Daniel 6:21

KJV

Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} said {H4449} Daniel {H1841} unto {H5974} the king {H4430}, O king {H4430}, live {H2418} for ever {H5957}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Dani'el answered the king, "May the king live forever!

Berean Standard Bible

Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever!

American Standard Version

Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 6:21 records Daniel's first words to King Darius after his miraculous preservation in the lions' den. His respectful salutation, "O king, live for ever," serves as a profound affirmation of his survival and God's powerful intervention, spoken from the very pit of death. This utterance not only confirms the divine rescue but also underscores Daniel's unwavering character, demonstrating honor and composure even in the face of grave injustice and immediate peril.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows King Darius's desperate and sleepless night, consumed by anxiety over Daniel's fate. The king, having been manipulated into signing an irreversible decree that condemned Daniel to the lions' den, rushes to the den at dawn, calling out to Daniel with a voice full of anguish and hope in [Daniel 6:20](/daniel/6-20 "Daniel 6:20 - Darius's Distress"). Daniel's calm and respectful response in [Daniel 6:21](/daniel/6-21 "Daniel 6:21 - Daniel's Reply to the King") shatters the king's despair, signaling the miraculous intervention of God. This moment pivots the narrative from human despair and legalistic traps to divine vindication and the triumph of faith, setting the stage for Darius's subsequent decree acknowledging Daniel's God in [Daniel 6:25-27](/daniel/6-25 "Daniel 6:25-27 - Darius's New Decree").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Persian Empire under King Darius, likely Darius the Mede, a figure associated with the early Achaemenid period. Royal decrees in this empire were considered immutable once signed, a legal principle that trapped Darius despite his personal affection for Daniel. The practice of execution by lions was a known, albeit extreme, form of capital punishment in the ancient Near East, designed to be terrifying and conclusive. Daniel's greeting, "O king, live for ever," was a standard, highly respectful, and formal salutation for monarchs in this era, signifying loyalty and a wish for a long and prosperous reign. Its use here, by a man just condemned to death by the king's own decree, carries immense cultural weight and dramatic irony.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 6:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's active protection of His faithful servants against overwhelming odds, a motif seen repeatedly in Daniel's life (e.g., [Daniel 3:28](/daniel/3-28 "Daniel 3:28 - Deliverance from the Fiery Furnace")). The verse also underscores **Steadfast Faithfulness**, as Daniel's unwavering devotion to God, even unto death, is vindicated. Furthermore, it exemplifies **Respect for Authority**, even when that authority has acted unjustly, demonstrating Daniel's character and adherence to principles of honor. This respectful address ultimately serves to bring **Glory to God**, as Daniel's survival leads to Darius's proclamation of the greatness of Daniel's God throughout his kingdom, echoing the broader theme of God's sovereignty over earthly rulers found throughout [the book of Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel - God's Sovereignty").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Aramaic, _mᵉlal'_):** This Aramaic verb, corresponding to the Hebrew "malal," signifies "to speak" or "to say." In this context, it marks Daniel's initial utterance after a night of presumed death. The simplicity of the word belies the profound weight of what is being said and the miraculous circumstances under which it is spoken, confirming his living presence.
* **live (Aramaic, _chăyâʼ'_):** This Aramaic verb, equivalent to the Hebrew "chayah," means "to live," "to be alive," or "to keep alive." It is a direct wish for the king's continued existence and prosperity. Coming from Daniel, who has just been kept alive by divine power, it carries a powerful and ironic resonance, as the one condemned to death now pronounces a blessing of life upon his condemner, highlighting the source of true life.
* **for ever (Aramaic, _ʻâlam'_):** This Aramaic term, corresponding to the Hebrew "olam," denotes "remote time," signifying an indefinite future, perpetuity, or eternity. When used in a royal salutation, it expresses a wish for an exceedingly long and prosperous reign. In Daniel's mouth, it not only serves as a customary respectful greeting but also subtly points to the eternal nature of the God who has just preserved his life, contrasting the temporal power of the king with the everlasting power of the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Daniel unto the king,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker and the recipient of the words, immediately resolving the tension built up by King Darius's desperate call in the preceding verse. The simple act of Daniel speaking confirms his survival, setting the stage for the miraculous revelation. It highlights Daniel's composure and readiness to address the king despite the traumatic ordeal.
* **"O king, live for ever."**: This is the core of Daniel's utterance, a traditional and highly respectful royal salutation. It expresses a wish for the king's long life and prosperous reign. The profound significance here lies in the context: Daniel, unjustly condemned to death by the king's own decree, responds not with bitterness or accusation, but with a customary blessing. This demonstrates Daniel's unwavering character, his respect for the office of the king (even if not for the king's flawed decision), and his focus on God's vindication rather than human blame.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the man condemned to die by the king's decree is the one who wishes the king "live for ever," having himself just experienced a miraculous preservation of life by divine power. This creates a stark **contrast** between human fallibility and divine omnipotence. The phrase "O king, live for ever" functions as a **Formulaic Salutation**, a common royal greeting in the ancient Near East, which adds to the cultural authenticity and Daniel's respectful demeanor. Furthermore, the entire scene serves as **Symbolism** for God's ultimate victory over the forces of death and human injustice, with Daniel's voice from the den symbolizing life emerging from the jaws of death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel's respectful greeting, even after being unjustly condemned, speaks volumes about the nature of true faith and submission to God's sovereignty. It underscores the biblical principle that believers are called to honor governing authorities, even when those authorities are flawed or act unjustly, as seen in [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities"). This act of grace and composure in the face of extreme adversity powerfully testifies to God's ability to preserve His faithful servants and to use even the most dire circumstances to display His glory. Daniel's deliverance is a testament to God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him, reminding us that God hears and answers the prayers of the righteous.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalm/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When a Man's Ways Please the Lord")
* [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Authority")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's immediate and respectful response to King Darius, even from the jaws of death, offers a profound lesson in maintaining composure, dignity, and a spirit of grace in the face of injustice and immense pressure. It challenges us to consider how we respond when we feel wronged, reminding us that our witness for Christ is often most powerful not in our accusations or demands, but in our calm trust in God's ultimate vindication and our continued respect for others, even those who have caused us harm. This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart that honors God above all else, trusting that He is able to deliver us from any "lion's den" we may face, whether literal or metaphorical, and to use our trials for His glory. Our faithfulness, expressed through our character and conduct, can be a powerful testimony that draws others to acknowledge the living God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's response challenge my natural inclination to react with anger or bitterness when I feel unjustly treated?**
* **In what "lion's den" situations in my life am I called to demonstrate unwavering trust in God's protection and sovereignty?**
* **How can my respectful and gracious conduct, even in difficult circumstances, serve as a powerful witness to God's character?**

### FAQ

**Why did Daniel say "O king, live for ever" instead of expressing anger or relief?**

Answer: Daniel's response demonstrates several key aspects of his character and the spiritual principles he lived by. Firstly, "O king, live for ever" was a customary and highly respectful salutation for monarchs in the ancient Near East, signifying loyalty and a wish for a long and prosperous reign. Daniel, despite being unjustly condemned, maintained his respect for the king's office, aligning with biblical principles of honoring governing authorities ([Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")). Secondly, his calm and gracious demeanor, rather than anger or self-pity, powerfully testifies to his unwavering faith in God. His focus was not on human blame but on God's vindication and deliverance, which had just been miraculously demonstrated. This response also serves to immediately confirm his survival, alleviating the king's distress.

**Does this verse imply that Daniel forgave the king for throwing him into the den?**

Answer: While the verse doesn't explicitly state "forgiveness," Daniel's respectful and non-accusatory greeting certainly implies a lack of bitterness and a spirit of grace. His response prioritizes the affirmation of God's miraculous work over any personal grievance. This aligns with a broader biblical ethic of forgiveness and responding to evil with good, as exemplified in [Romans 12:17-21](/romans/12-17 "Romans 12:17-21 - Do Not Be Overcome By Evil"). Daniel's character reflects a deep spiritual maturity that transcends human anger and focuses on God's sovereign plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's miraculous preservation from the lions' den and his subsequent declaration of life to the king profoundly prefigure the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ over death and His eternal reign. Just as Daniel was cast into a pit of death and emerged alive by divine intervention, so too was Christ laid in a tomb, only to conquer death and rise again on the third day ([Matthew 28:6](/matthew/28-6 "Matthew 28:6 - He Is Not Here, For He Has Risen")). Daniel's respectful salutation, "O king, live for ever," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"); [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")). He not only lives forever but is the source of eternal life for all who believe in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Daniel's deliverance brought glory to God and led to a wider acknowledgment of His power; similarly, Christ's resurrection is the ultimate testimony to God's power, leading countless souls to acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Exalted Him")). Daniel's calm demeanor in the face of death foreshadows Christ's serene submission to the cross, knowing that ultimate victory awaited Him.

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 2:4

Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.

Daniel 6:6

¶ Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

Nehemiah 2:3

And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?