So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

DANIEL 6:28KJV
Know the Bible

Daniel 6:28 (KJV)

What does Daniel 6:28 mean?

Daniel 6:28 says that Daniel continued to do well and prospered during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus the Persian. This verse marks Daniel’s ongoing success and favor under two different rulers after the events of the lions’ den.

Daniel 6:28 serves as a summary statement, showing that Daniel’s faithfulness and integrity led to his continued prominence in a foreign empire. The verse is written as a historical note, highlighting that Daniel’s influence and prosperity were not limited to just one king, but spanned across the reigns of both Darius and Cyrus, two major rulers of the time.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 6:28

  • "prospered" (צְלַח, tselach): This word means to succeed or thrive. Its use here emphasizes that Daniel’s well-being was not just survival, but flourishing in a high position.
  • "reign" (מַלְכוּ, malku): This word appears twice, referring to the rule or kingship of both Darius and Cyrus. It underlines that Daniel’s success continued through changes in leadership, which was unusual for a foreign official.

Why Daniel 6:28 matters

  • Daniel 6:28 clarifies that Daniel’s story did not end with the lions’ den; instead, he continued to have a significant role in the kingdom afterward.
  • The verse highlights the remarkable continuity of Daniel’s influence, even as empires and rulers changed, which would have been notable to the original audience.
  • This summary connects the events of Daniel’s life to the broader historical context, linking the Babylonian and Persian periods and showing God’s ongoing care for Daniel.

Where else these words appear

“prospered” Hebrew H6744 · used in 4 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.
  • Ezra 6:14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
  • Daniel 3:30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

“Cyrus” Hebrew H3567 · used in 6 verses

  • Ezra 5:13 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.
  • Ezra 5:14 And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
  • Ezra 6:3 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;

“Darius” Hebrew H1868 · used in 15 verses

  • Ezra 4:24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
  • Ezra 6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
  • Daniel 5:31 And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.

“Daniel” Hebrew H1841 · used in 43 verses

  • Daniel 2:13 And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.
  • Daniel 2:48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.
  • Daniel 6:13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.