As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.

DANIEL 9:13KJV
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Daniel 9:13 (KJV)

What does Daniel 9:13 mean?

Daniel 9:13 says that everything written in the law of Moses about disaster has happened to the people, but they still have not prayed to the LORD their God, turned away from their wrongdoings, or tried to understand God’s truth. The verse highlights that even after suffering consequences, the people did not seek God or change their ways.

Daniel is speaking in prayer to God, confessing on behalf of Israel during their exile in Babylon. He points out that the troubles they face were warned about in the writings of Moses, yet the people have not responded by seeking God, repenting, or trying to grasp what God wants from them. This verse is part of Daniel’s larger confession and plea for mercy.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 9:13

  • "law" (תּוֹרָה, torah): This word means instruction or teaching, not just legal rules. Daniel is referring to the teachings given through Moses, which included warnings about what would happen if Israel turned away from God.
  • "evil" (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This word often means disaster or calamity, not just moral evil. Daniel is saying that the disasters described in the Torah have actually come upon them.
  • "turn" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to return or turn back, often used for repentance. Daniel is highlighting that the people have not repented or changed direction.
  • "iniquities" (עָוֹן, avon): This word refers to guilt or wrongdoing, not just mistakes. Daniel is confessing that the people have not turned away from their persistent wrongs.
  • "truth" (אֱמֶת, emet): This word means faithfulness or reliability, not just factual truth. Daniel is saying the people have not tried to understand or accept God’s trustworthy ways.

Why Daniel 9:13 matters

  • Daniel 9:13 clears up the idea that suffering alone leads people to repentance; Daniel says the people experienced disaster but still did not seek God or change.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of both prayer and understanding God’s truth, not just outward actions or rituals.
  • Daniel connects Israel’s current situation directly to the warnings in the Torah, showing that God’s words through Moses were not empty threats but real outcomes.

Where else these words appear

“understand” Hebrew H7919 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Psalms 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
  • Proverbs 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

“prayer” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 48:1 And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
  • 2 Kings 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
  • Isaiah 38:9 The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:

“truth” Hebrew H571 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
  • Psalms 26:3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
  • Proverbs 22:21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?