Old Testament
Daniel 6:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They went straight to the king and brought up the royal decree: "Didn't you sign a law stating that for 30 days, anyone who prays to any god or person besides you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the den of lions?" The king replied, "That's correct. And according to the law of the Medes and Persians, it cannot be changed."
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Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
What Daniel 6:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the officials confront the king about a law he signed that forbids anyone from praying to anyone but him for thirty days. They remind him that breaking this law means being thrown into a den of lions. The king acknowledges that the law is indeed true and cannot be changed. This situation highlights the tension between loyalty to the king and faith in God. The officials are trying to trap Daniel, who continues to pray to God despite the decree. The king, although he respects Daniel, is bound by the law he created. This story illustrates the conflict between human authority and divine obedience, showing how faith can lead to difficult choices. It also emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs, even when faced with severe consequences. Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer serves as a powerful example of faith in action, reminding us that true devotion often requires courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Ultimately, it challenges us to consider where our loyalties lie.
How to apply Daniel 6:12 to your life
When faced with pressure to conform to societal expectations, remember Daniel's example. Stand firm in your beliefs and values, even when it’s difficult. Your commitment to what you believe can inspire others and lead to profound change in your life and community. Trust that your faith will guide you through challenges you encounter along the way. “Be brave and stay true to your convictions.” “Your faith can make a difference.”
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
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Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: The Lions' Den (Daniel 6:1–28)
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Daniel
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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At a Glance — the Book of Daniel
- Author
- Daniel the prophet
- Written
- Around 530 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Exiled Jews and future generations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Daniel 6:12 mean?
Daniel 6:12 describes a situation where officials confront King Darius about a decree he signed, which prohibits prayer to anyone but him for thirty days. This verse highlights the conflict between loyalty to the king and faith in God, as they aim to trap Daniel for continuing to pray.
What is the significance of the law in Daniel 6:12?
The law in Daniel 6:12 is significant because it represents the authority of the king and the consequences of disobedience. It illustrates the tension between human laws and divine obedience, emphasizing the challenges faced by those who remain faithful in difficult circumstances.
How does Daniel 6:12 relate to faith and obedience?
Daniel 6:12 relates to faith and obedience by demonstrating Daniel's commitment to prayer despite the king's decree. It emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs, even when faced with severe consequences, and highlights the struggle between obeying God and human authority.
What can we learn from Daniel 6:12?
From Daniel 6:12, we learn the importance of remaining true to our convictions, even under pressure. It encourages us to have courage in our faith and to trust that our beliefs can guide us through challenges, inspiring others along the way.
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