Daniel 6:1 (KJV)

What does Daniel 6:1 mean?

Daniel 6:1 describes how King Darius decided to appoint 120 officials, called princes, to oversee his entire kingdom. This verse shows the king organizing his government by placing trusted leaders in charge of different regions or responsibilities.

The verse is set during the time when Darius became ruler over the kingdom, likely after the Medes and Persians conquered Babylon. The writer is describing how Darius structured his administration, which sets the stage for the events that follow in the chapter, including Daniel’s rise to a high position and the jealousy it provokes among other officials.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 6:1

• "pleased" (שְׁפַר, shepar): This word means that the decision was agreeable or seemed good to Darius, emphasizing that the action was intentional and well-considered.
• "set" (קֳיֵם, qayem): This verb means to appoint or establish, highlighting Darius’s authority to put leaders in place.
• "princes" (אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִין, 'achashdarpenin): This term refers to high-ranking officials or governors, showing that these were significant positions of power within the kingdom.

Why Daniel 6:1 matters

• Daniel 6:1 helps explain how the Persian Empire managed its vast territory, using a structured system of officials to maintain control and order.
• The verse sets up the political environment that leads to the later conflict involving Daniel, showing why he and other officials are in positions of influence.
• Understanding the administrative structure helps clarify the motives and actions of the characters in the rest of the chapter, especially the jealousy and plotting against Daniel.