Daniel 6:23

KJV

Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H116} was the king {H4430} exceeding {H7690} glad {H2868} for him {H5922}, and commanded {H560} that they should take {H5267} Daniel {H1841} up {H5267} out of {H4481} the den {H1358}. So Daniel {H1841} was taken up {H5267} out of {H4481} the den {H1358}, and no {H3809} manner {H3606} of hurt {H2257} was found {H7912} upon him, because he believed {H540} in his God {H426}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king was overjoyed and ordered Dani'el taken up from the pit. So Dani'el was taken up from the pit, and he was found to be completely unharmed, because he had trusted in his God.

Berean Standard Bible

The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den, and when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wounds whatsoever were found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

American Standard Version

Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he had trusted in his God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 6:23 climaxes the dramatic narrative of Daniel in the lion's den, recounting King Darius's profound relief and immediate command for Daniel's retrieval. The verse powerfully affirms Daniel's miraculous preservation, stating unequivocally that no injury was found upon him, attributing this divine protection directly to his unwavering faith in his God. This moment serves as a triumphant vindication of Daniel's righteousness and a profound testament to the sovereign power of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 6:23 stands as the pivotal resolution to the chapter's central conflict. Immediately preceding this verse, Daniel has spent a night in the lion's den, a consequence of his steadfast refusal to cease prayer to God, despite a royal decree forbidding it ([Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel's Prayer and Obedience")). The king, deeply distressed by Daniel's predicament, seals the den with his own signet ring and that of his nobles, then spends a sleepless night in fasting and anxiety ([Daniel 6:16-18](/daniel/6-16 "Daniel 6:16-18 - Daniel Cast into the Den")). The morning of Daniel 6:23 opens with the king's urgent return to the den, calling out to Daniel with a hopeful, yet uncertain, plea ([Daniel 6:19-20](/daniel/6-19 "Daniel 6:19-20 - King Darius's Morning Inquiry")). Daniel's calm response from within the den, attributing his survival to an angel sent by God, sets the stage for the king's joyful command in this verse ([Daniel 6:21-22](/daniel/6-21 "Daniel 6:21-22 - Daniel's Testimony from the Den")). The verse's triumphant declaration of Daniel's unharmed state leads directly into King Darius's subsequent decree exalting Daniel's God throughout the kingdom ([Daniel 6:24-27](/daniel/6-24 "Daniel 6:24-27 - Darius's Decree Exalting God")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Daniel is set during the Babylonian and Persian exiles, a period of significant upheaval for the Jewish people. Daniel himself was among the first exiles taken to Babylon, serving successive foreign kings. The Achaemenid Persian Empire, under King Darius (likely Darius the Mede, a viceroy or pre-eminent ruler under Cyrus the Great), was known for its administrative efficiency and, crucially, the irrevocability of its laws once signed ([Daniel 6:8](/daniel/6-8 "Daniel 6:8 - The Irrevocable Decree")). This cultural understanding of Persian law amplifies the tension of Daniel's situation; once the decree was made, even the king could not rescind it. The practice of casting condemned individuals into a den of lions was a known form of execution in the ancient Near East, serving as a public display of royal power and a deterrent. The cultural significance of a king's joy and immediate action would have been understood as a profound reversal of fortune and a public acknowledgment of divine intervention, particularly given the king's previous distress and the public nature of the execution.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all creation, even the most ferocious beasts, and His ability to deliver His faithful servants from seemingly inescapable peril. It reinforces the idea that God is not bound by human decrees or natural laws when acting on behalf of His purposes. Closely related is the theme of **Unwavering Faith and Obedience**, as Daniel's deliverance is explicitly attributed to his belief in God. Daniel's consistent devotion, even unto death, serves as a model of faithfulness in the face of persecution, echoing the steadfastness of his companions in the fiery furnace ([Daniel 3:16-18](/daniel/3-16 "Daniel 3:16-18 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's Faith")). Finally, the verse highlights **God's Vindication of His People and His Name**. Daniel's deliverance is not merely a personal salvation but a public demonstration of God's power and supremacy, leading to the conversion or at least public acknowledgment of God by a powerful Gentile king, thereby expanding God's renown among the nations ([Daniel 6:26-27](/daniel/6-26 "Daniel 6:26-27 - Darius's Proclamation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **glad (Aramaic, _ṭᵉʼêb'_):** This Aramaic root (H2868) signifies "to rejoice" or "be glad." The king's "exceeding glad" (with H7690, _saggîyʼ_, meaning "large, exceedingly") indicates an overwhelming joy and relief, contrasting sharply with his previous night of distress and fasting. It underscores the profound emotional impact of Daniel's survival on the monarch, validating Daniel's innocence and God's power.
* **hurt (Aramaic, _chăbal'_):** Derived from H2257, this Aramaic term refers to "harm (personal or pecuniary)" or "damage." Its use here emphasizes the completeness of Daniel's preservation. Not only was he not killed, but he sustained "no manner of hurt" (with H3606, _kôl_, meaning "all, any, every," and H3809, _lâʼ_, meaning "not"), signifying an absolute and miraculous absence of injury, scratches, or even fear-induced trauma.
* **believed (Aramaic, _ʼăman'_):** This crucial Aramaic verb (H540) corresponds to the Hebrew _'aman_, from which we get "Amen." It means "to build up or support," "to foster," and figuratively, "to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain." Daniel's belief was not mere intellectual assent but a deep, active, and unwavering trust, reliance, and faithfulness in God's character and power, even in the face of certain death. This belief was the foundation of his obedience and the direct cause of his deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then was the king exceeding glad for him":** This clause highlights the immediate and intense emotional response of King Darius. His "exceeding gladness" (Aramaic: _saggîyʼ ṭᵉʼêb_) signifies profound relief and joy, a stark contrast to his sleepless, sorrowful night. This joy is not just for Daniel's survival but also for the vindication of his own judgment of Daniel's character and, implicitly, for the demonstration of Daniel's God's power.
* **"and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den":** Darius's joy translates into immediate, decisive action. The command to "take Daniel up" (Aramaic: _nᵉçaq_) from the den (Aramaic: _gôb_) underscores the king's authority and his eagerness to reverse the unjust sentence. This action is public and official, serving as a clear declaration of Daniel's innocence and God's intervention.
* **"So Daniel was taken up out of the den":** This confirms the execution of the king's command. Daniel's physical removal from the den signifies his complete deliverance from the threat of death. It is the visible, tangible proof of the miracle that occurred within the den.
* **"and no manner of hurt was found upon him":** This is the miraculous core of the verse. The phrase "no manner of hurt" (Aramaic: _lâʼ kôl chăbal_) emphasizes the absolute and total absence of injury. Not only was he alive, but he was completely unharmed, untouched by the lions, and without even a scratch. This detail powerfully attests to the supernatural nature of his preservation, going beyond mere survival to a complete safeguarding.
* **"because he believed in his God":** This final clause provides the theological explanation and the central message of the narrative. Daniel's deliverance is explicitly attributed to his "belief" (Aramaic: _ʼăman_) in "his God" (Aramaic: _ʼĕlâhh_). This is not a casual belief but a deep, active, and steadfast trust, faithfulness, and reliance on God, demonstrated through his obedience even when it meant risking his life. It highlights the direct correlation between Daniel's faith and God's miraculous intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 6:23 employs several potent literary devices. The narrative features profound **Irony**, as the very decree intended to destroy Daniel by forcing him to choose between obedience to God and obedience to the king ultimately serves to glorify Daniel's God and elevate Daniel's status. The king's "exceeding gladness" and the complete absence of "hurt" on Daniel's body are instances of **Hyperbole** and **Understatement** simultaneously; hyperbole in the king's extreme reaction, and understatement in the simple declaration of "no hurt" for such a miraculous event, emphasizing the divine ease of the miracle. The entire episode functions as a **Symbolism** of God's power over chaos and death, with the lion's den representing the ultimate threat, and Daniel's emergence from it symbolizing resurrection and divine victory. The explicit statement "because he believed in his God" serves as a **Didactic Statement**, directly teaching the reader the principle that faith is the catalyst for divine intervention and protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 6:23 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative, affirming God's unwavering faithfulness to those who trust Him and His supreme authority over all creation. It underscores the profound theological truth that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a radical, active reliance on God's character and promises, even in the face of death. This narrative powerfully demonstrates God's commitment to vindicate His righteous servants and to reveal His glory through their steadfastness. Daniel's deliverance is a testament to the fact that God is a deliverer who acts decisively and miraculously on behalf of His own, turning human schemes for destruction into opportunities for divine exaltation.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")
* [Hebrews 11:33](/hebrews/11-33 "Hebrews 11:33 - By Faith, Daniel Shut the Mouths of Lions")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's experience in the lion's den, culminating in his miraculous preservation, offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. In a world that often pressures us to compromise our convictions for safety or societal acceptance, Daniel's unwavering faith provides a powerful example. His deliverance reminds us that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, capable of intervening in ways that defy natural explanation. When we face our own "lion's dens"—whether they be professional persecution, health crises, financial ruin, or spiritual attacks—this passage calls us to a deeper, more radical trust in God. It teaches us that faithfulness, even unto death, is never in vain, for God honors those who honor Him. Our ultimate safety is not found in avoiding trials, but in placing our complete reliance on the One who holds all power and authority, knowing that He can shut the mouths of any adversary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lion's den" are you currently facing in your life, and how might Daniel's story encourage your faith in that situation?**
* **How does Daniel's "belief in his God" manifest in your own life and actions, especially when under pressure?**
* **In what ways does God's miraculous intervention in Daniel's life affirm His sovereignty and power over seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**
* **What specific steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more active trust in God, even when the outcome is uncertain?**

### FAQ

**What was the nature of Daniel's "belief" that led to his deliverance?**

Answer: Daniel's "belief" (Aramaic: _ʼăman_) was far more than mere intellectual acknowledgment of God's existence. As the verse explicitly states, "because he believed in his God," it refers to a profound, active, and unwavering trust, faithfulness, and reliance on God's character, power, and promises. This belief was demonstrated through his consistent obedience to God's commands, even when it meant defying a royal decree and facing certain death ([Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel's Continued Prayer")). It was a deep, personal relationship of trust that enabled him to face the lions without fear, confident in God's ability to deliver him or sustain him through death. This active faith is what the Bible consistently upholds as pleasing to God and foundational to receiving His intervention ([Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's miraculous deliverance from the lion's den, explicitly attributed to his belief in God, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ. Daniel's descent into the den of death and his emergence unharmed foreshadow the **death, burial, and glorious resurrection of Jesus**. Just as Daniel was placed in a tomb-like den and emerged victorious over the power of death, so too did Christ enter the grave, conquer sin and death, and rise again, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all things ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Resurrection and Lordship")). Daniel's preservation was "because he believed in his God," highlighting the principle that faith is central to salvation. In the New Covenant, our deliverance from the spiritual "den of lions"—the power of sin and eternal death—is likewise "by grace through faith" in Jesus Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Christ is the ultimate "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His sacrifice, He has disarmed the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) and delivered us from the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Daniel's story, therefore, is not just about a historical miracle, but a prophetic echo of the greater deliverance offered to all who believe in the resurrected Lord.

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

1 Chronicles 5:20

And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that [were] with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

Daniel 3:25

He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Daniel 3:27

And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

Daniel 3:28

¶ [Then] Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed [be] the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

Mark 9:23

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.

Daniel 6:18

¶ Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

Proverbs 18:10

¶ The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.