Daniel 6:4

Authorized King James Version

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱדַ֨יִן
Then
then (of time)
#2
סָֽרְכַיָּ֜א
the presidents
an emir
#3
וַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֗א
and princes
a satrap or governor of a main province (of persia)
#4
הֲו֨וֹ
sought
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
#5
בָעַ֧יִן
to seek or ask
#6
עִלָּ֨ה
occasion
a pretext (as arising artificially)
#7
הִשְׁתְּכַ֖חַת
find
to discover (literally or figuratively)
#8
לְדָנִיֵּ֖אל
against Daniel
danijel, the hebrew prophet
#9
מִצַּ֣ד
concerning
used adverbially (with preposition) at or upon the side of
#10
מַלְכוּתָ֑א
the kingdom
dominion (abstractly or concretely)
#11
וְכָל
but
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
עִלָּ֨ה
occasion
a pretext (as arising artificially)
#13
וּשְׁחִיתָ֔ה
fault
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#14
לָ֥א
neither
no, not
#15
יָכְלִ֣ין
they could
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#16
הִשְׁתְּכַ֖חַת
find
to discover (literally or figuratively)
#17
וְכָל
but
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
קֳבֵל֙
forasmuch
(adverbially) in front of; usually (with other particles) on account of, so as, since, hence
#19
דִּֽי
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#20
מְהֵימַ֣ן
as he was faithful
to believe in
#21
ה֔וּא
he (she or it); self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally (instead of copula) as or are
#22
וְכָל
but
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#23
שָׁלוּ֙
error
a fault
#24
וּשְׁחִיתָ֔ה
fault
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#25
לָ֥א
neither
no, not
#26
הִשְׁתְּכַ֖חַת
find
to discover (literally or figuratively)
#27
עֲלֽוֹהִי׃
in him
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Daniel. The concept of faith reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People