Daniel 6:4

Translation
King James Version
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Then H116 the presidents H5632 and princes H324 sought H1934 H1156 to find H7912 occasion H5931 against Daniel H1841 concerning H6655 the kingdom H4437; but H3606 they could H3202 find H7912 none H3809 occasion H5931 nor H3809 fault H7844; forasmuch H6903 as he was faithful H540, neither H3809 was there any H3606 error H7960 or fault H7844 found H7912 in him H5922.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The other chiefs and the viceroys tried to find a cause for complaint against Dani'el in regard to how he performed his governing duties, but they could find nothing to complain about, no fault; on the contrary, because he was so faithful, not a single instance of negligence or faulty administration could be found.
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Berean Standard Bible
Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him.
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American Standard Version
Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
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World English Bible Messianic
Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, because he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Wherefore the rulers and gouernours sought an occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdome: but they could finde none occasion nor fault: for he was so faithfull that there was no blame nor fault found in him.
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Young's Literal Translation
Then the presidents and satraps have been seeking to find a cause of complaint against Daniel concerning the kingdom, and any cause of complaint and corruption they are not able to find, because that he is faithful, and any error and corruption have not been found in him.
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See also
1 Peter 3:16Philippians 2:151 Peter 2:12Luke 20:20Luke 23:14Luke 23:15Titus 2:8
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Daniel in Babylon
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In the KJVVerse 21,910 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Daniel 6:4 vividly portrays the intense jealousy and political machinations faced by Daniel, a high-ranking official in the Medo-Persian Empire. Despite the diligent and malicious efforts of his envious colleagues—the presidents and princes—to uncover any legitimate grounds for accusation concerning his administrative duties or personal conduct, they found absolutely no fault, error, or occasion for complaint. This verse powerfully underscores Daniel's unimpeachable integrity and unwavering faithfulness, setting the stage for the subsequent plot against him, which ultimately targeted his religious devotion rather than any professional failing.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Daniel 6:4 is situated immediately after Daniel's exceptional character and administrative prowess have been highlighted. King Darius, recognizing Daniel's "excellent spirit" (as noted in Daniel 6:3), intended to set him over the entire kingdom. This proposed promotion, coupled with Daniel's already elevated status as one of three presidents overseeing 120 satraps, ignited profound envy among the other high-ranking officials. The preceding verses (Daniel 6:1-3) establish the political climate and the direct motivation for the "presidents and princes" to seek a pretext to discredit Daniel, making verse 4 the immediate consequence of their malicious intent and the foundation for the dramatic events that unfold throughout Daniel 6.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: The events of Daniel 6 unfold during the early years of the Medo-Persian Empire, specifically under the reign of Darius the Mede, who is believed to be a satrap or viceroy appointed by Cyrus the Great after the fall of Babylon (referenced in Daniel 5:30-31). The administrative structure described—presidents overseeing princes (satraps)—reflects the vast and complex organization of the Persian Empire, which relied on a hierarchical system of governance. In such a system, political intrigue, power struggles, and attempts to undermine rivals were common, especially when a foreign official like Daniel, a Jew, ascended to such a prominent and trusted position. The cultural expectation of absolute loyalty to the king and the severe consequences for perceived disloyalty or corruption made the search for "occasion" against Daniel a matter of life and death, highlighting the precarious nature of high office in an imperial court.

  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes Unwavering Integrity and Righteousness, showcasing Daniel's blameless character even under intense scrutiny, a testament to his consistent walk with God (as seen throughout the book of Daniel). Secondly, it highlights the destructive nature of Envy and Political Conspiracy, as the "presidents and princes" were driven by jealousy to plot against an innocent man, unable to tolerate his success and favor with the king. This theme is pervasive in narratives of power. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Protection, as Daniel's impeccable record, though a result of his faithfulness, also sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention when the plot inevitably shifts from his professional conduct to his religious devotion, ultimately leading to his deliverance in the lion's den (as detailed later in Daniel 6).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • sought (Aramaic, hâvâʼ', H1934): This word (H1934), combined with H1156 (bᵉʻâʼ), signifies an active and determined search or desire. It indicates that Daniel's adversaries were not merely hoping to stumble upon a fault but were actively and diligently investigating, scrutinizing, and seeking out any possible pretext or accusation against him. Their "seeking" was intentional and driven by a clear agenda to find something to use against Daniel.
  • occasion (Aramaic, ʻillâh', H5931): This term (H5931) refers to a pretext, a fabricated reason, or an artificial charge. It implies that Daniel's adversaries were not seeking genuine wrongdoing but rather a convenient excuse or "handle" to bring an accusation against him. Their search was for a manufactured flaw, not an actual one, highlighting their malicious intent and the absence of any real misconduct on Daniel's part.
  • faithful (Aramaic, ʼăman', H540): This word (H540) carries the sense of being firm, reliable, trustworthy, and steadfast. It speaks to Daniel's unwavering loyalty and dependability, not only to God but also in his duties as a public servant. His faithfulness was the direct reason why his adversaries could find no legitimate "error or fault" in him; his character was unassailable, built upon a foundation of integrity and devotion.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom;": This clause reveals the malicious intent and specific target of Daniel's colleagues. Driven by envy and a desire to remove him from his position of authority, the high-ranking officials actively "sought" (H1934, H1156 - to seek, desire) to discover a "pretext" (H5931 - occasion) that they could use as a basis for accusation against Daniel, particularly regarding his administration of the kingdom's affairs. Their search was deliberate and focused on undermining his governmental role, demonstrating the political intrigue prevalent in the empire.
  • "but they could find none occasion nor fault;": This pivotal clause highlights the utter failure of their malicious investigation. Despite their concerted efforts and the high stakes involved, they were completely unable (H3202 - to be able) to uncover any legitimate "pretext" (H5931 - occasion) or "corruption" (H7844 - fault) in Daniel's conduct. The use of "none" (H3809 - not, no) emphasizes the absolute absence of any wrongdoing, testifying to the meticulousness of their search and, more importantly, the absolute integrity of Daniel.
  • "forasmuch as he [was] faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.": This final clause provides the reason for their failure and serves as a powerful commendation of Daniel's character. His "faithfulness" (H540 - reliable, trustworthy), rooted in his devotion to God, was the impenetrable shield against their accusations. The repetition and emphatic declaration that "neither was there any error (H7960 - a fault, slip) or fault (H7844 - corruption) found in him" underscores the completeness of his blamelessness, both in moral character and administrative competence, leaving no legitimate grounds for their conspiracy.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several powerful literary devices. Irony is prominent, as the very individuals attempting to expose Daniel's flaws inadvertently highlight his impeccable character. Their diligent search, intended to find fault, instead serves to confirm his blamelessness, making their subsequent actions appear even more unjust and desperate. Repetition of the terms "occasion" and "fault" (or "error") emphasizes the thoroughness of their failed investigation and the absolute absence of any legitimate grounds for accusation against Daniel. This reiteration underscores his unimpeachable integrity. Furthermore, there is a strong Contrast between the malicious, conspiratorial intent of the presidents and princes and Daniel's unwavering, unblemished faithfulness. This stark juxtaposition elevates Daniel's moral standing and exposes the depravity of his adversaries. The verse also serves as a subtle Foreshadowing, as the inability to find professional or moral fault will force Daniel's enemies to resort to a religious charge, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation in the lion's den and God's miraculous intervention.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Daniel 6:4 serves as a profound testament to the biblical principle that genuine faithfulness to God often manifests in impeccable integrity in all areas of life, including professional and public service. Daniel's blamelessness reflects a life lived in conscious obedience to God, demonstrating that true spirituality is not confined to religious rituals but permeates one's entire conduct. His steadfast character, which left no room for legitimate accusation, stands as a model for believers called to live honorably in a fallen world, even when surrounded by hostility and envy. This narrative also underscores the reality that righteousness can provoke opposition from those who are unrighteous, yet God ultimately vindicates His faithful servants.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Daniel 6:4 offers a powerful challenge and encouragement for believers today. Daniel's life demonstrates that our commitment to God should translate into a life of such integrity and excellence that even our detractors struggle to find legitimate fault. This calls us to a high standard of ethical conduct in our workplaces, communities, and personal lives, understanding that our actions can either commend or compromise our witness for Christ. When faced with unfair criticism, jealousy, or attempts to discredit us, Daniel's example reminds us that our primary allegiance is to God, and our faithfulness to Him is our ultimate defense. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign protection and vindication, knowing that He sees our integrity and will ultimately expose the truth. Living with such blamelessness may not prevent opposition, but it ensures that any opposition is rooted in malice rather than our own failings, setting the stage for God to display His power and glory through our steadfastness.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of my life—professional, personal, or public—am I called to demonstrate Daniel-like integrity?
  • How does Daniel's blamelessness challenge my own approach to work and responsibilities, especially when no one is watching?
  • What is my typical response when I face unfair criticism or jealousy, and how can Daniel's example inform my reaction to seek God's vindication rather than my own?

FAQ

Why were the presidents and princes unable to find fault with Daniel?

Answer: The presidents and princes were unable to find fault with Daniel primarily because of his unwavering integrity and faithfulness. Daniel was a man of exceptional character, deeply devoted to God, which translated into scrupulous honesty and diligence in his administrative duties. He served King Darius with complete loyalty and competence, ensuring that there was no corruption, negligence, or error in his work concerning the kingdom. Their thorough search for an "occasion" or "fault" yielded nothing because Daniel's conduct was genuinely blameless, leaving them no legitimate grounds for accusation. His faithfulness (H540, ʼăman') was so complete that they could only resort to plotting against his religious practices, as seen later in Daniel 6:5.

What does "occasion" mean in this context?

Answer: In Daniel 6:4, the word "occasion" (Aramaic, H5931, ʻillâh') refers to a pretext, a false charge, or a fabricated reason to accuse someone. It implies that Daniel's adversaries were not seeking genuine wrongdoing on his part, but rather a convenient excuse or a manufactured opportunity to bring him down. They desired a "handle" or a "loophole" to attack his position and reputation, even if it meant inventing a reason. This highlights the malicious and unjust nature of their pursuit, as they were not interested in justice but in removal, reflecting the corrupt nature of their scheme.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Daniel's unimpeachable integrity and the inability of his adversaries to find any legitimate fault in him serve as a powerful Old Testament shadow of the perfect, sinless life of Jesus Christ. While Daniel was a faithful servant, his blamelessness was still that of a fallen man striving for righteousness, albeit remarkably successful. Jesus, however, was the truly spotless Lamb of God, who "committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth" (1 Peter 2:22). Like Daniel, Jesus faced intense scrutiny and malicious accusations from religious and political leaders who sought to find "occasion" against Him concerning His kingdom, yet they could find no genuine fault in His character or conduct (John 8:46). His life was perfectly aligned with God's will, even under the most severe temptation (Hebrews 4:15). Daniel's vindication in the lion's den, where God shut the mouths of the lions, foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over death and the grave, demonstrating God's perfect vindication of His perfectly righteous Son through the resurrection. Just as Daniel's faithfulness led to his preservation, Christ's perfect obedience and sinless sacrifice became the means of salvation and eternal vindication for all who believe, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan to make us righteous in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).

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Commentary on Daniel 6 verses 1–5

We are told concerning Daniel,

I. What a great man he was. When Darius, upon his accession to the crown of Babylon by conquest, new-modelled the government, he made Daniel prime-minister of state, set him at the helm, and made him first commissioner both of the treasury and of the great seal. Darius's dominion was very large; all he got by his conquests and acquests was that he had so many more countries to take care of; no more can be expected from himself than what one man can do, and therefore others must be employed under him. He set over the kingdom 120 princes (Dan 6:1), and appointed them their districts, in which they were to administer justice, preserve the public peace, and levy the king's revenue. Note, Inferior magistrates are ministers of God to us for good as well as the sovereign; and therefore we must submit ourselves both to the king as supreme and to the governors that are constituted and commissioned by him, Pe1 2:13, Pe1 2:14. Over these princes there was a triumvirate, or three presidents, who were to take and state the public accounts, to receive appeals from the princes, or complaints against them in case of mal-administration, that the king should have no damage (Dan 6:2), that he should not sustain loss in his revenue and that the power he delegated to the princes might not be abused to the oppression of the subject, for by that the king (whether he thinks so or no) receives real damage, both as it alienates the affections of his people from him and as it provokes the displeasure of his God against him. Of these three Daniel was chief, because he was found to go beyond them all in all manner of princely qualifications. He was preferred above the presidents and princes (Dan 6:3), and so wonderfully well pleased the king was with his management that he thought to set him over the whole realm, and let him place and displace at his pleasure. Now, 1. We must take notice of it to the praise of Darius that he would prefer a man thus purely for his personal merit, and his fitness for business; and those sovereigns that would be well served must go by that rule. Daniel had been a great man in the kingdom that was conquered, and for that reason, one would think, should have been looked upon as an enemy, and as such imprisoned or banished. He was a native of a foreign kingdom, and a ruined one, and upon that account might have been despised as a stranger and captive. But, Darius, it seems, was very quick-sighted in judging of men's capacities, and was soon aware that this Daniel had something extraordinary in him, and therefore, though no doubt he had creatures of his own, not a few, that expected preferment in this newly-conquered kingdom, and were gaping for it, and those that had been long his confidants would depend upon it that they should be now his presidents, yet so well did he consult the public welfare that, finding Daniel to excel them all in prudence and virtue, and probably having heard of his being divinely inspired, he made him his right hand. 2. We must take notice of it, to the glory of God, that, though Daniel was now very old (it was above seventy years since he was brought a captive to Babylon), yet he was as able as ever for business both in body and mind, and that he who had continued faithful to his religion through all the temptations of the foregoing reigns in a new government was as much respected as ever. He kept in by being an oak, not by being a willow, by a constancy in virtue, not by a pliableness to vice. Such honesty is the best policy, for it secures a reputation; and those who thus honour God he will honour.

II. What a good man he was: An excellent spirit was in him, Dan 6:3. And he was faithful to every trust, dealt fairly between the sovereign and the subject, and took care that neither should be wronged, so that there was no error, or fault, to be found in him, Dan 6:4. He was not only not chargeable with any treachery or dishonesty, but not even with any mistake or indiscretion. He never made any blunder, nor had any occasion to plead inadvertency or forgetfulness for his excuse. This is recorded for an example to all that are in places of public trust to approve themselves both careful and conscientious, that they may be free, not only from fault, but from error, not only from crime, but from mistake.

III. What ill-will was borne him, both for his greatness and for his goodness. The presidents and princes envied him because he was advanced above them, and probably hated him because he had a watchful eye upon them and took care they should not wrong the government to enrich themselves. See here, 1. The cause of envy, and that is every thing that is good. Solomon complains of it as a vexation that for every right work a man is envied of his neighbour (Ecc 4:4), that the better a man is the worse he is thought of by his rivals. Daniel is envied because he has a more excellent spirit than his neighbours. 2. The effect of envy, and that is every thing that is bad. Those that envied Daniel sought no less than his ruin. His disgrace would not serve them; it was his death that they desired. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous, but who can stand before envy? Pro 27:4. Daniel's enemies set spies upon him, to observe him in the management of his place; they sought to find occasion against him, something on which to ground an accusation concerning the kingdom, some instance of neglect or partiality, some hasty word spoken, some person borne hard upon, or some necessary business overlooked. And if they could but have found the mote, the mole-hill, of a mistake, it would have been soon improved to the beam, to the mountain, of an unpardonable misdemeanour. But they could find no occasion against him; they owned that they could not. Daniel always acted honestly, and now the more warily, and stood the more upon his guard, because of his observers, Psa 27:11. Note, We have all need to walk circumspectly, because we have many eyes upon us, and some that watch for our halting. Those especially have need to carry their cup even that have it full. They concluded, at length, that they should not find any occasion against him except concerning the law of his God Dan 6:5. It seems then that Daniel kept up the profession of his religion, and held it fast without wavering or shrinking, and yet that was no bar to his preferment; there was no law that required him to be of the king's religion, or incapacitated him to bear office in the state unless he were. It was all one to the king what God he prayed to, so long as he did the business of his place faithfully and well. He was at the king's service usque ad aras - as far as the altars; but there he left him. In this matter therefore his enemies hoped to ensnare him. Quaerendum est crimen laesae religionis ubi majestatis deficit - When treason could not be charged upon him he was accused of impiety. Grotius. Note, It is an excellent thing, and much for the glory of God, when those who profess religion conduct themselves so inoffensively in their whole conversation that their most watchful spiteful enemies may find no occasion of blaming them, save only in the matters of their God, in which they walk according to their consciences. It is observable that, when Daniel's enemies could find no occasion against him concerning the kingdom, they had so much sense of justice left that they did not suborn witnesses against him to accuse him of crimes he was innocent of, and to swear treason upon him, wherein they shame many that were called Jews and are called Christians.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, CHAPTER SIX
Verses 3, 4. "Moreover the king was planning to set Daniel over the whole realm. Consequently the princes and satraps sought an opportunity to find out something against Daniel as touching the king..." Instead of "princes" - the rendering used by Symmachus - Theodotion translated it as taktikoi, and Aquila as synektikoi. And when I inquired as to who these tacticians or liaison princes might be, I read it more clearly specified in the Septuagint, which renders: "...and the two men whom the king had appointed with Daniel, and also the one hundred twenty satraps." And so it was the fact that the king was planning to appoint Daniel as chief ruler even over the two princes who had been associated with him in a triumvirate that gave rise to the envy and intrigue. They sought an opportunity to find out something against Daniel as touching the king. And in this passage the Jews have ventured some such deduction as this: the side of the king is tantamount to the queen or his concubines and other wives who slept at his side. And so they were seeking for a pretext in things of this sort, to see whether they could accuse Daniel of wrong in his speech or touch or movements of his head or any of his sensory organs. But, say the Jews, they could find no cause for suspicion whatsoever. Since he was a eunuch, they could not even accuse him on the score of lewdness. This interpretation was made by those, who make a practice of fabricating long tales on the pretext of a single word. I myself would simply interpret this as meaning that they were unable to discover any pretext of accusation against him in any matter in which he had injured the king, for the simple reason that he was a faithful man and no suspicion of blame was discoverable in him. Instead of "suspicion" Theodotion and Aquila have rendered "offense" (amblakema), which is essaitha in the Chaldee. And when I asked a Jew for the meaning of this word, he replied that the basic significance of it was "snare," and we may render it as a "lure" or sphalma, that is, a "mistake." Furthermore Euripides in his "Medea" equates the word amplakiai (spelling it with a p instead of a b) to hamartiai, that is to say, "sins."
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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