Bible Strands
Daniel 6:3
Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator describes Daniel’s rapid elevation within the Persian administrative hierarchy immediately following the establishment of the three-tier governance structure.
The words — מִתְנַצַּ֔ח (mit.na.Tzach) denotes a continuous action of distinguishing himself or gaining preeminence, while אֱדַ֙יִן ('e.Da.yin) marks the immediate transition of events.
The thread — This pattern of divine empowerment leading to royal recognition parallels the Spirit’s presence in Daniel 5:14 and Genesis 41:38, and mirrors the principle that skilled individuals are elevated to royal courts in Proverbs 22:29.
Why it lands — The text records that Daniel’s observable excellence prompted the king to consider appointing him over the entire kingdom, establishing a factual basis for the subsequent political opposition in Daniel 6:4.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
Cross-references
- Daniel 5:14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.
- Genesis 41:38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?”
- Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
- Daniel 5:12 did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”
- Esther 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews and highly favored by his many kinsmen, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.
- Daniel 9:23 At the beginning of your petitions, an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly precious. So consider the message and understand the vision:
- Proverbs 3:3 Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
- Proverbs 17:27 A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.
- Nehemiah 7:2 Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most.
- Ecclesiastes 2:13 And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness: