Daniel 6:2

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts to them, and the king should have no damage.

American King James Version (AKJV)

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts to them, and the king should have no damage.

American Standard Version (ASV)

and 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.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

And over them were three chief rulers, of whom Daniel was one; and the captains were to be responsible to the chief rulers, so that the king might undergo no loss.

Webster's Revision

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts to them, and the king should have no damage.

World English Bible

and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; that these satraps might give account to them, and that the king should have no damage.

English Revised Version (ERV)

and 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.

Clarke's Daniel 6:2 Bible Commentary

Three presidents - Each having forty of these presidents accountable to him for their administration.

Daniel was first - As being established over that part where was the seat of government. He was confirmed in his offices by Darius.

Barnes's Daniel 6:2 Bible Commentary

And over these, three presidents - סרכין sârekı̂yn. This word is found only in the plural. The etymology is uncertain, but its meaning is not doubtful. The word president expresses it with sufficient accuracy, denoting a high officer that presided over others. It is not improbable that these presided over distinct departments, corresponding somewhat to what are now called "secretaries" - as Secretaries of State, of the Treasury, of Foreign Affairs, etc., though this is not particularly specified.

Of whom Daniel was first - First in rank. This office he probably held from the rank which he was known to have occupied under the kings of Babylon, and on account of his reputation for ability and integrity.

That the princes might give accounts unto them - Be immediately responsible to them; the accounts of their own administration, and of the state of the empire.

And the king should have no damage - Either in the loss of revenue, or in any maladministration of the affairs. Compare Ezra 4:13. "They pay not toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings." The king was regarded as the source of all power, and as in fact the supreme proprietor of the realm, and any malfeasance or malversation in office was regarded as an injury to him.

Wesley's Daniel 6:2 Bible Commentary

6:2 Daniel was first - Belshazzar's promise to Daniel was, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom, chap. 5:7 ,16,29.The first was general of the army, the second president of the palace, the third of the land and provinces.