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Daniel 6:4

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Daniel 6:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
Daniel 6:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Daniel 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom;
2and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; that these satraps might give account unto them, and that the king should have no damage.
3Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
4Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
5Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
6Then these presidents and satraps assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
7All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counsellors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong interdict, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom, etc.] Concerning the management of the affairs of the kingdom, he being prime minister of state; the presidents and princes joined together in this inquiry; the princes, because Daniel was so strict and exact in looking into their accounts, that no fraudulent measures were taken to cheat the king of his revenue; and the presidents, because he was preferred above them: but they could find none occasion nor fault; or “corruption”f242, that he had been guilty of any mis-administration, or any corrupt practices: forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him; no mistake…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“occasion . . . concerning the kingdom--pretext for accusation in his administration (Ecc 4:4).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel - The word rendered “occasion” (עלה ‛illâh) means a pretext or pretence. “The Arabs use the word of any business or affair which serves as a cause or pretext for neglecting another business.” - Gesenius, Lexicon The meaning is, that they sought to find some plausible pretext or reason in respect to Daniel, by which the contemplated appointment might be prevented, and by which he might be effectually humbled. No one who is acquainted with the intrigues of cabinets and courts can have any doubts as to the probability of what is here stated. Nothing has been more common in the world than intrigues of this kind to humble a…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Concerning the kingdom - And so to have made him guilty of treason, or other high misdemeanors, in the king's business. Daniel 6:10”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Cir, am 3467, bc 537 sought: Dan 3:8; Gen 43:18; Jdg 14:4; Psa 37:12, Psa 37:13, Psa 37:32, Psa 37:33; Pro 29:27; Ecc 4:4; Jer 18:18, Jer 18:23, Jer 20:10; Mat 26:4, Mat 27:18; Luk 20:20, Luk 22:2 but: Sa1 18:14, Sa1 19:4, Sa1 19:5, Sa1 22:14; Luk 23:14, Luk 23:15; Joh 19:4; Co2 11:12; Phi 2:15; Ti1 5:14; Tit 2:8; Pe1 2:12, Pe1 3:16, Pe1 4:14-16 Daniel 6:5”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification