He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.

DANIEL 2:15KJV
Know the Bible

Daniel 2:15 (KJV)

What does Daniel 2:15 mean?

Daniel 2:15 shows Daniel seeking an explanation for the king’s urgent order to execute the wise men. He asks Arioch, the official carrying out the order, why the decree is so hasty. Arioch then tells him what has happened.

After Daniel learned that he and his companions were among those sought for execution, he spoke directly to the king’s captain. Daniel’s question focuses on the speed of the decree. Arioch’s answer gives Daniel the information he needs before approaching the king in the following verse.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 2:15

  • “captain” — שַׁלִּיט (shalliṭ): This word refers to someone with authority or power. Arioch was a royal official responsible for carrying out the king’s order.
  • “hasty” — מְהַחְצְפָה (mehַaḥtsefah): This word can carry the sense of being urgent or severe. Daniel’s question draws attention to how pressing the king’s order has become.

Why Daniel 2:15 matters

  • Daniel’s question comes before his request to the king. In verse 16, he asks for time to provide the interpretation; Arioch’s explanation comes first.
  • The decree reaches beyond the men who had spoken to the king. Verse 13 says Daniel and his companions were also sought for execution, placing Daniel directly under the order.

Where else these words appear

“hasty” Hebrew H2685 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 3:22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

“Arioch” Hebrew H746 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 14:1 And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;
  • Genesis 14:9 With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five.
  • Daniel 2:24 Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.

“captain” Hebrew H7990 · used in 10 verses

  • Ezra 4:20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.
  • Daniel 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
  • Daniel 4:32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

“Why” Hebrew H4101 · used in 11 verses

  • Ezra 4:22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
  • Ezra 7:23 Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?
  • Daniel 2:29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.