Daniel 6:24

KJV

And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4430} commanded {H560}, and they brought {H858} those {H479} men {H1400} which had accused {H399}{H7170} Daniel {H1841}, and they cast {H7412} them into the den {H1358} of lions {H744}, them {H581}, their children {H1123}, and their wives {H5389}; and the lions {H744} had the mastery {H5705}{H7981} of them, and brake {H1855} all {H3606} their bones {H1635} in pieces {H1855} or ever {H3809} they came {H4291} at the bottom {H773} of the den {H1358}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king gave an order, and they brought those men who had accused Dani'el, and they threw them into the lion pit - them, their children and their wives -and before they even reached the bottom of the pit, the lions had them in their control and broke all their bones to pieces.

Berean Standard Bible

At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

American Standard Version

And the king commanded, and they brought those men that had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 6:24 dramatically concludes the narrative of Daniel in the lions' den, detailing the swift and brutal judgment meted out to the officials who maliciously conspired against him. This verse serves as a stark and immediate contrast to Daniel's miraculous preservation, powerfully illustrating the unwavering divine justice that swiftly overtakes those who plot evil against God's faithful servants, affirming God's sovereignty and His active intervention in human affairs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic moment of [Daniel's miraculous deliverance](/daniel/6-23 "Daniel 6:23 - Daniel's Deliverance from the Lions") from the lions' den, where an angel of God miraculously shut the mouths of the lions, leaving Daniel unharmed. The preceding verses establish Daniel's unwavering faithfulness to God, even under threat of death, and King Darius's desperate efforts to save him. Upon witnessing Daniel's safety and recognizing the malicious intent of his officials, Darius, filled with joy and conviction, decrees that Daniel's accusers should suffer the very fate they intended for him. This swift act of retribution serves as a powerful narrative resolution, demonstrating the direct consequence of their envy and treachery, and reinforcing the overarching theme of God's vindication of the righteous.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The inclusion of the accusers' children and wives in their punishment, though jarring to modern sensibilities, reflects a harsh but common legal custom in ancient Near Eastern societies, particularly within the Persian Empire. This practice, known as **corporate punishment** or **collective responsibility**, meant that the family of a condemned individual, especially in cases of treason or severe crimes against the king or state, could share in their punishment. This was intended to deter future offenses by emphasizing the severe consequences for the entire lineage and to eradicate any potential future threats from the family line. It underscored the absolute authority of the monarch and the gravity of undermining royal decrees or authority, which in this case was intertwined with an offense against God's servant.
* **Key Themes:** The events of Daniel 6:24 contribute significantly to several major themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **Divine Justice and Retribution**, where the wicked fall into the very pit they dug for others, as seen in [Psalm 7:15](/psalm/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit") and [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall Into It"). This verse vividly illustrates God's active role in judging evil and executing justice. Closely related is the **Vindication of the Righteous**, as Daniel's miraculous preservation is immediately followed by the swift punishment of his enemies, powerfully demonstrating God's protective hand over His faithful servant. This narrative reinforces that God defends those who honor Him, even in the face of grave danger and false accusation, echoing the principle found in [Psalm 37:32-33](/psalm/37-32 "Psalm 37:32-33 - The Wicked Watch the Righteous, But God Delivers Them"). Finally, the verse underscores the severe **Consequences of Malice and Envy**, highlighting how the accusers' actions, driven by jealousy of Daniel's favor with King Darius and his unwavering devotion to God (as established in [Daniel 6:4](/daniel/6-4 "Daniel 6:4 - Daniel's Blameless Character")), ultimately led to their own catastrophic demise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **den (Aramaic, _gôb'_):** This term refers to a "pit (for wild animals) (as cut out)." In the context of Daniel 6, it specifically denotes the deep, excavated chamber where lions were kept, serving as a place of execution. The use of this specific term emphasizes the intended purpose of the pit as a place of certain death, making Daniel's deliverance all the more miraculous and the accusers' fate all the more ironic and fitting.
* **brake to pieces (Aramaic, _dᵉqaq'_):** Meaning "to crumble or (trans.) crush," this word vividly describes the utter and immediate destruction inflicted by the lions upon Daniel's accusers. The intensity of this verb highlights the complete lack of resistance and the overwhelming power of the lions, underscoring the finality and severity of the judgment. It contrasts sharply with the lions' complete passivity towards Daniel, emphasizing a supernatural intervention.
* **children (Aramaic, _bên'_):** Corresponding to the Hebrew "son," this Aramaic term broadly refers to "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense; child, son, young." Its inclusion here is crucial for understanding the ancient Near Eastern practice of corporate punishment, where the entire family unit could be held responsible for the actions of one member, particularly in cases of high treason or crimes against the state. This detail underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment against Daniel's accusers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel,"**: This clause establishes the immediate royal decree and the swift execution of justice. King Darius, having witnessed Daniel's miraculous preservation and now fully aware of the malicious intent behind the accusation, acts decisively. The phrase "those men which had accused Daniel" clearly identifies the recipients of this judgment, emphasizing their direct culpability in the conspiracy.
* **"and they cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives;"**: This part details the specific punishment and its extensive scope. The method of execution—being cast into the lions' den—is a direct and ironic reversal of the fate intended for Daniel. The explicit inclusion of "them, their children, and their wives" highlights the ancient practice of corporate punishment, signifying the complete eradication of the conspirators' lineage and emphasizing the severe societal consequences of their treachery.
* **"and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den."**: This final, graphic clause describes the immediate and overwhelming ferocity of the lions. The phrase "had the mastery of them" (Aramaic _shᵉlêṭ_, "to dominate, govern, permit") indicates the lions' unrestrained power and control over their victims. The vivid description "brake all their bones in pieces" (Aramaic _dᵉqaq_, "to crush") emphasizes the absolute destruction. The chilling detail "or ever they came at the bottom of the den" (Aramaic _lâ' mᵉṭâ' 'ar'îyth_, "not arrived at the bottom") underscores the instantaneous nature of the attack, contrasting sharply with the lions' miraculous passivity towards Daniel. This immediate and complete destruction serves as a powerful testament to divine judgment and the vindication of Daniel.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 6:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is paramount, as the very instrument of intended death for Daniel—the lions' den—becomes the instrument of swift and brutal judgment for his accusers. The conspirators fall into the pit they dug, a classic biblical motif. **Contrast** is also vividly used, juxtaposing Daniel's miraculous, divinely protected survival with the immediate, overwhelming destruction of his enemies, highlighting the stark difference between God's favor and His judgment. The description of the lions' attack uses **Hyperbole** and **Vivid Imagery** ("brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den") to emphasize the extreme and instantaneous nature of their demise, underscoring the completeness of the divine retribution and the absolute power of the lions when unleashed. The lions themselves function as **Symbolism**, serving as agents of divine justice, executing God's righteous judgment against those who opposed His servant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 6:24 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His active intervention in human affairs. It underscores the theological principle that while God may permit trials and suffering for His faithful, He ultimately vindicates His righteous servants and brings judgment upon those who maliciously oppose them. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and that no human plot, however cunning, can thwart His divine purposes. It reinforces the truth that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He will repay, providing comfort to those who suffer injustice and a solemn warning to those who contemplate evil. The swiftness and totality of the judgment also speak to the severity of sin, particularly that which targets the innocent and seeks to undermine divine truth.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and Recompense")
* [Psalm 9:15-16](/psalm/9-15 "Psalm 9:15-16 - The Nations Have Sunk in the Pit They Made")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Beloved, Never Avenge Yourselves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 6:24 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It encourages unwavering faithfulness in the face of adversity, reminding us that God is our ultimate defender and vindicator, even when circumstances seem dire. While we may not always witness immediate, visible retribution for injustice in our lives, this passage assures us of God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to perfect justice in His timing. It calls us to trust in His righteous character and to resist the temptation to take vengeance into our own hands. Furthermore, the fate of Daniel's accusers serves as a solemn warning against malice, envy, and plotting against others. It reminds us that such actions, rooted in sin, ultimately lead to self-destruction and divine judgment. Our calling is to pursue righteousness, extend grace, and leave the scales of justice in the hands of the Almighty, knowing that He sees all and will ultimately set all things right.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift and severe judgment in Daniel 6:24 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice in a world where evil often seems to go unpunished?**
* **In what ways might the principle of "corporate punishment" in ancient times inform our understanding of the ripple effects of sin within communities or families today, even if the legal practice is no longer applicable?**
* **How can the contrast between Daniel's deliverance and his accusers' fate strengthen your faith to remain steadfast when facing false accusations or opposition for your faith?**
* **What practical steps can you take to guard your heart against envy, malice, or the temptation to plot against others, especially when you feel wronged?**

### FAQ
**Why were the children and wives of the accusers also punished?**

Answer: The inclusion of the children and wives in the punishment reflects a common, albeit harsh, legal practice in the ancient Near East, particularly within the Persian Empire, known as corporate punishment or collective responsibility. In cases of severe crimes, especially treason or offenses against the king, the entire family unit could be held accountable for the actions of one member. This was intended to serve as a powerful deterrent and to completely eradicate any potential future threats from the lineage of the condemned, emphasizing the gravity of the transgression against royal authority and societal order. While this practice is morally challenging from a modern perspective, it highlights the absolute nature of justice and retribution in that historical context, underscoring the profound consequences of the accusers' malicious plot against Daniel and the king.

**Does Daniel 6:24 imply that God always brings immediate and visible judgment upon the wicked?**

Answer: While Daniel 6:24 provides a dramatic example of immediate divine retribution, it does not imply that God always acts with such visible swiftness in every instance of wickedness. The Bible presents a nuanced view of divine justice, where judgment can be immediate (as here), delayed for a season, or reserved for a final, eschatological reckoning. This particular event serves as a powerful, singular demonstration of God's sovereignty and His direct intervention to vindicate His faithful servant and uphold His name. It assures believers that God is ultimately just and will right all wrongs, even if the timing of that justice is not always apparent to human eyes. We are called to trust in God's perfect timing and His ultimate plan for justice, as seen in passages like [2 Peter 3:8-9](/2_peter/3-8 "2 Peter 3:8-9 - The Lord Is Not Slow to Fulfill His Promise").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 6:24, with its stark portrayal of divine justice and the vindication of the righteous, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Daniel's miraculous deliverance from the jaws of death foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and the grave. Just as Daniel was an innocent man condemned by malicious accusers, so too was Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), unjustly accused and condemned by those who envied His light and truth. However, while Daniel was delivered from the den, Christ willingly entered the "den" of death, only to emerge victorious through His resurrection, thereby disarming the spiritual accusers and powers of darkness (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Disarming the Rulers and Authorities")). The swift and complete judgment upon Daniel's accusers points forward to Christ as the ultimate Judge, who will one day execute perfect justice, casting down all evil and every enemy of God (see [Revelation 20:10-15](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10-15 - The Final Judgment")). In Christ, we see the full measure of God's justice against sin and His glorious vindication of all who are righteous through faith in Him, assuring us that though evil may seem to triumph for a season, its ultimate defeat is certain through the power of our 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

Esther 7:10

So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

Isaiah 38:13

I reckoned till morning, [that], as a lion, so will he break all my bones: from day [even] to night wilt thou make an end of me.

Psalms 54:5

He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.

Deuteronomy 24:16

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

Esther 9:25

But when [Esther] came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

2 Kings 14:6

But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

Joshua 7:24

And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor.