Lexical Summary
berak: Blessing, Benediction
Original Word:בֶּרֶךְ
Part of Speech:Noun Feminine
Transliteration:berek
Pronunciation:beh-rak
Phonetic Spelling:(beh'-rek)
NASB:knees
Word Origin:[(Aramaic) corresponding toH1290 (בֶּרֶך - knees)]
1. knee
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
knee
(Aramaic) corresponding toberek -- knee.
see HEBREWberek
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to
berekDefinitionthe knee
NASB Translationknees (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
[] ; — plural suffix
Daniel 6:11.
Topical Lexicon
Occurrence and ContextThe sole appearance of בֶּרֶךְ in the Old Testament (Daniel 6:10) portrays Daniel “getting down on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, just as he had done before” (Berean Standard Bible). The scene unfolds after the Medo-Persian decree prohibiting petitions to any deity except the king. Daniel’s choice of posture—kneeling—visibly proclaims allegiance to the LORD above imperial authority and is integral to the narrative that leads to his deliverance from the lions’ den.
Posture of Kneeling in Scripture
Though Scripture presents varied bodily positions in prayer and worship (standing, prostration, sitting), kneeling consistently expresses humility, submission, and earnest supplication:
• Solomon “knelt on his knees” at the dedication of the temple (1 Kings 8:54).
• Ezra led the people in confession “falling on his knees” (Ezra 9:5).
• Our Lord “knelt down and prayed” in Gethsemane (Luke 22:41).
• Stephen (Acts 7:60) and Paul (Ephesians 3:14) follow the same pattern.
Daniel’s use of בֶּרֶךְ thus aligns him with a biblical heritage of worshippers who physically bow to confess God’s majesty.
Theological Significance
1. Lordship. Kneeling acknowledges that ultimate sovereignty belongs to God, not to earthly rulers (Daniel 6:10 vs. 6–9).
2. Covenant Faithfulness. Daniel’s thrice-daily prayer marks unbroken fellowship with the God of Abraham despite exile, illustratingJeremiah 29:7 in practice.
3. Public Witness. The open windows toward Jerusalem convert a private act into public testimony, encouraging believers to maintain visible fidelity under pressure (Matthew 5:16).
Historical Insights from the Exile
The Persian court tolerated diverse religions yet demanded political supremacy. Daniel’s kneeling becomes an act of civil disobedience grounded in the First Commandment, showing how exiles could honor governmental structures (Daniel 6:1–2) while refusing idolatrous loyalty. His rescue vindicates faith and foreshadows later deliverances recorded in Jewish and Christian history when believers chose worship of God over compliance with ungodly edicts.
Practical Application for Ministry Today
• Corporate Worship: Encouraging physical expressions such as kneeling can deepen congregational awareness of God’s holiness.
• Personal Devotion: Adopting Daniel’s rhythm of scheduled prayer nurtures steadfastness amid cultural pressures.
• Discipleship: Teaching the account equips believers to discern when respectful dissent is necessary for obedience to Christ (Acts 5:29).
• Pastoral Care: Daniel’s courage comforts those facing persecution, affirming that God preserves His servants or grants them grace to endure.
Foreshadowing Christ and Eschatological Fulfillment
Daniel’s bowed knees anticipate the climactic confession foretold byIsaiah 45:23 and fulfilled in Messiah: “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow” (Philippians 2:10). His account therefore links Old Covenant fidelity with New Covenant consummation, assuring the church that voluntary kneeling now points toward universal recognition of Christ’s reign.
Related Passages
Isaiah 45:23;1 Kings 8:54;Ezra 9:5;Psalm 95:6;Luke 22:41;Acts 7:60;Romans 14:11;Ephesians 3:14;Philippians 2:10.
Summary
בֶּרֶךְ inDaniel 6:10 encapsulates more than a bodily joint; it signifies the believer’s entire posture before God—humble, resolute, and publicly loyal. Daniel’s knees bent in prayer stand as a timeless call for the people of God to honor Him above all earthly powers, confident that their vindication ultimately rests in His sovereign hands.
Forms and Transliterations
בִּרְכ֗וֹהִי ברכוהי bir·ḵō·w·hî birChohi birḵōwhî
Links
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