Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” New Living Translation When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” English Standard Version As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Berean Standard Bible When he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Berean Literal Bible And at his coming near to the den, to Daniel, with a pained voice he cried out. The king was speaking and saying to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, your God, to whom you give service continually, has He been able to deliver you from the lions?” King James Bible And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? New King James Version And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” New American Standard Bible And when he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king began speaking and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you continually serve, been able to rescue you from the lions?” NASB 1995 When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” NASB 1977 And when he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Legacy Standard Bible When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king answered and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to save you from the lions?” Amplified Bible When he had come near the den, he called out to Daniel with a troubled voice. The king said to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to rescue you from the lions?” Berean Annotated Bible When he reached the den, he cried out (God is my judge) in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions? Christian Standard Bible When he reached the den, he cried out in anguish to Daniel. “Daniel, servant of the living God,” the king said, “has your God, whom you continually serve, been able to rescue you from the lions? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible When he reached the den, he cried out in anguish to Daniel. “Daniel, servant of the living God,” the king said, “has your God whom you serve continually been able to rescue you from the lions?” American Standard Version And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Contemporary English Version He was anxious and shouted, "Daniel, you were faithful and served your God. Was he able to save you from the lions?" English Revised Version And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice: the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? GOD'S WORD® Translation As he came near the den where Daniel was, the king called to Daniel with anguish in his voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God! Was God, whom you always worship, able to save you from the lions?" Good News Translation When he got there, he called out anxiously, "Daniel, servant of the living God! Was the God you serve so loyally able to save you from the lions?" International Standard Version As he approached where Daniel was in the pit, he cried out to him in a voice filled with anguish, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve constantly, been able to deliver you from the lions?" NET Bible As he approached the den, he called out to Daniel in a worried voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, was your God whom you continually serve able to rescue you from the lions?" New Heart English Bible When he came near to the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God. Is your God, whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions?" Webster's Bible Translation And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice to Daniel: and the king spoke and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” World English Bible When he came near to the den to Daniel, he cried with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand at his coming near to the den, to Daniel, with a grieved voice, he cries. The king has answered and said to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, your God, whom you are serving continually, is He able to deliver you from the lions?” Berean Literal Bible And at his coming near to the den, to Daniel, with a pained voice he cried out. The king was speaking and saying to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, your God, to whom you give service continually, has He been able to deliver you from the lions?” Young's Literal Translation and at his coming near to the den, to Daniel, with a grieved voice, he crieth. The king hath answered and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, thy God, whom thou art serving continually, is He able to deliver thee from the lions?' Smith's Literal Translation And in his drawing near to the den he cried to Daniel with a strong voice, the king answered and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, thy God whom thou servest to him continually, is he able to set thee free from the lion's den? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd coming near to the den, cried with a lamentable voice to Daniel, and said to him: Daniel, servant of the living God, hath thy God, whom thou servest always, been able, thinkest thou, to deliver thee from the lions? Catholic Public Domain Version And coming near to the den, he cried out with a tearful voice to Daniel and spoke to him. “Daniel, servant of the living God, your God, whom you serve always, do you believe he has prevailed to free you from the lions?” New American Bible As he drew near, he cried out to Daniel sorrowfully, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you serve so constantly been able to save you from the lions?” New Revised Standard Version When he came near the den where Daniel was, he cried out anxiously to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you faithfully serve been able to deliver you from the lions?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when he came to the den, he cried with a loud voice to Daniel, and 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? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when he came near to the pit, he called to Daniel in a loud voice. The King responded and said to Daniel: “Daniel, Servant of the Living God, was your God whom you serve constantly able to save you from the lions?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a pained voice; the king spoke and said to Daniel: 'O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And when he drew near to the den, he cried with a loud voice, Daniel, servant of the living God, has thy God, whom thou servest continually, been able to deliver thee from the lion's mouth? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Daniel in the Lions' Den…19At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions. 20When he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever!… Cross References When he reached the den, 2 Samuel 23:20 And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. Psalm 7:15 He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. Proverbs 26:27 He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. he cried out in a voice of anguish, Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears. Jonah 2:2 saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice. Psalm 120:1 A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me. “O Daniel, servant of the living God, Hebrews 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God! 1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God Acts 16:17 This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!” has your God, whom you serve continually, Daniel 3:17 If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. Joshua 24:15 But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” 1 Samuel 12:24 Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. been able to deliver you from the lions?” 1 Samuel 17:37 David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.” 2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. Hebrews 11:33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. Treasury of Scripture And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice to Daniel: and the king spoke and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions? is. Daniel 6:16,27 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee… Daniel 3:15,17,28,29 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? … servest. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. Psalm 71:14-18 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more… Psalm 73:23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. able. Daniel 3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Numbers 11:23 And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not. Jump to Previous Able Constantly Continually Cried Daniel Deliver Den Pained Servant Serve Servest Troubled VoiceJump to Next Able Constantly Continually Cried Daniel Deliver Den Pained Servant Serve Servest Troubled VoiceDaniel 6 1. Daniel is made chief of the presidents.4. They, conspiring against him, obtain an idolatrous decree. 10. Daniel, accused of the breach thereof, is cast into the lion's den. 18. Daniel is saved; 24. his adversaries devoured; 25. and God magnified by a decree. When he reached the den This phrase refers to King Darius approaching the lions' den where Daniel was cast. The den was likely a pit or cave with an opening at the top, typical of ancient Near Eastern practices for holding dangerous animals. The king's personal visit underscores his concern and the gravity of the situation. he cried out in a voice of anguish O Daniel, servant of the living God has your God, whom you serve continually been able to deliver you from the lions? Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA faithful servant of God, known for his unwavering devotion and integrity. He was a high-ranking official in the Medo-Persian Empire. 2. King Darius The ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who respected Daniel but was manipulated into signing a decree that led to Daniel's punishment. 3. The Lions' Den A pit used for executing those who violated the king's decrees. It symbolizes a place of trial and divine intervention. 4. The Decree An edict that prohibited prayer to any god or man other than King Darius for thirty days, which Daniel defied by continuing to pray to God. 5. The Living God A term used to describe the God of Israel, emphasizing His active and eternal nature, in contrast to the lifeless idols of the time. Teaching Points Faithfulness in AdversityDaniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of death, challenges us to remain faithful in our own trials. The Power of Consistent Prayer Daniel's habit of prayer was known to all, including his enemies. This consistency in prayer is a model for maintaining a strong relationship with God. God's Sovereignty and Protection The account illustrates God's ability to protect and deliver His faithful servants, reminding us of His sovereignty over all circumstances. Witness to Unbelievers Daniel's faithfulness served as a powerful testimony to King Darius, showing how our lives can impact those around us. Trust in God's Timing Daniel's deliverance came in God's perfect timing, teaching us to trust in His plans and timing, even when we face seemingly impossible situations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Daniel 6:20?2. How does Daniel 6:20 demonstrate God's protection for those who trust Him? 3. What can we learn from Daniel's faithfulness in Daniel 6:20 for our lives? 4. How does Daniel 6:20 connect with Psalm 91 about God's deliverance? 5. In what ways can we emulate Daniel's trust in God today? 6. How does "servant of the living God" in Daniel 6:20 inspire our identity? 7. How does Daniel 6:20 demonstrate God's protection over those who are faithful? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Daniel 6:20? 9. How does Daniel's faith in Daniel 6:20 challenge modern believers? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 6? 11. How did Daniel survive the lions' den unharmed? 12. Do you trust in the Lord with all your heart? 13. How could Daniel 6:16 describe a miraculous survival in the lions' den without violating observable natural laws? 14. What is the role of angels? What Does Daniel 6:20 Mean When he reached the den- Dawn finds King Darius hurrying to the lions’ pit, driven by sleepless concern (Daniel 6:19). - His urgency recalls other moments when God-fearing people ran to confirm a miraculous work—such as the women “very early on the first day of the week” hastening to the empty tomb (Mark 16:2). - Scripture often portrays leaders pacing on city walls or gates in anxious expectation (2 Samuel 18:24–25), underscoring that human power is helpless when confronted with divine judgment or deliverance. He cried out in a voice of anguish - The king’s distressed tone shows genuine affection for Daniel and an uneasy conscience over a law he regrets (Daniel 6:14). - His cry resembles the desperate petitions of Psalm 22:1 and Luke 23:46, where voices lift heavenward in bleak circumstances, yet still cling to hope. - Even rulers bow emotionally before God’s mysteries; their authority cannot silence the anxious questions bursting from their hearts (Acts 12:19). O Daniel, servant of the living God - By calling Daniel “servant,” Darius recognizes that Daniel answers to a higher Master than any earthly throne (cf. Joshua 24:29; Romans 1:1). - The phrase “living God” contrasts the LORD with mute idols; Jeremiah 10:10 affirms, “But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and everlasting King.” - Unbelieving monarchs have used the same title once they witnessed God’s power—Nebuchadnezzar after the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:26) and later the crowd at Lystra when Paul healed a cripple (Acts 14:15). has your God, whom you serve continually, - Darius underscores Daniel’s consistent devotion: three times daily prayer was Daniel’s habit long before crisis struck (Daniel 6:10). - Continuity in worship marks many saints: David prayed “evening, morning, and noon” (Psalm 55:17); Paul urged believers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). - Faithfulness in small, daily rhythms prepares God’s people for steadfastness in extraordinary trials (2 Timothy 4:2). been able to deliver you from the lions? - The question is not cynical but hopeful; Darius longs to see divine rescue overturn an irrevocable decree. - Deliverance from predatory beasts recalls David’s testimony: “The LORD … delivered me from the paw of the lion” (1 Samuel 17:37). - Earlier, Daniel’s friends trusted that “our God … is able to deliver” (Daniel 3:17), and Hebrews 11:33 celebrates those “who shut the mouths of lions.” - Paul later echoed the same confidence: “The Lord … shut the lion’s mouth and will rescue me from every evil deed” (2 Timothy 4:17–18). summary Daniel 6:20 captures a king’s frantic hope colliding with heaven’s reliable power. Darius runs, cries, and calls the prophet by a title that exalts God alone. He highlights Daniel’s unwavering worship and wonders aloud whether the living God can triumph over savage lions. Every phrase testifies that steady devotion meets sovereign deliverance, affirming that the Lord who rules beasts and kings alike is fully able to save those who trust Him. (20) Is thy God . . . able?--The faith of this king is very weak. In Daniel 6:16 he expressed a vague hope that God would protect His servant. That hope seems now to have died out, though afterwards (Daniel 6:26) it appears stronger than that of Nebuchadnezzar. (Comp. Daniel 4:37.) The phrase "living God" is remarkable, coming as it does from a heathen king. (See 1Samuel 17:36.)Hebrew When he reachedוּכְמִקְרְבֵ֣הּ (ū·ḵə·miq·rə·ḇêh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7127: To approach the den, לְגֻבָּ֔א (lə·ḡub·bā) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 1358: A pit, den he cried out זְעִ֑ק (zə·‘iq) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2200: To make an outcry in a voice בְּקָ֥ל (bə·qāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7032: A voice, sound of anguish, עֲצִ֖יב (‘ă·ṣîḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6088: To pain, grieve “O Daniel, דָּֽנִיֵּאל֙ (dā·nî·yêl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1841: Daniel -- 'God is my judge', an Israelite leader in Babylon servant עֲבֵד֙ (‘ă·ḇêḏ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5649: Slave, servant of the living חַיָּ֔א (ḥay·yā) Adjective - masculine singular determinate Strong's 2417: Alive, life God, אֱלָהָ֣א (’ĕ·lā·hā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 426: God has your God, אֱלָהָ֗ךְ (’ĕ·lā·hāḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 426: God whom דִּ֣י (dî) Pronoun - relative Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because you אַ֤נְתְּ (’ant) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 607: You serve פָּֽלַֽח־ (pā·laḥ-) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6399: To pay reverence to, serve continually, בִּתְדִירָ֔א (biṯ·ḏî·rā) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular determinate Strong's 8411: Permanence, constantly been able הַיְכִ֥ל (hay·ḵil) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3202: To be able to deliver you לְשֵׁיזָבוּתָ֖ךְ (lə·šê·zā·ḇū·ṯāḵ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 7804: To leave, free from מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than the lions?” אַרְיָוָתָֽא׃ (’ar·yā·wā·ṯā) Noun - masculine plural determinate Strong's 744: A lion Links Daniel 6:20 NIVDaniel 6:20 NLT Daniel 6:20 ESV Daniel 6:20 NASB Daniel 6:20 KJV Daniel 6:20 BibleApps.com Daniel 6:20 Biblia Paralela Daniel 6:20 Chinese Bible Daniel 6:20 French Bible Daniel 6:20 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Daniel 6:20 When he came near to the den (Dan. Da Dn) |



