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◄ Daniel 6:8►

New International Version
Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

New Living Translation
And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.”

English Standard Version
Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.”

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

King James Bible
Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

New King James Version
Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.”

New American Standard Bible
Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it will not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.”

NASB 1995
“Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.”

NASB 1977
“Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the writtendocument so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.”

Amplified Bible
Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which [insures that it] may not be alteredor revoked.”

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, Your Majesty, establish the edict and sign the document so that, as a law of the Medes and Persians, it is irrevocable and cannot be changed.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, Your Majesty, establish the edict and sign the document so that, as a law of the Medes and Persians, it is irrevocable and cannot be changed.”

American Standard Version
Now, O king, establish the interdict, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

Contemporary English Version
Order this to be written and then sign it, so it cannot be changed, just as no written law of the Medes and Persians can be changed."

English Revised Version
Now, O king, establish the interdict, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Your Majesty, issue this decree, and sign it. According to the law of the Medes and Persians no one could change it or repeal it."

Good News Translation
So let Your Majesty issue this order and sign it, and it will be in force, a law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed."

International Standard Version
Therefore, your majesty, establish the decree and sign the written document so it can't be changed, in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians that can't be repealed."

NET Bible
Now let the king issue a written interdict so that it cannot be altered, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed.

New Heart English Bible
Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed."

Webster's Bible Translation
Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

World English Bible
Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, that it not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn’t alter.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Now, O king, you establish the interdict, and sign the writing, that it is not to be changed, as a law of Media and Persia, that does not pass away.”

Young's Literal Translation
Now, O king, thou dost establish the interdict, and sign the writing, that it is not to be changed, as a law of Media and Persia, that doth not pass away.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Now, O king, wilt thou set up the interdict, and sign the writing, that not to be changed according to the law of Media and Persia, which shall not pass away.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Now, therefore, O king, confirm the sentence, and sign the decree: that what is decreed by the Medes and Persians may not be altered, nor any man be allowed to transgress it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now, therefore, O king, confirm this judgment and write the decree, so that what is established by the Medes and Persians may not be altered, nor will any man be allowed to transgress it.”

New American Bible
Now, O king, let the prohibition be issued over your signature, immutable and irrevocable according to the law of the Medes and Persians.”

New Revised Standard Version
Now, O king, establish the interdict and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Now, O king, establish this decree and let it be put in writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be altered.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Therefore, oh, King, command this commandment and write the writing that it shall not change in the law of Media and Persia, and it shall not change”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Now, O king, establish the interdict, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now then, O king, establish the decree, and publish a writ, that the decree of the Persians and Medes be not changed.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Plot Against Daniel
…7All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions.8Therefore,O king,establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians,which cannot be repealed.”9Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Esther 1:19
So if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree, and let it be recorded in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti shall never again enter the presence of King Xerxes, and that her royal position shall be given to a woman better than she.

Esther 8:8
Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.”

Daniel 3:10-12
You, O king, have issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the golden statue, / and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. / But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king, and have refused to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

Daniel 3:29
Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be cut into pieces and their houses reduced to rubble. For there is no other god who can deliver in this way.”

Daniel 2:9
If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one decree for you. You have conspired to speak before me false and fraudulent words, hoping the situation will change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can give me its interpretation.”

Daniel 2:13
So the decree went out that the wise men were to be executed, and men went to look for Daniel and his friends to execute them.

Daniel 3:4-6
Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “O people of every nation and language, this is what you are commanded: / As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. / And whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace.”

Daniel 5:19
Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished.

Daniel 7:25
He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.

Acts 4:18-20
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. / But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Acts 5:28-29
“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.” / But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Acts 5:40
At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 22:21
“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Treasury of Scripture

Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which alters not.

establish.

Esther 3:12
Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors thatwere over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, andto every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.

Esther 8:10
And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealedit with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback,and riders on mules, camels,and young dromedaries:

Isaiah 10:1
Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousnesswhich they have prescribed;

according.

Daniel 6:12,15
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 aska 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 thingis true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not…

Esther 1:19
If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.

Esther 8:3
And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.

altereth not.

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

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Daniel 6

1.Daniel is made chief of the presidents.
4.They, conspiring against him, obtain an idolatrous decree.
10.Daniel, accused of the breach thereof, is cast into the lion's den.
18.Daniel is saved;
24.his adversaries devoured;
25.and God magnified by a decree.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document
This phrase reflects the political maneuvering of the satraps and administrators who sought to trap Daniel. In the ancient Near Eastern context, decrees were often used to solidify power and control. The request to "establish the decree" indicates a formal and binding legal action, emphasizing the importance of written laws in the Medo-Persian Empire. This mirrors the legalistic nature of the Pharisees in the New Testament, who sought to trap Jesus with legal questions (Matthew 22:15-22).

so that it cannot be changed
The immutability of the decree highlights the rigidity of Medo-Persian law, contrasting with the more flexible legal systems of other ancient cultures. This unchangeable nature is significant in understanding the severity of the situation for Daniel, as it left no room for appeal or mercy. It foreshadows the unchangeable nature of God's decrees and promises, as seen in passages likeHebrews 6:17-18, where God's promises are described as unchangeable.

in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians
The phrase underscores the historical context of the Medo-Persian Empire, known for its strict adherence to law. This legal system is confirmed by archaeological findings, such as the Cyrus Cylinder, which illustrates the administrative practices of the time. The reference to the "law of the Medes and Persians" is also found inEsther 1:19, indicating a consistent theme of irrevocable laws within this empire.

which cannot be repealed.”
This final phrase emphasizes the irrevocability of the decree, a key element in the narrative that sets the stage for Daniel's faith and God's deliverance. The unchangeable nature of the law serves as a type of the eternal and unchangeable nature of God's Word. It also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, whose sacrifice and covenant cannot be annulled, as seen inHebrews 9:15.

Persons / Places / Events

1.King Darius
The ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire who is persuaded to sign a decree that ultimately leads to Daniel being thrown into the lions' den.

2.Daniel
A faithful servant of God and high-ranking official in the kingdom, known for his unwavering devotion to God despite the king's decree.

3.The Satraps and Administrators
Officials who conspired against Daniel, motivated by jealousy and seeking to eliminate him by manipulating the king.

4.The Law of the Medes and Persians
A legal system known for its irrevocability, which plays a crucial role in the account as it binds the king to his decree.

5.The Lions' Den
The place of punishment where Daniel is thrown as a result of the decree, symbolizing the trials faced by those who remain faithful to God.

Teaching Points

The Unchangeable Nature of Human Laws vs. Divine Sovereignty
Human laws, like those of the Medes and Persians, may seem unchangeable, but God's sovereignty ultimately prevails. Trust in God's ultimate authority.

Faithfulness in the Face of Persecution
Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer despite the decree teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God even when facing persecution.

The Power of Influence and Manipulation
The satraps' manipulation of King Darius serves as a warning about the power of influence and the need for discernment in leadership.

God's Protection and Deliverance
Daniel's deliverance from the lions' den is a testament to God's protection over those who are faithful, encouraging believers to trust in His deliverance.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Daniel 6:8?

2.How does Daniel 6:8 illustrate the importance of standing firm in faith?

3.What does the decree in Daniel 6:8 reveal about earthly versus divine authority?

4.How can we apply Daniel's example when facing unjust laws today?

5.In what ways does Daniel 6:8 connect to Romans 13:1-2 on authority?

6.How does Daniel's response to the decree inspire courage in our daily lives?

7.Why did King Darius issue the decree in Daniel 6:8?

8.How does Daniel 6:8 reflect the theme of divine sovereignty?

9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Daniel 6?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 6?

11.Why does Daniel 6:8 refer to the supposedly “irrevocable” laws of the Medes and Persians, given that historical records offer little evidence of such an absolute statute?

12.Could Daniel 6 be a later literary invention rather than a factual historical record, given the inconsistencies with established Persian rulership and customs?

13.How does Esther 8:8 reconcile with the supposed irrevocability of Persian law if a second decree effectively overrules the first?

14.Is the claim in Esther 4:11 about a death penalty for entering the king’s presence uninvited historically plausible?

What Does Daniel 6:8 Mean

Therefore, O king,

• The officials approach Darius with calculated respect, using flattery to sway his judgment (cf.Proverbs 29:5, “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet,”).

• “Therefore” links their request to the scheme already laid out in verses 4–7, where jealousy drives them to trap Daniel—highlighting how pride and manipulation can corrupt leadership (Proverbs 16:18;Psalm 2:2).

• The moment reminds us that earthly rulers are often pressured by ungodly counsel (1 Kings 12:8–10).

establish the decree

• The conspirators want the king to formalize their idea as royal law, moving it from mere suggestion to binding statute (Esther 1:19).

• Decrees in ancient kingdoms carried life-or-death power (Ezra 7:26), showing how fragile freedom was when leaders were misled.

• Contrast: while human edicts are temporary tools of politics, God’s commands are inherently righteous and eternal (Psalm 19:7–9).

and sign the document

• The “document” (literally a written proclamation) required the king’s signature or seal, making it official (Esther 3:12; 8:8).

• Signing transfers personal authority into a public, irrevocable record—reminding us that careless commitments can produce lasting consequences (Ecclesiastes 5:2–6).

• Daniel’s integrity will soon collide with this ink-sealed trap, illustratingActs 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.”

so that it cannot be changed—

• The conspirators demand absolute permanence, seeking to eliminate any possibility of appeal (Daniel 6:15).

• Human law can claim immutability, yet only God’s word is truly unchangeable: “Forever, O LORD, Your word is firmly fixed in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89).

• This clause foreshadows the miracle-deliverance to come: God will override an “unchangeable” statute to honor faithful obedience (Hebrews 13:8).

in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians,

• The Medo-Persian legal system famously treated royal decrees as fixed (Esther 8:8).

• By invoking this protocol, the plotters cloak their envy in a veneer of legal tradition, exploiting cultural norms to disguise sin (Psalm 94:20, “Can a corrupt throne be Your ally—one devising mischief by statute?”).

• History reminds us that cultural customs must always bow to divine truth (Mark 7:8).

which cannot be repealed.

• The phrase underscores finality—no reversal, no loophole (Daniel 6:12).

• Yet Scripture repeatedly shows that God remains sovereign over every “irrevocable” human verdict (Isaiah 40:23;Proverbs 21:30).

• Daniel’s forthcoming rescue will declare, “The counsel of the LORD stands forever” (Psalm 33:11), while man-made barriers crumble before Him (Revelation 3:7).

summary

Daniel 6:8 captures a calculated demand for an irreversible royal decree aimed at silencing Daniel’s faithful worship. Each clause reveals how flattery, legal craftiness, and cultural tradition can weaponize authority against God’s people. Yet behind the conspirators’ quest for an unchangeable statute stands the unshakable sovereignty of the Lord, whose word and purposes never fail.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(8)Sign the writing.--Literally,record the decree, so that there might be no possibility of its being recalled. (Comp.Esther 8:8.)

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Therefore,
כְּעַ֣ן(kə·‘an)
Adverb
Strong's 3705:Now

O king,
מַלְכָּ֔א(mal·kā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 4430:A king

establish
תְּקִ֥ים(tə·qîm)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6966:To arise, stand

the decree
אֱסָרָ֖א(’ĕ·sā·rā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 633:An interdict

and sign
וְתִרְשֻׁ֣ם(wə·ṯir·šum)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7560:To inscribe, sign

the document
כְּתָבָ֑א(kə·ṯā·ḇā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 3792:Something written, a writing, record, book

so that
דִּ֣י(dî)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768:Who, which, that, because

it cannot
לָ֧א(lā)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3809:Not, no

be changed—
לְהַשְׁנָיָ֛ה(lə·haš·nā·yāh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8133:To change

in accordance with the law
כְּדָת־(kə·ḏāṯ-)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1882:A royal edict, statute

of the Medes
מָדַ֥י(mā·ḏay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4076:Medes -- descendants of Japheth, also their land

and Persians,
וּפָרַ֖ס(ū·p̄ā·ras)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6540:Persians -- a country in west Asia which conquered Babylon

which
דִּי־(dî-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768:Who, which, that, because

cannot
לָ֥א(lā)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3809:Not, no

be repealed.”
תֶעְדֵּֽא׃(ṯe‘·dê)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5709:To advance, pass on, continue, to remove, to bedeck

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OT Prophets: Daniel 6:8 Now O king establish the interdict (Dan. Da Dn)