Original Word: בָּל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: bal
Pronunciation: bahl
Phonetic Spelling: (bawl)
KJV: heart
NASB: mind
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) from H108 (אֵד - mist)0]

1. (properly) anxiety
2. (by implication) the heart (as its seat)

heart

(Aramaic) from bla'; properly, anxiety, i.e. (by implication) the heart (as its seat) -- heart.

see HEBREW bla'

Word Origin
(Aramaic) from an unused word
Definition
the mind
NASB Translation
mind (1).

בָּל noun [masculine] mind (Syriac id. PS⁵²⁹; Arabic heart); — absolute ׳שָׂם ב Daniel 6:15 (followed by Infinitive; compare Syriac PS^l.c. Schulth^{Lex. 80}).

Overview

בָּל (Strong’s Hebrew 1079) surfaces a single time in the Old Testament—Daniel 6:14—yet its lone appearance paints a vivid portrait of moral anguish and urgent resolve. The term conveys an intense internal turmoil that grips King Darius when he realises that his own decree has condemned an innocent servant of God. Scripture places the word at the very pivot of the narrative, allowing it to amplify the contrast between fallible human legislation and the unwavering righteousness of the LORD.

Scriptural Context

Daniel 6 recounts how jealous officials exploited the irrevocable “law of the Medes and Persians” to entrap Daniel. Once the king learns that Daniel must be thrown into the lions’ den, the text records: “When the king heard this, he was deeply distressed, and he set his mind on rescuing Daniel. And until the sun went down he made every effort to deliver him” (Daniel 6:14). The verb translated “deeply distressed” captures Darius’s heart-sick remorse—an emotional crisis that drives him to exhausting lengths in an effort to undo the injustice.

Historical Background

• Medo-Persian jurisprudence held royal edicts to be unalterable (Daniel 6:8), a feature designed to project the king’s omnipotence but which in practice exposed monarchs to manipulation.
• Daniel, now likely in his eighties, had served successive empires with unimpeachable integrity. His consistent prayer life (Daniel 6:10) and administrative excellence (Daniel 6:3) provoked envy among peers.
• Darius (often identified with Gubaru or Gobryas) respected Daniel, yet political naïveté led him to sign the fatal decree. The sudden appearance of בָּל in verse 14 signals the eruption of conscience that follows.

Theological Themes

1. Human Fallibility versus Divine Sovereignty

The irreversible decree underscores the limits of human authority, while God’s deliverance of Daniel (Daniel 6:22) verifies heavenly supremacy. בָּל marks the moment Darius recognises this disparity.
2. Conviction and Repentance

Although repentance language is not explicit, the king’s distress and subsequent all-night vigil (Daniel 6:18–19) illustrate the stirring of conscience and the desire to align with righteousness.
3. Integrity under Persecution

Daniel’s calm fidelity stands in stark relief against royal agitation. The contrast invites believers to trust the LORD even when earthly powers threaten ruin.
4. The Unchanging Nature of True Law

The failure of an “unchangeable” human statute spotlights the perfection of God’s law (Psalm 19:7). The king’s anguish reflects the tragedy of elevating human edict above divine command.

Practical Ministry Insights

• Leadership Accountability: Emotional upheaval, as expressed by בָּל, warns leaders that decisions made for political expediency can wound the innocent and trouble the conscience.
• Intercessory Persistence: Daniel’s habit of prayer preceded the crisis; the king’s subsequent striving to save Daniel affirms that righteous testimony can awaken concern even in unbelieving authorities.
• Pastoral Care: Moments of intense regret—modern equivalents of בָּל—offer openings for gospel counsel. Pointing stricken hearts to Christ, who alone can bear sin’s weight (1 Peter 2:24), converts remorse into redemptive change.
• Encouragement Amid Hostility: Daniel’s vindication encourages believers that no conspiracy can thwart God’s purposes (Romans 8:31).

Cross-References and Related Concepts

• Pharaoh’s troubled spirit after his dreams (Genesis 41:8).
• King Ahasuerus’s restless night leading to Mordecai’s exaltation (Esther 6:1).
• Pilate’s wavering resolve regarding Jesus (Matthew 27:24).

In each case, rulers experience profound inner agitation when divine truth confronts political machination, echoing the force of בָּל in Daniel 6:14.

Conclusion

Though brief, בָּל crystallises the instant a ruler awakens to the peril of opposing God’s servant. The word’s solitary occurrence in Daniel 6:14 magnifies its message: worldly power falters when it collides with divine justice, yet even a pagan king’s pangs of regret can become an arena for God’s deliverance and glory.

בָּ֖ל בל bal bālInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts