Daniel 6:12

KJV

Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask [a petition] of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing [is] true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} they came near {H7127}, and spake {H560} before {H6925} the king {H4430} concerning {H5922} the king's {H4430} decree {H633}; Hast thou not {H3809} signed {H7560} a decree {H633}, that every {H3606} man {H606} that shall ask {H1156} a petition of {H4481} any {H3606} God {H426} or man {H606} within {H5705} thirty {H8533} days {H3118}, save {H3861} of thee {H4481}, O king {H4430}, shall be cast {H7412} into the den {H1358} of lions {H744}? The king {H4430} answered {H6032} and said {H560}, The thing {H4406} is true {H3330}, according to the law {H1882} of the Medes {H4076} and Persians {H6540}, which altereth {H5709} not {H3809}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they went to remind the king of his royal decree: "Didn't you sign a law prohibiting anyone from making requests of any god or man within thirty days, except yourself, your majesty, on pain of being thrown into the lion pit?"The king answered, "Yes, that is true, as required by the law of the Medes and Persians, which is itself irrevocable."

Berean Standard Bible

So they approached the king and asked about his royal decree: “Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?” The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.”

American Standard Version

Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s interdict: Hast thou not signed an interdict, that every man that shall make petition unto any god or man within thirty days, save unto thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 6:12 captures the climactic moment when Daniel's jealous adversaries confront King Darius, reminding him of the recently enacted, irrevocable decree designed specifically to ensnare Daniel. This verse highlights the conspirators' cunning and the king's unwitting entrapment by his own edict, setting the stage for Daniel's imminent trial and miraculous deliverance from the lion's den, all against the backdrop of an unchangeable legal system and unwavering faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct consequence of the events immediately preceding it within [Daniel chapter 6](/daniel/6 "Daniel 6 - Daniel in the Lions' Den"). Following Daniel's exceptional administrative success and King Darius's intention to promote him over the entire kingdom, the other high officials and satraps grew intensely envious. Unable to find any legitimate grounds for accusation against Daniel's public service or integrity, they shrewdly targeted his devout religious practice. They knew Daniel's unwavering commitment to his God was paramount, and so they devised a decree that would make his daily prayers an act of treason. This decree, signed by the king, forbade anyone from making a petition to any god or man other than Darius for thirty days, as detailed in [Daniel 6:7](/daniel/6-7 "Daniel 6:7 - The Decree is Signed"). Daniel 6:12 describes the swift and calculated move by these conspirators to report Daniel's "violation" of this decree, catching him in the act of prayer as described in [Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel's Consistent Prayer Life") and forcing the king's hand.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not" is crucial for understanding the historical context. Unlike some ancient legal systems where a king's word could be easily changed or a pardon granted, the Medo-Persian legal code was renowned for its immutability. Once a decree was signed and sealed with the royal signet, it became an unchangeable part of the law, binding even the king himself. This characteristic was intended to demonstrate the absolute authority and stability of the empire's legal framework, lending weight and permanence to royal edicts. The "den of lions" was a known method of capital punishment in the ancient Near East, often reserved for serious crimes or as a demonstration of power. The conspirators' choice of this specific punishment underscores their malice and desire for Daniel's complete eradication, knowing the king would be powerless to intervene once the law was invoked.
* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 6:12](/daniel/6-12 "Daniel 6:12 - The Unchangeable Law") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Daniel. Firstly, the **Immutability of Medo-Persian Law** is central, serving as the narrative's primary antagonist, a human system seemingly more powerful than even the king. This rigidity creates the profound dilemma for Darius and highlights the seemingly insurmountable obstacle Daniel faces. Secondly, the theme of **Political Conspiracy and Malice** is vividly portrayed through the actions of Daniel's adversaries, whose envy drives them to manipulate the legal system for personal gain and the destruction of an innocent man. Their calculated approach underscores the corrupting influence of power and jealousy. Lastly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty Over Human Affairs**, as the unchangeable human law sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all earthly powers and decrees, no matter how binding they appear. This foreshadows God's ability to deliver His faithful servants, even from the jaws of death, as seen later in [Daniel 6:23](/daniel/6-23 "Daniel 6:23 - Daniel's Deliverance from the Lions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **decree (Aramaic, _dâth'_):** This Aramaic term (H1882) refers to a royal edict or statute, a legal command issued by the king. In this context, it signifies a binding law that, once signed, carries the full weight of the Medo-Persian legal system, making it unalterable. Its use here emphasizes the legal trap meticulously set for Daniel by his adversaries.
* **true (Aramaic, _yatstsîyb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "fixed" or "sure," this word (H3330) confirms the certainty and established nature of the decree. When the king affirms "The thing is true," he is acknowledging its factual existence and its undeniable, legally binding status, leaving no room for doubt, reinterpretation, or denial of its validity.
* **altereth (Aramaic, _ʻădâʼ'_):** This Aramaic verb (H5709), meaning "to advance, pass on, or remove," is used in the negative ("altereth not") to convey the absolute irrevocability of the Medo-Persian law. It underscores that once a law is enacted, it cannot be changed, rescinded, or set aside, even by the monarch who issued it, thereby creating Darius's profound and inescapable dilemma.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the confrontational and formal nature of the scene. "They" refers to Daniel's envious adversaries, who, having observed Daniel's continued prayer, now approach the king with a calculated accusation. Their action is direct and formal, "before the king," indicating a legal challenge concerning the very "decree" they instigated and which Darius himself had signed.
* **"Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask [a petition] of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?":** This is the core of their accusation, presented as a rhetorical question designed to elicit the king's confirmation. It is a verbatim recitation of the decree's terms. The specific conditions—"every man," "any God or man," "within thirty days," "save of thee, O king," and the severe consequence of being "cast into the den of lions"—highlight the decree's precise and malicious intent to target Daniel's unique devotion to God, leaving him no legal recourse.
* **"The king answered and said, The thing [is] true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.":** Darius's response confirms the decree's authenticity and, more significantly, its unchangeable nature. His acknowledgment that "The thing is true" (H3330, _yatstsîyb'_) is a legal affirmation, recognizing the decree's validity and his own signature upon it. The concluding phrase, "according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not" (H5709, _ʻădâʼ'_), seals Daniel's fate from a human perspective, emphasizing the rigid legal framework that now binds even the king, trapping him in his own ill-conceived edict and leaving him powerless to save Daniel.

#### Literary Devices
[Daniel 6:12](/daniel/6-12 "Daniel 6:12 - The Unchangeable Law") is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic tension and theological implications. **Dramatic Irony** is profoundly prominent, as King Darius, in his desire to be honored and to elevate Daniel, unwittingly signs a decree that becomes a snare for his most trusted official and a source of deep distress for himself. The very law intended to solidify his authority now constrains him. **Foreshadowing** is also present; the immutability of human law, seemingly insurmountable and binding even on the king, subtly foreshadows the greater, unchanging sovereignty of God, who will ultimately intervene to deliver Daniel. This scene also employs **Conflict**, pitting Daniel's unwavering faith and the king's affection against the malicious intent of his adversaries and the rigid, unyielding legal system. This multi-layered conflict sets the stage for the divine resolution that will demonstrate God's power over all human schemes and limitations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores a profound theological truth: the contrast between the fixed, yet flawed, nature of human law and the unchanging, perfect character of God. The Medo-Persian law, though absolute in its human context, serves as a stark reminder of humanity's capacity for creating systems that, even with seemingly good intentions, can lead to injustice and entrapment. In stark contrast, God's character and His divine decrees are truly immutable, not due to a rigid legal code, but because of His inherent perfection, faithfulness, and righteousness. While human laws can be manipulated for evil and bind even their creators, God's word and promises are eternally steadfast, providing ultimate security and justice beyond any earthly system. This tension sets the stage for God's intervention, demonstrating His sovereignty over all human machinations.

* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 6:12 offers powerful insights for contemporary believers, reminding us of the enduring realities of human nature, legal systems, and divine faithfulness. It challenges us to cultivate discernment, recognizing that even seemingly benign or flattering proposals can harbor malicious intent or lead to unforeseen, irreversible consequences. Like Darius, leaders and individuals alike must exercise extreme caution and wisdom before endorsing policies or making decisions, understanding that some commitments, once made, are difficult or impossible to retract. Furthermore, this passage serves as a potent reminder that faithfulness to God may, at times, bring us into direct conflict with prevailing cultural norms or even legal frameworks. Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer, despite the decree, exemplifies the courage required to prioritize divine obedience over human mandates, trusting that God's authority transcends all earthly powers. Ultimately, the narrative encourages us to place our trust in God's ultimate sovereignty, knowing that even when human systems seem unyielding and opposition is fierce, He remains able to deliver and uphold those who stand firm in their convictions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the immutability of Medo-Persian law, as highlighted in this verse, contrast with God's character, and what comfort can we draw from this contrast in our own lives?**
* **In what ways might we, like Daniel, face pressure or even legal challenges to compromise our faith in contemporary society, and how can we prepare to respond with integrity?**
* **What lessons can we learn from King Darius's predicament about the importance of discernment and careful consideration before making decisions or endorsing policies, especially those with far-reaching consequences?**

### FAQ
**Why was Medo-Persian law considered unchangeable, even by the king?**

Answer: The immutability of Medo-Persian law was a defining characteristic of their legal system, intended to signify stability, permanence, and the absolute authority of the royal edicts. Once a decree was signed and sealed with the king's signet ring, it was considered to have passed beyond the king's personal will and into the realm of established, unalterable law. This practice likely served to prevent arbitrary changes by future monarchs and to project an image of divine or unchallengeable authority for the law itself. While the king had the power to *make* laws, he did not have the power to *revoke* or *alter* them once they were officially enacted, as seen in [Daniel 6:8](/daniel/6-8 "Daniel 6:8 - The King's Signature Seals the Decree") and [Esther 8:8](/esther/8-8 "Esther 8:8 - The Unchangeable Law in Esther"). This unique feature of their jurisprudence created the profound dilemma for Darius when Daniel was found in violation of the decree.

**What was the motivation of Daniel's adversaries in proposing this decree?**

Answer: Daniel's adversaries, described as "presidents and princes" in [Daniel 6:4](/daniel/6-4 "Daniel 6:4 - Daniel's Excellence and Enemies' Envy"), were driven by intense envy and jealousy. Daniel's exceptional administrative skills and integrity had led King Darius to consider setting him over the entire kingdom. Unable to find any fault or corruption in Daniel's official duties, they realized their only way to undermine him was to exploit his unwavering devotion to his God. They knew Daniel's practice of daily prayer was non-negotiable for him. Therefore, they crafted a decree that would make his spiritual faithfulness a capital offense, ensuring his downfall while appearing to uphold the king's honor. Their motivation was purely malicious, aiming to remove a rival and secure their own positions of power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 6:12, with its emphasis on an unchangeable law and the resulting predicament, powerfully foreshadows the greater reality of God's unchangeable moral law and humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill it. Just as Daniel was trapped by a law designed to condemn him, so too humanity is condemned by the righteous demands of God's holy law, which "altereth not" and reveals our sin ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). The seemingly insurmountable legal barrier in Daniel's story points to the ultimate legal barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. However, the miraculous deliverance of Daniel from the lion's den, not by the alteration of the law but by divine intervention, points forward to the ultimate deliverance offered through Jesus Christ. Christ, the perfect Son of God, fully satisfied the unchangeable demands of God's law by living a life of perfect obedience and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). He did not abolish the law but fulfilled it, effectively "blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us" ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Blotting Out the Handwriting of Ordinances")). Through His unchangeable priesthood and once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Unchangeable Priesthood")), Christ redeems us from the curse of the law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")), offering an eternal salvation that is as unchangeable and secure as the character of God Himself.

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 6:8

Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

Daniel 3:8

¶ Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.

Daniel 3:12

There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Esther 1:19

If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.

Acts 16:19

And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew [them] into the marketplace unto the rulers,

Acts 24:2

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse [him], saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

Acts 24:9

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.