Daniel in the Lions' Den
Daniel 6:1-28
Dan.6.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודריוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדיא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קבל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מלכותא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שנין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שתין: NUM,card
- ותרתין: CONJ+NUM,card
Parallels
- Daniel 5:31 (verbal): Direct repetition of the claim that Darius the Mede received the kingdom (same event and nearly identical wording).
- Daniel 5:30 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Belshazzar's death 'that night' leads directly to Darius taking the kingdom.
- Daniel 6:2 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode describing how Darius organized his administration after receiving the kingdom.
- Isaiah 45:1 (thematic): Theological parallel of God raising a foreign ruler (Cyrus) to exercise authority—similar motif of divine control over imperial succession.
- Ezra 1:1 (thematic): Contextual parallel in the Persian-period transition: a foreign king (Cyrus) exercising royal authority and initiating policies that mark the new imperial order.
Alternative generated candidates
- Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.
- Darius the Mede received the kingdom; he was about sixty-two years old.
Dan.6.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שפר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- דריוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והקים: VERB,hif,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- מלכותא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לאחשדרפניא: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- ועשרין: CONJ+NUM,card,pl
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להון: PREP+PRON,3,pl
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכותא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Daniel 5:31 (structural): Immediate narrative link—introduces Darius as king whose reign provides the context for appointing officials (sets up 6:2).
- Daniel 2:48 (verbal): Both verses describe royal appointments and the organization of provincial governance (king promotes Daniel and makes him ruler/sets officials over the kingdom).
- Genesis 41:41-43 (thematic): Joseph is exalted and set over Egypt with officials placed under him—parallel theme of a ruler delegating authority across a kingdom through appointed administrators.
- 1 Kings 4:7 (structural): Solomon appoints officers over the land to provide for the king's household—another example of centralized authority delegating regional officials to manage a realm.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king planned and set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps to rule throughout the whole realm,
- It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps to be throughout the whole kingdom,
Dan.6.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועלא: PREP
- מנהון: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- סרכין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תלתא: NUM,card
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מנהון: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להון: PREP+PRON,3,pl
- אחשדרפניא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלין: VERB,qal,imf,1,c,sg
- יהבין: VERB,peal,impf,3,m,pl
- להון: PREP+PRON,3,pl
- טעמא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומלכא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- להוא: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- נזק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Dan.2.48 (structural): Same narrative pattern: after God-given wisdom is displayed, the king elevates Daniel to high office over the realm.
- Dan.5.29 (structural): Parallel promotion-language and outcome—Daniel is honored and set over the kingdom following a demonstration of divine insight.
- Gen.41.39-41 (thematic): Joseph is raised by Pharaoh to rule Egypt because of his ability to interpret dreams — a rise to power tied to God‑given wisdom.
- Exod.18.21 (thematic): Instruction to appoint able, God‑fearing men to office; parallels the principle of selecting competent officials for administration.
- Prov.22.29 (thematic): A proverb linking skill/excellence with standing before rulers echoes Daniel’s advancement due to an 'excellent spirit.'
Alternative generated candidates
- and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; now this Daniel was outstanding above the presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king intended to set him over the whole realm.
- and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; and these gave account to them so that the king might have no loss.
Dan.6.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אדין: ADV
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- מתנצח: VERB,hitpael,ptc,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- סרכיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואחשדרפניא: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כל: DET
- קבל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יתירא: ADV
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ומלכא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- עשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- להקמותה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- מלכותא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Daniel 6:3 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter: repeats that Daniel had an excellent/spiritually gifted spirit and that the king intended to set him over the realm.
- Daniel 2:48 (verbal): Earlier account of Daniel's promotion—language about the king making Daniel great and setting him over the whole kingdom echoes the wording and theme of elevation in 6:4.
- Daniel 5:11 (verbal): Court testimony under Belshazzar praises Daniel as a man ‘in whom is the spirit of the holy gods,’ reflecting the same motif of a distinctive divine or excellent spirit as the basis for promotion.
- Genesis 41:38-41 (thematic): Joseph is similarly identified as a man with God's spirit/wisdom and is appointed as second-in-command over Egypt—parallel motif of a foreign young man elevated to high office because of divine favor and ability.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the presidents and satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, forasmuch as he was faithful; neither was there any error or corruption found in him.
- Now Daniel distinguished himself above the presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king planned to set him over the whole realm.
Dan.6.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אדין: ADV
- סרכיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואחשדרפניא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בעין: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להשכחה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לדניאל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- מצד: PREP
- מלכותא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ושחיתה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יכלין: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- להשכחה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- קבל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מהימן: ADJ,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- שלו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ושחיתה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- השתכחת: VERB,hithp,perf,3,f,sg
- עלוהי: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Dan.6.4 (verbal): Immediate context: the same observation that the presidents and satraps could find no corruption or fault in Daniel—repetition of wording and legal charge motif.
- Gen.39:7-12 (thematic): Joseph is falsely accused after resisting temptation; like Daniel, he is the target of entrapment yet shown to be without fault.
- Job 1:8 (cf. 2:3) (thematic): God's verdict that Job is blameless and upright parallels the depiction of Daniel as faithful and without error amid tests and accusations.
- Phil.2:15 (thematic): Calls believers to be blameless and pure in a crooked generation—echoes the theme of exemplary, faultless conduct under hostile circumstances.
Alternative generated candidates
- And these men said, "We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, unless we find it concerning the law of his God."
- Then the presidents and satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, for he was faithful; neither was there any error or fault found in him.
Dan.6.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אדין: ADV
- גבריא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלך: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- אמרין: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- נהשכח: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- לדניאל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- דנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- עלא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- להן: PREP+PRON,3,f,pl
- השכחנה: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,pl
- עלוהי: PREP,3,m,sg
- בדת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg
- אלהה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Dan.6.4 (structural): Same episode: the officials search for corruption and explicitly cannot find any fault in Daniel—same narrative claim of innocence.
- Dan.1.8 (thematic): Daniel's earlier resolution not to defile himself demonstrates consistent integrity and faithfulness that underlies why no charge could be proven.
- Dan.3.16-18 (thematic): Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's refusal to bow to the king's image parallels the theme of faithful obedience to God amid hostile officials seeking compliance or grounds for accusation.
- John 18:38 (verbal): Pilate's statement that he finds no basis/charge against Jesus parallels the motif of authorities unable to establish fault against an innocent, God‑loyal figure.
- Psalm 26:1-2 (thematic): The psalmist's claim of integrity and appeal for vindication echoes Daniel's innocence in the face of attempts to find wrongdoing.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the presidents and satraps went together to the king and said thus to him: "O king Darius, live forever!
- Then these men said, “We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”
Dan.6.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אדין: ADV
- סרכיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואחשדרפניא: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלן: DEM,pl
- הרגשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכן: ADV
- אמרין: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- דריוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעלמין: PREP
- חיי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
Parallels
- Dan.6.6 (verbal): The same court-formula "O king, Darius, live forever" (׳May the king live forever׳) is used earlier in the plot to induce the king to issue the decree; a near-quotation/repetition.
- Dan.6.2 (structural): Introduces the same group of officials (satraps/prefects/governors) and the court context from which the conspirators in 6:7 emerge—parallel social setting and power dynamics.
- 1 Kings 1:30 (thematic): Royal acclamation formula ("May the king live forever" / "Long live the king") used at Solomon’s accession—same courtly idiom of flattering/official salutations to a monarch.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counsellors and governors, have consulted together to make a firm decree, and to establish a statute that whoever makes petition to any god or man within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.
- Then these presidents and satraps assembled together to the king, and said thus to Darius the king, “O king, live forever.”
Dan.6.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אתיעטו: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,pl
- כל: DET
- סרכי: NOUN,m,pl,constr
- מלכותא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- סגניא: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואחשדרפניא: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הדבריא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ופחותא: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- לקימה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קים: VERB,qal,inf
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולתקפה: CONJ+VERB,qal,inf
- אסר: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יבעה: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- בעו: PREP+PRON,3,ms
- מן: PREP
- כל: DET
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- ואנש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- יומין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תלתין: NUM,m,pl
- להן: PREP+PRON,3,f,pl
- מנך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יתרמא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לגב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אריותא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Dan.3:4-6 (structural): A royal edict punishing religious disobedience (failure to worship the image) with death—parallels the mechanism of an irrevocable law imposing capital punishment for prohibited devotional acts.
- Esth.3:12-13 (verbal): Haman secures a written, sealed royal decree against the Jews that is dispatched throughout the provinces—parallels the motif of a signed/sealed king's decree that cannot be revoked and causes widespread peril.
- Esth.8:5-8 (structural): Shows the royal practice of issuing and sealing official letters with the king's ring and the legal mechanics for addressing an existing decree—illuminates the legal context behind Daniel 6:8's claim that the king's signed law could not be changed.
- Acts 4:18-20 (thematic): Roman/Jewish authorities forbid the apostles from speaking in Jesus' name, yet the apostles continue to pray and preach—echoes the theme of official prohibition of prayer/worship and the tested faithfulness of believers under penalty.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked."
- “All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors and satraps, the counselors and captains have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man within thirty days, except of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.”
Dan.6.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כען: ADV
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תקים: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אסרא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותרשם: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כתבא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- להשניה: PREP+VERB,hiph,inf
- כדת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מדי: PREP
- ופרס: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תעדא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Esther 1:19 (verbal): Explicitly states that a royal decree, once issued, cannot be revoked—language and legal principle parallel Daniel’s ‘law of the Medes and Persians’ that may not be changed.
- Esther 8:8 (verbal): Declares that a document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring may not be reversed—close verbal and legal parallel about the irrevocability of royal decrees.
- Ezra 6:12 (thematic): Contains a punitive formula against anyone who alters a king’s decree (threat to pull out a beam), reflecting the Persian-era concept that royal edicts are fixed and must not be changed.
- Dan.6:25–27 (structural): Immediate chapter parallel where the king issues his own decree recognizing Daniel’s God and establishes a formal proclamation—mirrors the language and procedure of issuing irrevocable royal statutes.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore King Darius signed the writing and the decree.
- Therefore the king wrote and signed the writing, that it should not be changed—for it was the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.
Dan.6.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- קבל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- דנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דריוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כתבא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואסרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Nehemiah 1:4-11 (thematic): Private, intense prayer and fasting over the fate of Jerusalem—Nehemiah’s model of turning to God for the city parallels Daniel’s regular prayers oriented toward Jerusalem.
- Daniel 9:3-4 (thematic): Within the same book: Daniel again seeks God by prayer and supplication for Israel’s restoration, showing the pattern of devoted intercession evident in 6:10.
- Psalm 55:17 (verbal): The psalmist’s thrice-daily cry (evening, morning, and at noon) parallels Daniel’s three-times-daily prayer practice mentioned in 6:10.
- 2 Chronicles 6:32-33 (structural): Solomon’s prayer instructs that those carried into exile should pray toward the temple and be heard—a precedent for praying facing Jerusalem, as Daniel does.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went to his house; and his windows being open in his upper chamber toward Jerusalem, he knelt upon his knees three times a day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.
- When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his upper chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day and prayed, giving thanks before his God, as he had done aforetime.
Dan.6.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודניאל: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- כדי: CONJ
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כתבא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- לביתה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
- וכוין: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- פתיחן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- בעליתה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נגד: PREP
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וזמנין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תלתה: NUM,ord,f,sg
- ביומא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ברך: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA,NA
- על: PREP
- ברכוהי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומצלא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ומודא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אלהה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- קבל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מן: PREP
- קדמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Daniel 6:10 (verbal): Immediate parallel in narrative: Daniel’s habit of praying three times daily and facing Jerusalem is described there (same practice and wording continued into v.11).
- Psalm 55:17 (verbal): Expresses a threefold daily pattern of prayer (‘evening, morning and at noon’), paralleling Daniel’s thrice‑daily devotional routine.
- 1 Kings 8:38-39 (structural): Solomon’s temple‑prayer contemplates people praying toward the temple/from Jerusalem and God’s hearing—structurally comparable to Daniel’s turning toward Jerusalem in prayer.
- Ezra 8:23 (thematic): Ezra calls a fast and prays for protection before a dangerous journey—parallels Daniel’s faithful reliance on prayer and public devotion amid peril.
- Acts 3:1 (thematic): Describes early Christians observing Jewish fixed hours of prayer (‘at the hour of prayer’), showing continuity with Daniel’s regular prayer times.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel praying and seeking mercy before his God.
- Then those men came near and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
Dan.6.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אדין: ADV
- גבריא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלך: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- הרגשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- והשכחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לדניאל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בעא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ומתחנן: VERB,hithp,pres,3,m,sg
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אלהה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Daniel 6:10 (verbal): The immediate narrative context: Daniel's regular practice of praying to God (opening his windows and praying three times a day) that explains why the men found him petitioning.
- Daniel 9:3 (thematic): Daniel’s pattern of seeking God through earnest prayer and fasting—he 'turned to the Lord God, pleading and seeking'—parallels the motif of personal, urgent petition in times of crisis.
- Nehemiah 1:4-11 (thematic): Nehemiah’s immediate, public turning to God in prayer and plea on behalf of his people mirrors Daniel’s posture of kneeling and entreating God when confronted with danger.
- Ezra 8:23 (thematic): Ezra’s fasting and seeking of God for protection and help echoes the reliance on prayer and supplication that characterizes Daniel’s response.
- Acts 12:5 (structural): The early church’s fervent prayer for Peter while he was imprisoned parallels the narrative pattern of believers (or a faithful individual) petitioning God amid political danger and persecution.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they came and spoke before the king concerning the king's decree: "Have you not signed a decree that every man who makes petition within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?" The king answered and said, "The decree stands—according to the law of the Medes and Persians it is a decree which may not be changed."
- So they came and spoke before the king about the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that any man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing is true—according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not change.”
Dan.6.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- באדין: ADV
- קריבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ואמרין: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- אסר: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלא: PART
- אסר: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- רשמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- אנש: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יבעה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מן: PREP
- כל: DET
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- ואנש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- יומין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תלתין: NUM,card
- להן: PREP+PRON,3,f,pl
- מנך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יתרמא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לגוב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אריותא: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יציבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלתא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כדת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מדי: PREP
- ופרס: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תעדא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Dan.6.5 (verbal): Same episode — the officials say they cannot find fault with Daniel except concerning his God; sets up the legal trap that leads to the accusation in 6:13.
- Dan.6.10 (structural): Describes Daniel's continued prayer despite the decree; provides the immediate behavioral contrast that provokes the accusation reported in 6:13.
- Dan.3.8-13 (thematic): Chaldean officials bring charges to King Nebuchadnezzar accusing Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego of refusing to worship the image — a parallel pattern of accusers invoking royal authority to punish religious dissidence.
- Esther 3:8-15 (thematic): Haman persuades King Ahasuerus to issue a royal edict targeting a people; parallels the use of royal decree and courtly manipulation to harm a particular person/group.
- Matt.26:59-61 (allusion): Religious leaders seek false testimony to condemn Jesus before the authorities — parallels the use of manufactured accusations and false witnesses to secure a legal judgment against a righteous figure.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then they answered and said before the king, "That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, pays no regard to you, O king, nor to the decree you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day."
- Then they answered and said before the king concerning Daniel, the Jew: “Daniel, who is one of the children of the captivity of Judah, pays no regard to you, O king, or to the statute which you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”
Dan.6.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- באדין: ADV
- ענו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- ואמרין: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- גלותא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- שם: ADV
- עלך: PREP,2,m,sg
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טעם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- אסרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רשמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וזמנין: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תלתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ביומא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg
- בעא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בעותה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Dan.6.13 (verbal): Immediate antecedent: the officials' accusation against Daniel is stated there — same charge and setting that provokes the king's reaction in 6:14.
- Dan.6.8 (quotation): Gives the crucial legal principle — the law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be changed — which explains why the king, though distressed, cannot reverse the punishment mentioned in 6:14.
- Dan.6.15 (structural): Direct narrative continuation: the king's futile attempt to rescue Daniel culminates in the command to cast him into the lions' den, showing the outcome of the distress described in 6:14.
- Esther 8:8 (thematic): Shows Persian royal administration of written, sealed decrees and the limits/force of legal instruments affecting Jews in the empire — a parallel background to the irrevocable decree motif in Daniel 6.
- Nehemiah 2:7-8 (thematic): Illustrates Persian practice of issuing letters and official permissions concerning Jews in exile; thematically parallels the chapter's focus on sealed royal orders and the legal/administrative context that constrains the king in 6:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the king heard these words, he was greatly displeased with himself and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored until the going down of the sun to rescue him.
- When the king heard these words, he was much displeased with himself and set his mind on Daniel to deliver him; and until the going down of the sun he strove to save him.
Dan.6.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אדין: ADV
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כדי: CONJ
- מלתא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שגיא: ADJ,m,sg
- באש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עלוהי: PREP,3,m,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שם: ADV
- בל: PART
- לשיזבותה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- מעלי: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- שמשא: PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- משתדר: VERB,pres,part,3,m,sg
- להצלותה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Dan.2.1 (verbal): Same motif and near-verbatim phrasing: a king's sleep departs after troubling dreams/events (Nebuchadnezzar’s sleep fled from him).
- Dan.4.5 (verbal): Nebuchadnezzar again reports disturbed sleep because of a vision/dream—parallel language and theme of royal sleeplessness caused by divine revelation or distress.
- Gen.41:1-8 (thematic): Pharaoh’s dreams and the disturbance they cause (and the need for interpretation) echo the motif of a ruler deprived of rest by portentous, divinely-linked events.
- Luke 22:45 (thematic): Sorrow-related sleeplessness: the disciples are found sleeping from grief, paralleling Daniel’s point that emotional distress (love/concern for Daniel) robs the king of sleep.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the men went to the king and said to the king, "Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed."
- Then these men came to the king and said to the king, “Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is that a decree which the king establishes may not be changed.”
Dan.6.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- באדין: ADV
- גבריא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלך: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- הרגשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואמרין: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- למלכא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דע: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למדי: VERB,piel,inf,NA,NA,NA
- ופרס: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- אסר: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- וקים: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהקים: VERB,paal,impf,3,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- להשניה: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Esther 1:19 (quotation): Uses the same legal formula about the law of the Medes and Persians being unchangeable — the motif that a royal decree cannot be revoked.
- Esther 8:8 (verbal): After Haman's decree, the king's authorization is described as irrevocable — 'may no man reverse' — echoing the idea that sealed royal orders stand.
- Daniel 6:8 (verbal): Internal parallel within the same chapter where the officials invoke the Medo‑Persian law's immutability to trap Daniel; repeats the language about a decree that 'may not be changed.'
- Deuteronomy 4:2 (thematic): Expresses the broader legal principle that authoritative commands must not be added to or taken away, thematically resonant with the portrayal of an irrevocable royal statute.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. And the king said to Daniel, "Your God whom you serve continually will deliver you."
- Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you.”
Dan.6.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- באדין: ADV
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והיתיו: VERB,peal,perf,3,pl
- לדניאל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ורמו: VERB,peal,perf,3,m,pl
- לגבא: PREP+NOUN,f,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אריותא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לדניאל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- אלהך: NOUN,m,sg,poss,2,m
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנת: PRON,2,m,sg
- פלח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- בתדירא: PREP+NOUN,f,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ישיזבנך: VERB,peal,imprf,3,m,sg,obj:2,m
Parallels
- Dan.6.22 (verbal): Daniel's claim that God 'sent his angel, and shut the lions' mouths' directly explains how he was kept safe — immediate verbal parallel and narrative continuation.
- Dan.6.23 (structural): The king's subsequent actions to lift Daniel out and punish his accusers form the narrative resolution to the danger introduced in 6:17.
- Ps.22:21 (thematic): Psalmist's plea 'save me from the lion's mouth' uses the image of deliverance from lions to request rescue from mortal danger, paralleling Daniel's deliverance theme.
- 1 Sam.17:34-37 (thematic): David recounts how the LORD delivered him from a lion and a bear when protecting sheep, using rescue from wild beasts as a pattern of divine protection comparable to Daniel's deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- A stone was brought and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.
- A stone was brought and laid upon the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.
Dan.6.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיתית: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,ms
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- חדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושמת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- פם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחתמה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,ms
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעזקתה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובעזקת: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- רברבנוהי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תשנא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- צבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בדניאל: PREP+PN,m,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 27:65-66 (verbal): Pilate orders the tomb made secure by sealing the stone and posting a guard — closely parallels the image of a stone laid on an opening and an official seal to prevent tampering.
- Esther 8:8 (structural): Royal seal/signet makes a written decree irrevocable; parallels the king sealing the den with his signet to ensure the decree concerning Daniel could not be changed.
- Genesis 37:20,24 (thematic): Joseph is cast into a pit by his brothers (stone/ditch imagery and apparent abandonment), a thematic parallel to enclosure in a pit/den and the motif of apparent doom preceding deliverance.
- Jeremiah 38:6-13 (thematic): Jeremiah is thrown into a cistern (pit) and left to perish until rescued — thematically similar motifs of confinement in a pit/den, royal officials’ decisions, and threatened death followed by rescue.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no music was brought before him, and his sleep fled from him.
- Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; neither were instruments of music brought before him, and his sleep fled from him.
Dan.6.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אדין: ADV
- אזל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להיכלה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- טות: NOUN,m,pl,const
- ודחון: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- הנעל: NOUN,f,sg,def
- קדמוהי: PREP+PRON,3,sg
- ושנתה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- נדת: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- עלוהי: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Daniel 6:18 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: the king goes to his palace, spends the night without food or music, and his sleep fails him—the Hebrew wording is essentially repeated/overlaps with 6:19 in some textual traditions.
- Daniel 6:20 (structural): Continues the same narrative: the king’s sleepless night is explained by his anxiety for Daniel and leads directly to his return to the lions’ den—shows the motive and consequence of the sleeplessness in the plot.
- Esther 6:1 (thematic): Ahasuerus cannot sleep at night, which prompts the reading of the chronicles and a chain of events that alters court decisions—parallel motif of a Persian king’s sleepless night producing decisive action.
- 2 Samuel 12:16–17 (thematic): David’s prolonged mourning and refusal of food/sleep over his sick child parallels the motif of fasting and vigil driven by anguish for another person—shared emotional/ritual response (fasting, sleeplessness) to crisis.
Alternative generated candidates
- At break of the morning, the king arose very early and went in haste to the den of lions.
- Then, at break of day, the king arose very early and went in haste to the den of lions.
Dan.6.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- באדין: ADV
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשפרפרא: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יקום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בנגהא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובהתבהלה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לגבא: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אריותא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אזל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Dan.6.22-23 (verbal): Immediate narrative continuation: Daniel explains that God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and Daniel is found unharmed—directly explains the outcome referenced in 6:20.
- Gen.37:24 (structural): Both narratives place a righteous figure into a pit/den (Joseph cast into a pit; Daniel in the lions' den), setting up apparent doom followed by reversal and vindication.
- Acts 12:7-11 (thematic): An angelic rescue from mortal confinement—Peter is supernaturally released from prison—parallels the theme of divine intervention freeing a faithful person from certain death.
- Ps.91:11-12 (thematic): Promises that God will command angels to guard and lift the faithful, which parallels the motif of angelic protection that prevents harm to Daniel in the den.
- Jonah 2:6-7 (thematic): Jonah's cry from the depths and subsequent deliverance from the belly of the fish echoes the theme of deliverance from an inescapable, life-threatening enclosure.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?"
- As he came near to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice to Daniel; and the king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
Dan.6.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכמקרבה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לגבא: PREP
- לדניאל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בקל: PREP
- עציב: ADJ,m,sg
- זעק: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לדניאל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אלהא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חיא: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- אלהך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנת: PRON,2,m,sg
- פלח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- בתדירא: PREP
- היכל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשיזבותך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg+2ms
- מן: PREP
- אריותא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Dan.6.22 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Daniel answers the king that God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths—direct resolution of the king’s question in v.21.
- Dan.3.16-28 (thematic): Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship idols, are miraculously preserved in a deadly situation, and receive royal acknowledgement of the living God’s power—parallel motif of faithful servants rescued and royal testimony.
- Acts 12:6-11 (thematic): Peter is supernaturally delivered from prison by an angel after the church prays; like Daniel, a faithful believer is rescued from imminent death, highlighting God’s direct intervention to save his servants.
- Ps.34:7 (thematic): “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them” — a poetic statement of divine protection that echoes the deliverance motif in Daniel’s rescue from the lions.
- Jonah 2:2-7 (thematic): Jonah’s prayer from death (inside the fish) and God’s subsequent deliverance parallels the pattern of distress, appeal/faithfulness, and divine rescue evident in Daniel’s experience.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Daniel answered the king, "O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocence was found in me; and also before you, O king, I have done no wrong."
- Then Daniel answered the king, “O king, live forever!
Dan.6.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אדין: ADV
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעלמין: PREP
- חיי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
Parallels
- Ps.22:21 (verbal): Uses similar imagery — pleading to be delivered 'from the mouth of the lion' — echoing Daniel's rescue from the lions' mouths.
- 1 Sam.17:34-37 (thematic): David recounts being delivered by Yahweh from a lion and a bear; parallels the motif of God rescuing his servant from wild beasts.
- Dan.3:28-29 (structural): Another court-scene vindication where God miraculously preserves his servants (fiery furnace) and the king responds by acknowledging God's power — a close narrative parallel within Daniel.
- Acts 12:6-11 (allusion): An angelic intervention frees Peter from mortal danger/prison; parallels Daniel's claim that God 'sent his angel' to shut the lions' mouths — same motif of angelic deliverance.
- Ps.91:13 (thematic): Speaks of trampling lions and serpents underfoot as a sign of divine protection, resonating with Daniel's preservation from beasts through God's care.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king was 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 had trusted in his God.
- My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me, because before him innocency was found in me; and also before you, O king, I have done no hurt.”
Dan.6.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלאכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וסגר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- פם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אריותא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- חבלוני: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- כל: DET
- קבל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קדמוהי: PREP+PRON,3,sg
- זכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- השתכחת: VERB,hithp,perf,3,f,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ואף: CONJ+ADV
- קדמך: ADV+PRON,2,m,sg
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חבולה: ADJ,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- עבדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Dan.3.28 (verbal): Within Daniel: God 'sent his angel' to rescue the king's servants from the fiery furnace—explicit verbal and thematic parallel of divine angelic intervention protecting the faithful.
- Ps.34:7 (thematic): 'The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them'—shared theme of angelic protection and deliverance from deadly peril (here lions' mouths).
- Ps.91:11-13 (allusion): God 'will command his angels concerning you' to guard the righteous—an assurance of angelic guardianship analogous to the angel shutting the lions' mouths.
- Acts 12:7-11 (structural): An angel miraculously frees Peter from prison (chains fall off, he is led past guards)—a similar narrative pattern of angelic rescue from imminent death or captivity.
- Isa.37:36 (thematic): 'Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck the Assyrian camp'—another instance of God sending an angel to act decisively on behalf of his people, paralleling Daniel's deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king commanded, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and they cast them, their children, and their wives into the den of lions; and the lions prevailed over them and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den.
- Then the king was 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 on him, because he believed in his God.
Dan.6.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- באדין: ADV
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שגיא: ADJ,m,sg
- טאב: ADJ,m,sg
- עלוהי: PREP,3,m,sg
- ולדניאל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להנסקה: PREP,VERB,qal,inf
- מן: PREP
- גבא: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והסק: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- גבא: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- חבל: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- לא: PART_NEG
- השתכח: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,sg
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הימן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- באלהה: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Dan.6.22 (verbal): Daniel explains that God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths — directly parallels the claim in v.24 that no harm was found on him because of his God.
- Dan.3.26-29 (structural): Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are delivered from the fiery furnace and the king responds by praising and promoting God and the rescued men — a parallel deliverance narrative with royal reaction.
- Ps.34:7 (verbal): “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them” — language of angelic protection and deliverance echoes the reason given for Daniel's safety.
- Acts 12:7-11 (thematic): Peter is supernaturally released from prison by an angel and brought out unharmed — a New Testament analogue of miraculous rescue from bodily peril.
- 2 Chron.32:20-22 (thematic): The LORD delivers Judah from the Assyrian threat (an angel/act of God destroys the enemy), showing divine intervention on behalf of the king and people, like God’s intervention to spare Daniel.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then King Darius wrote unto all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: "Peace and prosperity be multiplied to you.
- And the men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought before the king; and concerning them, the king commanded that they should be cast into the den of lions, them, their children and their wives; and before they reached the bottom of the den the lions had crushed all their bones.
Dan.6.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואמר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והיתיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- גבריא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלך: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אכלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- קרצוהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולגב: PREP
- אריותא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רמו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אנון: PRON,3,m,pl
- בניהון: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ונשיהון: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- מטו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לארעית: PREP
- גבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלטו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בהון: PREP+PRON,3,pl
- אריותא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- גרמיהון: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הדקו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Daniel 6:22 (verbal): Same narrative—Daniel reports that God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, directly explaining why Daniel was not harmed (immediate parallel within the chapter).
- Psalm 34:7 (allusion): ’The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them’—parallels the motif of angelic protection and preservation from deadly peril found in Daniel’s rescue from the lions.
- Psalm 91:13 (thematic): Speaks of treading on the lion and serpent; thematically echoes divine protection from wild beasts and the righteous’ safety in God’s care reflected in Daniel’s deliverance.
- Acts 16:25-34 (structural): Parallel pattern: believers imprisoned or endangered, God miraculously intervenes to deliver them, and the event yields a public testimony/official consequence (conversion/decree) acknowledging divine power.
Alternative generated candidates
- I make a decree—that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast forever; his kingdom shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be unto the end.
- Then Darius the king wrote unto all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you.
Dan.6.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- באדין: ADV
- דריוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כתב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לכל: PREP
- עממיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אמיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולשניא: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דירין: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארעא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שלמכון: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2mp
- ישגא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Dan.4:1 (verbal): Same royal preface addressing "all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth" and opening with a proclamation of peace; virtually identical formula and greeting.
- Dan.3:29 (verbal): Nebuchadnezzar's royal decree likewise addressed to all peoples, nations, and languages; parallels the broad audience and the authoritative public proclamation by a king.
- Ezra 1:2 (thematic): Cyrus issues an imperial decree addressed to the empire concerning the restoration of worship; similar genre of royal proclamation to broad populations and the exercise of kingly authority for religious purposes.
- Dan.6:25 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same episode—another occurrence of Darius' formal written proclamation to all peoples; overlaps in form and function as a royal edict granting blessing and protection.
Alternative generated candidates
- He delivers and rescues and works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth; he who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions is the one who does these things.
- I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast forever; and his kingdom is one that shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be unto the end.
Dan.6.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מן: PREP
- קדמי: ADV
- שים: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- טעם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלטן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכותי: NOUN,f,sg,poss1
- להון: PREP+PRON,3,pl
- זיעין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ודחלין: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מן: PREP
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אלהה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- אלהא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חיא: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וקים: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לעלמין: PREP
- ומלכותה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,f,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תתחבל: VERB,hithpael,impf,3,f,sg
- ושלטנה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,poss3s
- עד: PREP
- סופא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Dan.2.44 (verbal): Both proclaim God will set up an everlasting kingdom in the time of earthly kings that will never be destroyed—close verbal and theological parallel.
- Dan.7.14 (thematic): Declares eternal dominion given to the Son of Man; parallels the theme of an unending divine kingdom and sovereignty.
- Dan.4.34-35 (structural): Nebuchadnezzar’s confession that God’s dominion is everlasting and that he rules over all peoples echoes the proclamation of God’s living, enduring kingship in Daniel 6:27.
- Ps.145:11-13 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD’s enduring kingdom and eternal dominion—language and theme closely mirror the assertion that God’s rule will not pass away.
- Rev.11:15 (allusion): The announcement that 'the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord' and that he will reign forever echoes Daniel’s emphasis on God’s ultimate, everlasting sovereignty.
Alternative generated candidates
- So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
- He delivers and rescues, and works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”
Dan.6.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- משיזב: PREP+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ומצל: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ועבד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתין: DEM,f,pl,abs
- ותמהין: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בשמיא: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובארעא: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שיזיב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לדניאל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- מן: PREP
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אריותא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Dan.1.21 (verbal): Explicitly states Daniel's continued prosperity/office until the reign of Darius—parallels Dan 6:28's summary of Daniel's success across reigns.
- Dan.2.48 (thematic): Describes Daniel's promotion to high administrative authority under Nebuchadnezzar, illustrating the recurring theme of Daniel prospering and serving successive rulers.
- Dan.5.31 (structural): Records the accession of Darius the Mede to the kingdom, providing the immediate historical frame that Dan 6:28 invokes when noting Daniel's prosperity under Darius.
- Isa.45.1 (allusion): Names Cyrus as the anointed instrument of God who will subdue nations; thematically connects to Dan 6:28's reference to Cyrus the Persian and the providential role of imperial rulers in Israel's history.
- Ezra 1.1 (thematic): Records Cyrus's decree and role in the restoration of Judah, linking to Dan 6:28's mention of Cyrus as a reigning sovereign in the book's closing historical summary.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Daniel continued, and was exalted and found success in the kingdom of the Persians and Medes.
- So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Darius the Mede received the kingdom; he was about sixty-two years old. And the king appointed one hundred and twenty satraps to be over the whole kingdom,
and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; that these three might be over the satraps; and the king intended to set Daniel over the whole realm.
Then the presidents and satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no occasion nor fault; for he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption could be found in him.
Then these men said, "We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God." So the presidents and satraps went as a group to the king and said to him, "O King Darius, live forever!
All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors and satraps, counselors and advisers, have agreed to make a petition to the king.
Now, O king, establish a statute and sign the writing so that it cannot be changed: that whoever makes petition to any god or man within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions."
Therefore King Darius put the decree in writing and sealed the writing with his ring; thus the law was fixed by the statutes of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.
When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went to his house; and in his upper chamber he opened the windows toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he knelt on his knees and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.
Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. So they approached and spoke before the king concerning the king's decree: "Haven't you signed a decree that every man who makes petition to any god or man within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?" The king answered, "The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not pass away."
Then they replied and said before the king, "That Daniel, who is one of the exiles of Judah, pays no regard to you, O king, nor to the decree you signed; he pays no attention to the statute."
When the king heard these words, he was greatly distressed and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and until the going down of the sun he labored to rescue him.
Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, "Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is that no decree which the king establishes may be changed." So the king commanded that they bring Daniel, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!" And a stone was brought and laid over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.
Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought to him, and his sleep fled from him.
At break of dawn the king arose very early and hurried to the den of lions.
When he came to the den, he cried in a mournful voice to Daniel. The king spoke and said to Daniel, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?"
Then Daniel spoke to the king: "O king, live forever!
My God sent his angel and shut the mouths of the lions; and they have not harmed me, because I was found innocent before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no wrong."
Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. And the king commanded that those men who had accused Daniel, together with their wives and their children, be brought; and they were cast into the den of lions. And before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.
Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: "May your prosperity abound!
I issue a decree: in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall not be destroyed, and his dominion will be to the end.
He rescues and delivers and works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth; he who delivered Daniel from the power of the lions is the same God. So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.