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.

DANIEL 2:24KJV
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Daniel 2:24 (KJV)

What does Daniel 2:24 mean?

Daniel 2:24 describes Daniel approaching Arioch, the official tasked with executing Babylon’s wise men, and urging him not to carry out the order because Daniel is ready to reveal the interpretation of the king’s dream. Daniel asks Arioch to bring him before King Nebuchadnezzar so he can explain the dream’s meaning.

In this moment, Daniel steps in to prevent the destruction of the wise men of Babylon by offering a solution to the king’s unsolved problem. Daniel speaks directly to Arioch, showing both courage and concern for others, and requests an audience with the king, confident that he can provide the interpretation Nebuchadnezzar demands.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 2:24

  • "Destroy" (הַבַּד, habbad): This word is used twice in the verse, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat facing the wise men. Daniel’s plea to Arioch—“Destroy not the wise men of Babylon”—shows his intervention is urgent and life-saving.
  • "Interpretation" (פְּשַׁר, peshar): This term refers specifically to the explanation or meaning of something mysterious, like a dream. Daniel’s claim that he will “shew unto the king the interpretation” highlights that he is not just recounting the dream but providing its true meaning.

Why Daniel 2:24 matters

  • Daniel 2:24 clarifies that Daniel’s actions save not only himself and his friends but also the other wise men, many of whom did not worship Daniel’s God. This shows Daniel’s compassion and sense of responsibility.
  • The verse sets up the dramatic tension for the next scene, where Daniel will stand before the king. It marks the turning point from crisis to resolution in the story.
  • Daniel’s approach to Arioch demonstrates his wisdom and tact; he acts decisively and respectfully, which helps him gain access to the king and fulfill his mission.

Where else these words appear

“not” Hebrew H409 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 4:19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
  • Daniel 5:10 Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:

“ordained” Hebrew H4483 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 7:25 And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.
  • Daniel 2:49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.
  • Daniel 3:12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

“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 2:15 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.

“destroy” Hebrew H7 · used in 6 verses

  • Jeremiah 10:11 Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.
  • Daniel 2:12 For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.
  • Daniel 7:11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.