Daniel 6:20
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?
Daniel 6:20 · King James Version
Meaning
When King Darius came to the den where Daniel was thrown, he called out to him in a lamentable voice. The king's question to Daniel, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" reflects his concern for Daniel's safety and his curiosity about the power of Daniel's God. By referring to Daniel as a servant of the living God, the king acknowledges Daniel's unwavering faith and devotion to his God. The question posed by the king reflects a sense of hope and uncertainty, wondering if Daniel's faith will be enough to save him from the jaws of the hungry lions. It also shows a deep respect for Daniel's religious beliefs and the power of his God. Ultimately, this question serves as a moment of reflection on the power of faith and the belief in divine intervention in times of peril.
Theological Overview
One interesting theological interpretation of this verse is the recognition of King Darius referring to Daniel as a servant of the living God. This acknowledgment demonstrates a shift in perspective for the king, who now recognizes the power and authority of Daniel's God. The king's question about whether Daniel's God is able to deliver him from the lions reflects a moment of doubt and curiosity about the true nature of Daniel's faith. This interaction highlights the theme of divine deliverance, showing that even in the face of imminent danger, God has the power to protect his faithful servants. By using the term "living God," the king emphasizes the contrast between the true God Daniel serves and the lifeless idols of the Babylonian kingdom. This theological interpretation serves to emphasize the central message of the verse, which is that God's power transcends human understanding and is the source of true deliverance for those who trust in him.
Daniel 6:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; 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?
World English Bible
When he came near to the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spoke and said to Daniel, Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions?
Douay-Rheims
And coming near to the den, cried with a lamentable voice to Daniel, and said to him: Daniel, servant of the living God, hath thy God, whom thou servest always, been able, thinkest thou, to deliver thee from the lions?
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when he came to the denne, he cryed with a lamentable voyce vnto Daniel: and the King spake, and saide to Daniel, O Daniel, the seruant of ye liuing God, is not thy God (whom thou alway seruest) able to deliuer thee from the lyons?