And 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 the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.

DANIEL 6:17KJV
Know the Bible

Daniel 6:17 (KJV)

What does Daniel 6:17 mean?

Daniel 6:17 describes how, after Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, a stone was placed over the entrance and sealed by the king and his officials so that no one could interfere with what would happen to Daniel. This sealing made sure that the decision about Daniel’s fate could not be secretly changed or tampered with.

The verse takes place after Daniel is accused and sentenced for praying to God despite the king’s decree. King Darius, though distressed, follows through with the punishment. The stone and the official seals show the seriousness and finality of the king’s order, making it clear that Daniel is completely at the mercy of what happens in the den, with no human help possible.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 6:17

  • "Sealed" (חֲתַם, ḥatam): This word means to officially close something so it cannot be opened without breaking the seal. In this context, it emphasizes that the king’s decision was final and protected from tampering.
  • "Signet" (טַבְעָא, ṭab‘ā’): This refers to a personal stamp or ring used to make a unique mark in clay or wax. Both the king’s and his lords’ signets were used, showing that the highest authorities confirmed and witnessed the act.
  • "Purpose" (עֵטַא, ‘ēṭā’): This word points to the king’s command or decision. The sealing was specifically to ensure that this command about Daniel could not be changed or reversed.

Why Daniel 6:17 matters

  • Daniel 6:17 shows that Daniel’s situation was made completely secure and unchangeable by human means, highlighting the seriousness of his predicament and setting up the miraculous nature of what follows.
  • The use of both the king’s and his officials’ signets underlines the legal and public nature of the act, making it impossible for anyone to secretly rescue Daniel or alter the outcome.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of the chapter: God’s power to save even when human authority has done everything possible to make a situation hopeless.

Where else these words appear

“mouth” Hebrew H6433 · used in 6 verses

  • Daniel 4:31 While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
  • Daniel 6:22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
  • Daniel 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

“stone” Hebrew H69 · used in 8 verses

  • Ezra 5:8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.
  • Daniel 2:34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
  • Daniel 2:45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

“den” Hebrew H1358 · used in 8 verses

  • Daniel 6:7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
  • Daniel 6:16 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 6:20 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?

“lords” Hebrew H7261 · used in 8 verses

  • Daniel 4:36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
  • Daniel 5:2 Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.
  • Daniel 5:9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.