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.Proverbs 17:27He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.Ecclesiastes 2:13Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.Nehemiah 7:2That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
Historical Context
Daniel, now elderly (likely 80+), had served three empires: Babylonian (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar), Median (Darius), and would serve into Persian (Cyrus). His survival through multiple regime changes while maintaining high position demonstrates exceptional wisdom and competence. Ancient Near Eastern regime changes typically executed previous officials to prevent rebellion. Daniel's retention and promotion under Darius shows his value transcended political rivalries. His decades of faithful service under pagan kings models engaging culture without compromise.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Daniel's 'excellent spirit' teach that character excellence matters more than mere technical competence in positions of influence?
- What does the plot against Daniel teach about how excellence and favor often provoke jealous opposition rather than universal acclaim?
Analysis & Commentary
Daniel's excellence provokes both favor and opposition: 'Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.' The phrase 'excellent spirit' (Aramaic: ruach yattir, extraordinary spirit) describes Daniel's outstanding administrative competence and character. His superiority wasn't merely technical skill but character excellence. The king's intent to elevate him 'over the whole realm' indicates recognition of exceptional ability. Yet this very excellence provokes the jealous conspiracy that follows. Faithfulness and competence don't guarantee human favor; they often provoke opposition.