Old Testament
Daniel 6:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
As he approached the den, he called out to Daniel in an anguished voice: "Daniel, servant of the living God, was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?"
Compare translations
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?
What Daniel 6:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
As the king hurried to the lion's den, he was filled with worry for Daniel. He called out to him, hoping for a response. The king recognized Daniel as a devoted servant of the living God. His question reflected both concern and faith, asking if Daniel's God could save him from the lions. This moment highlights the deep bond between the king and Daniel, as well as the power of faith in dire situations. The king's anguish shows how much he valued Daniel's life and the trust he had in God. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope can shine through. The king's words reveal his belief in God's ability to rescue, emphasizing the importance of unwavering faith in challenging times. Daniel's situation was dire, yet the king's faith in God’s power was evident as he sought reassurance about Daniel's safety. This scene captures the essence of trust and the hope that comes from a relationship with God, even when facing seemingly impossible odds. It’s a testament to the strength of faith.
How to apply Daniel 6:20 to your life
In our own lives, we may face situations that seem hopeless. Like Daniel, we can trust in a higher power to guide and protect us. When we feel anxious, we should remember to reach out in faith, just as the king did. Our relationships can also reflect this deep trust and concern for one another's well-being. Let’s support each other in faith during tough times, believing in the possibility of rescue and hope together. “,”chapter_summary_teaser”:
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: The Lions' Den (Daniel 6:1–28)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Daniel 6:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Daniel 6:20
Related Bible verses
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 6:20 mean?
Daniel 6:20 shows King Darius expressing deep concern for Daniel after he was thrown into the lion's den. The king's anguished question reflects his hope that Daniel's God could save him, highlighting the themes of faith and trust in God's power.
What is the significance of the phrase 'servant of the living God' in Daniel 6:20?
The phrase 'servant of the living God' emphasizes Daniel's devotion and faithfulness to God. It signifies his relationship with God and the king's recognition of Daniel's unwavering commitment, which is central to the narrative.
How does Daniel 6:20 relate to themes of faith and hope?
Daniel 6:20 illustrates the king's faith in God's ability to save Daniel from the lions, even in a dire situation. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of hope and trust in God during challenging times.
What can we learn from King Darius's reaction in Daniel 6:20?
King Darius's reaction in Daniel 6:20 teaches us about the importance of caring for others and expressing concern in difficult times. It also highlights the power of faith and the belief that help can come from a higher power.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.