And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

DANIEL 9:4KJV
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Daniel 9:4 (KJV)

What does Daniel 9:4 mean?

Daniel 9:4 describes Daniel praying to the LORD his God, openly confessing and addressing God as great and awe-inspiring, faithful to keep his covenant and show mercy to those who love him and keep his commandments. Daniel begins his prayer by recognizing God's character and faithfulness, setting the tone for the confession and requests that follow.

Daniel is speaking directly to God during a time of prayer, after reading the prophet Jeremiah’s writings about the exile. Daniel’s words highlight both reverence for God’s greatness and a deep trust in God’s commitment to his promises and mercy. This verse marks the start of Daniel’s heartfelt confession on behalf of himself and his people.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 9:4

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH, H3068): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "the LORD." Daniel addresses God by this name, emphasizing a personal relationship and covenant faithfulness.
  • confession (יָדָה, yadah, H3034): This word often means to acknowledge or give thanks, but here it carries the sense of openly admitting guilt or wrongdoing before God, not just listing sins but expressing agreement with God’s truth.
  • dreadful (נוֹרָא, nora, H3372): This word means "awe-inspiring" or "to be feared," underlining Daniel’s recognition of God’s power and majesty, not just terror but deep respect.
  • mercy (חֶסֶד, chesed, H2617): This word refers to steadfast love or loyal kindness, especially in the context of God’s covenant. Daniel appeals to God’s dependable, loyal love as the basis for hope.

Why Daniel 9:4 matters

  • Daniel’s prayer starts by focusing on God’s character—his greatness, faithfulness, and mercy—before moving to confession, showing a pattern of humility and reverence in prayer.
  • The verse clarifies that God’s covenant and mercy are described as being for those who love him and keep his commandments, highlighting the relational and responsive nature of God’s promises.
  • By using specific Hebrew terms for God’s name and qualities, Daniel’s prayer connects deeply to Israel’s history and covenant relationship, setting up the rest of his confession and appeal for forgiveness.

Where else these words appear

“O” Hebrew H577 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 50:17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
  • Nehemiah 1:5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
  • Psalms 118:25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

“prayed” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 1 Kings 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
  • Job 42:8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

“confession” Hebrew H3034 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 29:35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.
  • Psalms 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
  • Psalms 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!