Daniel 6:27

KJV

He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

KJV (with Strong's)

He delivereth {H7804} and rescueth {H5338}, and he worketh {H5648} signs {H852} and wonders {H8540} in heaven {H8065} and in earth {H772}, who hath delivered {H7804} Daniel {H1841} from {H4481} the power {H3028} of the lions {H744}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He saves, rescues, does signs and wonders both in heaven and on earth. He delivered Dani'el from the power of the lions."

Berean Standard Bible

He delivers and rescues; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”

American Standard Version

He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 6:27 is King Darius's profound declaration, acknowledging the supreme power and active intervention of Daniel's God. Following Daniel's miraculous deliverance from the lions' den, Darius proclaims that God is the one who consistently delivers and rescues, performing extraordinary signs and wonders both in heaven and on earth, culminating in the specific and undeniable rescue of Daniel from the jaws of death. This royal decree serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to vindicate His faithful servant, compelling even a pagan monarch to recognize His unparalleled might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic declaration from King Darius, immediately following the miraculous event of Daniel's deliverance from the lions' den. The narrative in [Daniel 6](/daniel/6 "Daniel 6 - Daniel in the Lions' Den") begins with Daniel's exemplary service under Darius, which incites jealousy among other satraps and administrators. They conspire against Daniel, exploiting his unwavering devotion to God by crafting an unchangeable royal decree forbidding prayer to any god or man other than the king for thirty days ([Daniel 6:7](/daniel/6-7 "Daniel 6:7 - The King's Decree")). Despite knowing the decree, Daniel continues his daily prayers, leading to his condemnation and placement in the lions' den. Darius, though distressed, is bound by his own law. However, God intervenes by sending an angel to shut the lions' mouths ([Daniel 6:22](/daniel/6-22 "Daniel 6:22 - God Shuts the Lions' Mouths")). Upon discovering Daniel unharmed the next morning, Darius is overwhelmed and immediately orders Daniel's accusers and their families to be thrown into the den, where they are instantly devoured. This dramatic sequence culminates in Darius's decree in Daniel 6:25-27, which praises Daniel's God and commands reverence for Him throughout his kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Daniel is set during the Babylonian and Persian empires. King Darius, mentioned here, is often identified as "Darius the Mede," a figure likely representing a viceroy or administrative ruler under Cyrus the Great, who conquered Babylon in 539 BC. The Medo-Persian legal system was renowned for its immutability; once a decree was signed by the king and sealed, it could not be altered ([Daniel 6:8](/daniel/6-8 "Daniel 6:8 - The Law of the Medes and Persians")). This legal rigidity highlights the extraordinary nature of God's intervention, as it directly circumvented a law that even the king could not undo. Lions were common in the ancient Near East and often used in royal hunts or as symbols of power. Dens for criminals or wild animals were known. The Aramaic language of this portion of Daniel (chapters 2-7) reflects the lingua franca of the Persian Empire, making Darius's decree understandable across his vast, multi-ethnic domain, emphasizing the universal scope of his declaration about Daniel's God.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 6:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **God's absolute sovereignty** over human rulers and earthly powers. Even a pagan king is compelled to acknowledge and declare the supremacy of the God of Israel. Secondly, it exemplifies the theme of **divine deliverance and protection** for those who remain faithful under persecution. Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even unto death, is met with miraculous intervention, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **universal proclamation of God's glory**. Through the extraordinary events surrounding Daniel, God's name and power are made known not just within Israel, but among the Gentiles, fulfilling a broader missional purpose. This theme resonates with other instances in Daniel where pagan kings, like Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 4:34-37](/daniel/4-34-37 "Daniel 4:34-37 - Nebuchadnezzar's Praise to God"), are brought to acknowledge the Most High God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivereth (Aramaic, _shᵉzab'_):** This Aramaic verb (H7804), corresponding to the Hebrew `ʻazab`, means "to leave" or, in its causative form, "to free." In this context, it denotes God's active, powerful act of setting someone free from a perilous situation. It implies a forceful and decisive liberation, not merely a passive allowance of escape, but a direct intervention to ensure safety.
* **rescueth (Aramaic, _nᵉtsal'_):** The Aramaic verb (H5338), corresponding to the Hebrew `natsal`, carries the meaning "to extricate" or "to snatch away." It emphasizes the urgency and immediacy of God's saving action, pulling someone out of danger's grasp. Paired with "delivereth," it forms a strong hendiadys, underscoring the comprehensive and complete nature of God's salvation.
* **signs (Aramaic, _ʼâth'_):** This Aramaic noun (H852), corresponding to the Hebrew `'oth`, refers to a "portent" or a "miraculous sign." These are not mere coincidences but divinely orchestrated events that serve as undeniable evidence of God's power, presence, and purpose. They are intended to capture attention and convey a message about the nature and authority of the one performing them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He delivereth and rescueth":** This opening phrase immediately establishes God's core character as an active, intervening deity. The dual verbs emphasize the comprehensive nature of His saving power – He frees from bondage and snatches from danger. It speaks to His capacity to act decisively in human affairs, especially on behalf of His faithful.
* **"and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth":** This clause expands on God's power, declaring His universal dominion. "Signs and wonders" are miraculous acts that defy natural explanation, demonstrating God's supernatural control over all creation, both celestial ("in heaven") and terrestrial ("in earth"). It asserts that God's power is not limited to specific locations or circumstances but is operative everywhere, at all times.
* **"who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions":** This final clause provides the irrefutable, concrete evidence for the preceding claims. The general declarations of God's delivering power and ability to perform miracles are substantiated by the specific, recent, and undeniable event witnessed by King Darius himself. It highlights the direct application of God's universal power to a particular, desperate situation, demonstrating His personal care for His servant. "From the power of the lions" (H3028, _yad_, meaning "hand" or "power") emphasizes the complete removal of Daniel from the destructive capability of the beasts.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 6:27 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The use of **Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "delivereth and rescueth," which emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's salvation. Similarly, "signs and wonders" and "in heaven and in earth" employ parallelism to convey the breadth and scope of God's miraculous activity. There is a powerful element of **Testimony**, as the declaration comes from a pagan king, lending an undeniable credibility and universality to the praise of God. The phrase "in heaven and in earth" also functions as **Hyperbole**, underscoring the boundless and unrestricted nature of God's power and influence. Finally, the entire passage is a testament to **Divine Irony**, where the very decree intended to destroy Daniel ultimately serves as the catalyst for a pagan king to issue a decree proclaiming the greatness of Daniel's God throughout his vast empire.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 6:27 stands as a profound theological statement on the character of God, affirming His active sovereignty, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, and His unparalleled power to intervene in the natural order. It reveals a God who is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, capable of overturning the most rigid human laws and delivering His servants from seemingly inescapable doom. This passage underscores that God's glory is not confined to a single nation but is powerfully displayed to the nations, compelling even those outside the covenant to acknowledge His supreme authority. It is a testament to the fact that God uses the faithfulness of His people, even in their suffering, as a means to reveal His power and draw others to Himself.

* [Daniel 3:28](/daniel/3-28 "Daniel 3:28 - Deliverance from the Fiery Furnace")
* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")
* [Isaiah 45:5-6](/isaiah/45-5-6 "Isaiah 45:5-6 - God's Sovereignty Over Cyrus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 6:27 offers immense encouragement and a powerful call to faith for believers today. It reminds us that no circumstance, no human decree, and no "lions' den" is too formidable for our God. When we face our own trials—whether they are professional pressures, health crises, relational conflicts, or spiritual battles—this verse assures us that the same God who delivered Daniel is still active and powerful. Our faithfulness in the face of adversity, much like Daniel's, can become a profound testimony to those around us, even compelling unbelievers to acknowledge God's reality and power. This passage challenges us to trust God's sovereignty even when His methods are mysterious and His deliverance seems improbable, knowing that His ultimate purpose is to bring glory to His name through our lives. It calls us to live with integrity and prayerful dependence, confident that our God "delivereth and rescueth."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lions' dens" am I currently facing in my life, and how does Daniel 6:27 encourage me in these situations?**
* **How might my faithfulness in difficult circumstances serve as a testimony to God's power for those who do not yet believe?**
* **In what ways have I seen God "work signs and wonders" in my own life or in the lives of others?**
* **How does Daniel's unwavering prayer life in the face of death challenge my own commitment to prayer?**

### FAQ
**Why is King Darius, a pagan king, making such a declaration about the God of Daniel?**

Answer: King Darius's declaration is a direct result of witnessing an undeniable and profound miracle. Despite being a pagan ruler, he was confronted with irrefutable evidence of God's power when Daniel emerged unharmed from the lions' den, a situation that by all natural laws should have resulted in his death. Furthermore, the subsequent fate of Daniel's accusers, who were immediately devoured by the same lions, served as a stark contrast and further proof of divine intervention. Darius, though initially distressed by his own decree, was compelled by these supernatural events to acknowledge the supreme authority of Daniel's God. This highlights God's ability to use even pagan rulers and extraordinary circumstances to reveal His glory and establish His name among the nations, as seen in other instances like Pharaoh's experience in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Power Displayed to Pharaoh").

**What is the significance of "signs and wonders" in this verse and throughout the Bible?**

Answer: The phrase "signs and wonders" (Aramaic _ʼâthîn wəṯimhayyā_) refers to extraordinary, miraculous events that serve as undeniable evidence of divine power and presence. In Daniel 6:27, Darius attributes these acts to Daniel's God, acknowledging His supernatural control over creation and His ability to transcend natural laws. Throughout the Bible, signs and wonders are often used by God to authenticate His messengers, confirm His word, demonstrate His sovereignty, and call people to repentance and faith. Examples include the plagues in Egypt ([Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "Exodus 7:3 - Plagues as Signs and Wonders")), the miracles performed by Elijah and Elisha, and most significantly, the miracles of Jesus Christ, which testified to His divine identity and mission ([John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of Jesus' Signs")). They are not merely displays of power but purposeful acts designed to reveal God's character and advance His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 6:27, King Darius's declaration of God's delivering power, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Daniel's physical deliverance from the lions was a powerful "sign and wonder" demonstrating God's ability to rescue from death, Christ's resurrection is the supreme act of deliverance, rescuing humanity from the ultimate "power of the lions"—the power of sin and death itself. Jesus is the ultimate "sign and wonder" God has worked in heaven and on earth, His life, miracles, death, and resurrection serving as the irrefutable proof of God's saving power ([Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus, a Man Attested by God")). Just as Daniel was found blameless before God and delivered, so too is Christ the perfectly righteous one, whose sacrifice delivers all who believe from condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Through His atoning work, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), delivers us from the spiritual "power of the lions" that seeks to devour our souls, granting us eternal life and true freedom ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")). Thus, Daniel's rescue foreshadows the greater, spiritual rescue offered to all humanity through faith in Christ, the ultimate Deliverer and Rescuer.

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 4:2

I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.

Daniel 4:3

How great [are] his signs! and how mighty [are] his wonders! his kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion [is] from generation to generation.

Psalms 97:10

Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Acts 4:30

By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

Psalms 18:50

Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

Psalms 32:7

¶ Thou [art] my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Luke 1:74

That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,