Daniel 2:14

KJV

¶ Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise [men] of Babylon:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} Daniel {H1841} answered {H8421} with counsel {H5843} and wisdom {H2942} to Arioch {H746} the captain {H7229} of {H1768} the king's {H4430} guard {H2877}, which was gone forth {H5312} to slay {H6992} the wise {H2445} men of Babylon {H895}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, choosing his words carefully, Dani'el consulted Aryokh, captain of the royal guard, who had already gone out to kill the sages of Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon, Daniel replied with discretion and tact.

American Standard Version

Then Daniel returned answer with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, who was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:14 marks a pivotal moment where Daniel, facing imminent execution alongside Babylon's other wise men, responds with extraordinary composure and divinely-granted counsel and wisdom. This verse initiates Daniel's strategic intervention, demonstrating his unique character and setting the stage for God's miraculous revelation of King Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream and its interpretation, thereby averting a widespread massacre.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 2:14 immediately follows King Nebuchadnezzar's furious decree to execute all the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel and his companions, because they could not reveal or interpret his disturbing dream ([Daniel 2:12](/daniel/2-12 "Daniel 2:12 - Nebuchadnezzar's Decree")). The preceding verses establish the king's escalating frustration and the inability of his court magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chaldeans to meet his impossible demand. This verse acts as a crucial turning point, shifting the narrative from the king's wrath and the wise men's despair to Daniel's proactive and divinely-inspired intervention, thereby introducing the instrument through whom God's sovereignty will be powerfully displayed. It is the first step in Daniel's journey to stand before the king and ultimately glorify God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC), a period of immense power and grandeur. Babylon was a melting pot of cultures, and its court relied heavily on various classes of "wise men" (magicians, astrologers, diviners) for counsel and interpretation of omens. The king's absolute authority was unquestioned, and his decrees, even those as extreme as mass execution, were final. The "captain of the king's guard," Arioch, was a high-ranking official responsible for enforcing royal commands and maintaining security, often acting as the king's executioner. Daniel, as a Jewish exile, was part of a foreign intellectual class brought to Babylon, yet he stood apart from the native wise men due to his allegiance to the God of Israel and his reliance on divine wisdom rather than pagan arts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that permeate the book of Daniel. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as God orchestrates events, even through a pagan king's dream, to reveal His power and purpose. Daniel's response highlights the theme of **Divine Wisdom versus Human Futility**, contrasting the helplessness of Babylon's wise men with Daniel's God-given insight and prudence. It also underscores **Courage and Faith in Crisis**, as Daniel, despite facing imminent death, approaches a dangerous situation with calm resolve, trusting in God's ability to intervene. This moment further sets the stage for the theme of **God's Revelation**, as Daniel's actions lead directly to God unveiling profound mysteries that human wisdom could not grasp, a theme powerfully articulated later in [Daniel 2:22](/daniel/2-22 "Daniel 2:22 - God Reveals Deep Things").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **answered (Aramaic, _tûwb'_):** This Aramaic verb, corresponding to the Hebrew _shuv_ (to return), signifies not merely a verbal reply but a turning back or a responsive action. In this context, it implies Daniel's deliberate and decisive response to the unfolding crisis, indicating a proactive engagement rather than a passive reaction. It suggests that Daniel "returned" a solution or a strategic move in the face of a death decree.
* **counsel (Aramaic, _ʻêṭâʼ'_):** This term denotes prudence, advice, or a well-considered plan. It speaks to Daniel's strategic thinking and deliberate approach. His response was not impulsive but thoughtful, indicating a divinely-inspired strategy to navigate a life-threatening situation, setting him apart from the frantic and helpless responses of the other wise men.
* **wisdom (Aramaic, _ṭᵉʻêm'_):** While often translated as "wisdom," this Aramaic word primarily means "flavor" or "judgment" (both subjective and objective). In a figurative sense, it refers to discernment, understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments or issue commands. Here, it implies Daniel's profound insight and discerning judgment, enabling him to act with sagacity and effectiveness in a moment of extreme peril, contrasting sharply with the lack of "wisdom" among the Babylonian sages who could not help the king.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom":** This clause highlights Daniel's immediate and composed response to the dire situation. Unlike the other wise men who were paralyzed by fear and unable to provide a solution, Daniel approaches the crisis with a divinely-imparted prudence and discerning judgment. His "answer" is not merely a verbal reply but a strategic initiative, demonstrating his faith and reliance on God's guidance.
* **"to Arioch the captain of the king's guard":** Daniel directs his response specifically to Arioch, the official tasked with executing the king's decree. This demonstrates Daniel's courage and strategic thinking, as he bypasses the king's direct presence initially to engage with the person holding the immediate power of life and death over him and his peers. Arioch's role as "captain of the king's guard" (literally, "chief of the executioners") underscores the gravity of the situation and the danger Daniel willingly confronts.
* **"which was gone forth to slay the wise [men] of Babylon":** This final clause emphasizes the imminent threat and the widespread nature of the decree. Arioch was actively engaged in carrying out the king's command to kill all the wise men, including Daniel. This context magnifies Daniel's extraordinary composure and the urgency of his intervention, as he steps forward at the very moment of impending doom for himself and his fellow sages.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, setting Daniel's "counsel and wisdom" against the helplessness and impending doom of the other "wise men of Babylon." This highlights the superiority of divine wisdom over human knowledge, especially when faced with supernatural challenges. There is also a subtle **Foreshadowing** of Daniel's future role as a revealer of divine mysteries; his calm, wise approach here anticipates his ability to interpret the dream that eluded all others. Furthermore, the scene is rich in **Irony**: the very "wise men" of Babylon are about to be slain for their lack of wisdom, while Daniel, a foreign captive, possesses the true wisdom needed to save them. Finally, the verse is a powerful moment of **Characterization**, immediately establishing Daniel as a man of exceptional courage, faith, and divine insight, distinguishing him as a protagonist uniquely equipped for God's purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:14 serves as a powerful testament to God's providence and the efficacy of divine wisdom in the face of human crisis. Daniel's calm and strategic response, imbued with "counsel and wisdom," is not merely human ingenuity but a direct manifestation of God's enabling grace. This moment underscores the theological truth that God often positions His servants in seemingly impossible situations to display His power and sovereignty, turning moments of despair into opportunities for divine revelation. Daniel's courage to approach Arioch, the very agent of death, reflects a deep trust in God's ability to intervene, echoing the broader biblical narrative where God's people are called to demonstrate faith and prudence in hostile environments. This episode sets the stage for God's unveiling of mysteries, affirming that true wisdom comes from Him alone, distinguishing His servants from those who rely on worldly knowledge.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's response in Daniel 2:14 offers profound lessons for believers navigating the complexities and crises of contemporary life. When confronted with overwhelming challenges, whether personal, professional, or societal, our natural inclination might be panic or despair. However, Daniel exemplifies a different path: one rooted in composure, strategic thinking, and a reliance on divine wisdom. His ability to "answer with counsel and wisdom" in the face of imminent death challenges us to cultivate a spirit of discernment and prayerful deliberation before reacting. This verse encourages us to seek God's perspective and guidance in all circumstances, trusting that He can provide solutions and open doors even when human options seem exhausted. Our faith is not merely for moments of peace but is most powerfully demonstrated in the crucible of crisis, distinguishing us as those who draw upon a wisdom far greater than our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when faced with unexpected and overwhelming crises? Do I panic, or do I seek counsel and wisdom?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to intentionally seek God's counsel and wisdom before making decisions or responding to challenges?**
* **How can Daniel's example of courage and strategic thinking inspire me to act with greater faith and prudence in my own difficult circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Daniel's "counsel and wisdom" in this context?**

Answer: Daniel's "counsel and wisdom" (Aramaic _ʻêṭâʼ_ and _ṭᵉʻêm_) were profoundly significant because they represented a divinely-imparted ability that transcended mere human intelligence. In a situation where all the other wise men of Babylon were helpless and facing execution, Daniel's response was not one of fear or despair, but of strategic prudence and discerning judgment. This enabled him to approach Arioch, the captain of the guard, with a calm request for information and time, rather than immediate confrontation or surrender. This divinely-enabled wisdom was the critical factor that opened the door for God to reveal King Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation, ultimately saving not only Daniel and his friends but all the wise men of Babylon from certain death. It highlighted the contrast between the limited, futile wisdom of the world and the infinite, life-giving wisdom that comes from God ([Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")).

**How did Daniel know to approach Arioch, the captain of the king's guard?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state how Daniel knew to approach Arioch, but it implies a combination of divine leading and Daniel's keen discernment. As a high-ranking official among the wise men, Daniel would have been aware of the king's decree and Arioch's role as the enforcer. His "counsel and wisdom" likely included an understanding of court protocols and the chain of command. Instead of directly confronting the king in his rage, Daniel strategically approached Arioch, who was actively carrying out the execution. This measured approach allowed Daniel to gain critical information about the king's decree and to request an audience with the king, demonstrating a prudent and divinely-guided strategy to de-escalate the immediate threat and create an opportunity for God's intervention ([Daniel 2:16](/daniel/2-16 "Daniel 2:16 - Daniel Requests Time from the King")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's display of counsel and wisdom in the face of death foreshadows the ultimate wisdom and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Daniel stepped forward to intercede for the wise men, facing the wrath of a king and the threat of death, so too did Christ, the very embodiment of God's wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), step into a world condemned by sin. Daniel's ability to reveal hidden mysteries, saving lives through divine revelation, points to Jesus, who reveals the Father's will and the mysteries of the kingdom of God, offering eternal life and deliverance from the ultimate judgment ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except the Son")). Daniel's courage to confront the agent of death (Arioch) and secure a reprieve echoes Christ's triumph over death and the powers of darkness, securing salvation for all who believe ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Ultimately, Daniel's wisdom, which brought temporary physical salvation, finds its perfect and eternal fulfillment in Christ, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 2:24

¶ Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise [men] of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise [men] of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.

Jeremiah 39:9

Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained.

Ecclesiastes 9:13

¶ This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it [seemed] great unto me:

Ecclesiastes 9:18

Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

Genesis 37:36

And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, [and] captain of the guard.

2 Samuel 20:16

Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

2 Samuel 20:22

Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast [it] out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.