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Daniel 1

BSB·21 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1In the thirdשָׁל֔וֹשׁšā·lō·wōš — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → yearבִּשְׁנַ֣תbiš·naṯ — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study → of the reignלְמַלְכ֖וּתlə·mal·ḵūṯ — kingdom, royal rule, sovereigntyH4438 — Full Word Study → of Jehoiakimיְהוֹיָקִ֣יםyə·hō·w·yā·qîm — Yahweh establishesH3079 — Full Word Study → kingמֶֽלֶךְ־me·leḵ- — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → of Judahיְהוּדָ֑הyə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →, Nebuchadnezzarנְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֧רnə·ḇū·ḵaḏ·neṣ·ṣar — God protects the kingH5019 — Full Word Study → kingמֶֽלֶךְ־me·leḵ- — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → of Babylonבָּבֶ֛לbā·ḇel — Gate of GodH894 — Full Word Study → cameבָּ֣אbā — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִַ֖םyə·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study → and besiegedוַיָּ֥צַרway·yā·ṣar — to besiege, confine, or press inH6696 — Full Word Study → itעָלֶֽיהָ׃‘ā·le·hā — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →. 2And the Lordאֲדֹנָ֨י’ă·ḏō·nāy — Master, LordH136 — Full Word Study → deliveredוַיִּתֵּן֩way·yit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → into his handבְּיָד֜וֹbə·yā·ḏōw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → Jehoiakimיְהוֹיָקִ֣יםyə·hō·w·yā·qîm — Yahweh establishesH3079 — Full Word Study → kingמֶֽלֶךְ־me·leḵ- — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → of Judahיְהוּדָ֗הyə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →, along with someוּמִקְצָת֙ū·miq·ṣāṯ — end, extremity, or a portionH7117 — Full Word Study → of the articlesכְּלֵ֣יkə·lê — vessel, instrument, or article of useH3627 — Full Word Study → from the houseבֵית־ḇêṯ- — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of Godהָֽאֱלֹהִ֔יםhā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →. He carried these off to the landאֶֽרֶץ־’e·reṣ- — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Shinarשִׁנְעָ֖רšin·‘ār — Ancient Mesopotamian regionH8152 — Full Word Study →, to the houseבֵּ֣יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of his godאֱלֹהָ֑יו’ĕ·lō·hāw — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →, where he putהֵבִ֔יאhê·ḇî — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → them in the treasuryאוֹצַ֥ר’ō·w·ṣar — Storehouse or treasury; a place where valuables are keptH214 — Full Word Study → of his godאֱלֹהָֽיו׃’ĕ·lō·hāw — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →. 3Then the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → orderedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Ashpenazלְאַשְׁפְּנַ֖זlə·’aš·pə·naz — Chief of the eunuchsH828 — Full Word Study →, the chiefרַ֣בraḇ — great, many, abundant, mightyH7227 — Full Word Study → of his court officialsסָרִיסָ֑יוsā·rî·sāw — eunuch; court official or chamberlainH5631 — Full Word Study →, to bring inלְהָבִ֞יאlə·hā·ḇî — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → someוּמִן־ū·min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → Israelitesמִבְּנֵ֧יmib·bə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → from the royalהַמְּלוּכָ֖הham·mə·lū·ḵāh — Kingship, royal authority, sovereigntyH4410 — Full Word Study → familyוּמִזֶּ֥רַעū·miz·ze·ra‘ — Seed; offspring; descendant; progenyH2233 — Full Word Study → and the nobilityהַֽפַּרְתְּמִֽים׃hap·par·tə·mîm — Noble, aristocrat, or dignitary of high rankH6579 — Full Word Study → 4young menיְלָדִ֣יםyə·lā·ḏîm — Child, boy, or young person; offspringH3206 — Full Word Study → withoutאֵֽין־’ên- — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → blemishמְאוּםmə·ʾūm — A blemish or defect, physical or moralH3971 — Full Word Study →, handsomeוְטוֹבֵ֨יwə·ṭō·w·ḇê — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study →, giftedוּמַשְׂכִּילִ֣יםū·maś·kî·lîm — To act wisely; to understand, prosper, or give skillH7919 — Full Word Study → in allבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → wisdomחָכְמָ֗הḥāḵ·māh — Wisdom; skillful understanding and discernmentH2451 — Full Word Study →, knowledgeableוְיֹ֤דְעֵיwə·yō·ḏə·‘ê — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study →, quickמַדָּ֔עmad·dā‘ — Knowledge, understanding, awarenessH4093 — Full Word Study → to understandוּמְבִינֵ֣יū·mə·ḇî·nê — To understand, discern, perceiveH995 — Full Word Study →, and qualifiedכֹּ֣חַkō·aḥ — Strength, power, might, or abilityH3581 — Full Word Study → to serveלַעֲמֹ֖דla·‘ă·mōḏ — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study → in the king’sהַמֶּ֑לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → palaceבְּהֵיכַ֣לbə·hê·ḵal — Temple, palace, sanctuary structureH1964 — Full Word Study →and to teach themוּֽלֲלַמְּדָ֥םū·lă·lam·mə·ḏām — To learn; to teach; to become accustomedH3925 — Full Word Study → the languageוּלְשׁ֥וֹןū·lə·šō·wn — Tongue; language; speechH3956 — Full Word Study → and literatureסֵ֖פֶרsê·p̄er — A written document, scroll, or bookH5612 — Full Word Study → of the Chaldeansכַּשְׂדִּֽים׃kaś·dîm — ChaldeaH3778 — Full Word Study →. 5The kingהַמֶּ֜לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → assignedוַיְמַן֩way·man — To count, number, appoint, or ordainH4487 — Full Word Study → them dailyבְּיוֹמ֗וֹbə·yō·w·mōw — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → provisionsדְּבַר־də·ḇar- — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → of the royalהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → foodבַּ֤גbaḡ — choice portion of food; delicacyH6598 — Full Word Study → and wineוּמִיֵּ֣יןū·mî·yên — Wine; fermented grape juiceH3196 — Full Word Study →. They were to be trainedוּֽלְגַדְּלָ֖םū·lə·ḡad·də·lām — to grow, become great, magnifyH1431 — Full Word Study → for threeשָׁל֑וֹשׁšā·lō·wōš — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → yearsשָׁנִ֣יםšā·nîm — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study →, after whichוּמִ֨קְצָתָ֔םū·miq·ṣā·ṯām — end, extremity, or a portionH7117 — Full Word Study → they were to enterיַֽעַמְד֖וּya·‘am·ḏū — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study → the king’s serviceהַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →. 6Among these young men were someוַיְהִ֥יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → from Judahיְהוּדָ֑הyə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →: Danielדָּנִיֵּ֣אלdā·nî·yêl — God is my judgeH1841 — Full Word Study →, Hananiahחֲנַנְיָ֔הḥă·nan·yāh — Hananiah; God is graciousH2608 — Full Word Study →, Mishaelמִֽישָׁאֵ֖לmî·šā·’êl — Who is what God isH4332 — Full Word Study →, and Azariahוַעֲזַרְיָֽה׃wa·‘ă·zar·yāh — The Lord helpsH5838 — Full Word Study →. 7The chiefשַׂ֥רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → officialהַסָּרִיסִ֖יםhas·sā·rî·sîm — eunuch; court official or chamberlainH5631 — Full Word Study → gave themוַיָּ֧שֶׂםway·yā·śem — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → new namesשֵׁמ֑וֹתšê·mō·wṯ — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study →: To Danielלְדָֽנִיֵּ֜אלlə·ḏā·nî·yêl — God is my judgeH1841 — Full Word Study → he gaveוַיָּ֨שֶׂםway·yā·śem — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → the name Belteshazzarבֵּ֣לְטְשַׁאצַּ֗רbê·lə·ṭə·šaṣ·ṣar — Bel protects the kingH1095 — Full Word Study →; to Hananiahוְלַֽחֲנַנְיָה֙wə·la·ḥă·nan·yāh — Hananiah; God is graciousH2608 — Full Word Study →, Shadrachשַׁדְרַ֔ךְšaḏ·raḵ — Command of AkuH7714 — Full Word Study →; to Mishaelוּלְמִֽישָׁאֵ֣לū·lə·mî·šā·’êl — Who is what God isH4332 — Full Word Study →, Meshachמֵישַׁ֔ךְmê·šaḵ — Who is what God isH4335 — Full Word Study →; and to Azariahוְלַעֲזַרְיָ֖הwə·la·‘ă·zar·yāh — The Lord helpsH5838 — Full Word Study →, Abednegoנְגֽוֹ׃nə·ḡōw — Servant of NegoH5664 — Full Word Study →. 8But Danielדָּנִיֵּאל֙dā·nî·yêl — God is my judgeH1841 — Full Word Study → madeוַיָּ֤שֶׂםway·yā·śem — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → upעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → his mindלִבּ֔וֹlib·bōw — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → thatאֲשֶׁ֧ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → he would notלֹֽא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → defile himselfיִתְגָּאַ֛לyiṯ·gā·’al — to defile, pollute, or profaneH1351 — Full Word Study → with the king’sהַמֶּ֖לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → foodבְּפַתְבַּ֥גbə·p̄aṯ·baḡ — choice portion of food; delicacyH6598 — Full Word Study → or wineוּבְיֵ֣יןū·ḇə·yên — Wine; fermented grape juiceH3196 — Full Word Study →. So he askedוַיְבַקֵּשׁ֙way·ḇaq·qêš — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → the chiefמִשַּׂ֣רmiś·śar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → officialהַסָּרִיסִ֔יםhas·sā·rî·sîm — eunuch; court official or chamberlainH5631 — Full Word Study → for permissionאֲשֶׁ֖ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → to defile himselfיִתְגָּאָֽל׃yiṯ·gā·’āl — to defile, pollute, or profaneH1351 — Full Word Study →. 9Now Godהָֽאֱלֹהִים֙hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → had grantedוַיִּתֵּ֤ןway·yit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → Danielדָּ֣נִיֵּ֔אלdā·nî·yêl — God is my judgeH1841 — Full Word Study → favorלְחֶ֖סֶדlə·ḥe·seḏ — Covenant loyalty and steadfast kindnessH2617 — Full Word Study → and compassionוּֽלְרַחֲמִ֑יםū·lə·ra·ḥă·mîm — Compassion, mercy, womb; deep emotional affectionH7356 — Full Word Study → fromלִפְנֵ֖יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the chiefשַׂ֥רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → officialהַסָּרִיסִֽים׃has·sā·rî·sîm — eunuch; court official or chamberlainH5631 — Full Word Study →, 10but heשַׂ֤רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֜אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to Danielלְדָ֣נִיֵּ֔אלlə·ḏā·nî·yêl — God is my judgeH1841 — Full Word Study →, “Iאֲנִי֙’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → fearיָרֵ֤אyā·rê — to fear, be afraid, dreadH3373 — Full Word Study → my lordאֲדֹנִ֣י’ă·ḏō·nî — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, whoאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → has assignedמִנָּ֔הmin·nāh — To count, number, appoint, or ordainH4487 — Full Word Study → your foodמַאֲכַלְכֶ֖םma·’ă·ḵal·ḵem — Food, sustenance, or provisions for eatingH3978 — Full Word Study → and drinkמִשְׁתֵּיכֶ֑םmiš·tê·ḵem — Feast, banquet, or festive mealH4960 — Full Word Study →. Forאֲשֶׁ֡ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → whyלָמָּה֩lām·māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → should he seeיִרְאֶ֨הyir·’eh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → your facesפְּנֵיכֶ֜םpə·nê·ḵem — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → looking thinnerזֹֽעֲפִ֗יםzō·‘ă·p̄îm — to rage, fret, or be deeply displeasedH2196 — Full Word Study → thanמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → those of the other young menהַיְלָדִים֙hay·lā·ḏîm — Child, boy, or young person; offspringH3206 — Full Word Study → your ageכְּגִֽילְכֶ֔םkə·ḡî·lə·ḵem — Joy, gladness, rejoicingH1524 — Full Word Study →? You would endangerוְחִיַּבְתֶּ֥םwə·ḥî·yaḇ·tem — to endanger, imperil, or put at riskH2325 — Full Word Study → my headרֹאשִׁ֖יrō·šî — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → before the kingלַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃lam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →!” 11Then Danielדָּנִיֵּ֖אלdā·nî·yêl — God is my judgeH1841 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֥אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the stewardהַמֶּלְצַ֑רham·mel·ṣar — steward, overseer, or chief officerH4453 — Full Word Study → whomאֲשֶׁ֤ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the chiefשַׂ֣רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → officialהַסָּֽרִיסִ֔יםhas·sā·rî·sîm — eunuch; court official or chamberlainH5631 — Full Word Study → had appointedמִנָּה֙min·nāh — To count, number, appoint, or ordainH4487 — Full Word Study → overעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → Danielדָּנִיֵּ֣אלdā·nî·yêl — God is my judgeH1841 — Full Word Study →, Hananiahחֲנַנְיָ֔הḥă·nan·yāh — Hananiah; God is graciousH2608 — Full Word Study →, Mishaelמִֽישָׁאֵ֖לmî·šā·’êl — Who is what God isH4332 — Full Word Study →, and Azariahוַעֲזַרְיָֽה׃wa·‘ă·zar·yāh — The Lord helpsH5838 — Full Word Study →, 12Pleaseנָ֥אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → testנַס־nas- — to test, try, or prove by examinationH5254 — Full Word Study → your servantsעֲבָדֶ֖יךָ‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → for tenעֲשָׂרָ֑ה‘ă·śā·rāh — The number ten; a complete group or setH6235 — Full Word Study → daysיָמִ֣יםyā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →. Let us be givenוְיִתְּנוּ־wə·yit·tə·nū- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → onlyמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → vegetablesהַזֵּרֹעִ֛יםhaz·zê·rō·‘îm — Vegetables; pulse; edible plantsH2235 — Full Word Study → to eatוְנֹאכְלָ֖הwə·nō·ḵə·lāh — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → and waterוּמַ֥יִםū·ma·yim — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study → to drinkוְנִשְׁתֶּֽה׃wə·niš·teh — to drink; consume liquidH8354 — Full Word Study →. 13Then compareוְיֵרָא֤וּwə·yê·rā·’ū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → our appearancesמַרְאֵ֔ינוּmar·’ê·nū — Appearance, sight, vision, or outward formH4758 — Full Word Study → with thoseוּמַרְאֵה֙ū·mar·’êh — Appearance, sight, vision, or outward formH4758 — Full Word Study → of the young menהַיְלָדִ֔יםhay·lā·ḏîm — Child, boy, or young person; offspringH3206 — Full Word Study → who are eatingהָאֹ֣כְלִ֔יםhā·’ō·ḵə·lîm — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → the royalהַמֶּ֑לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → foodפַּתְבַּ֣גpaṯ·baḡ — choice portion of food; delicacyH6598 — Full Word Study →, and dealעֲשֵׂ֖ה‘ă·śêh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → withעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → your servantsעֲבָדֶֽיךָ׃‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → according to whatוְכַאֲשֶׁ֣רwə·ḵa·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → you seeתִּרְאֵ֔הtir·’êh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study →.” 14So he consentedוַיִּשְׁמַ֥עway·yiš·ma‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study → to thisהַזֶּ֑הhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → and tested themוַיְנַסֵּ֖םway·nas·sêm — to test, try, or prove by examinationH5254 — Full Word Study → for tenעֲשָׂרָֽה׃‘ă·śā·rāh — The number ten; a complete group or setH6235 — Full Word Study → daysיָמִ֥יםyā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →. 15And atמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the endוּמִקְצָת֙ū·miq·ṣāṯ — end, extremity, or a portionH7117 — Full Word Study → of tenעֲשָׂרָ֔ה‘ă·śā·rāh — The number ten; a complete group or setH6235 — Full Word Study → daysיָמִ֣יםyā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →, they lookedנִרְאָ֤הnir·’āh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → healthierט֔וֹבṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → and better nourishedוּבְרִיאֵ֖יū·ḇə·rî·’ê — Fat, well-fed, fertile, abundantly productiveH1277 — Full Word Study → than allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the young menהַיְלָדִ֔יםhay·lā·ḏîm — Child, boy, or young person; offspringH3206 — Full Word Study → who were eatingהָאֹ֣כְלִ֔יםhā·’ō·ḵə·lîm — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → the king’sהַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → foodפַּתְבַּ֥גpaṯ·baḡ — choice portion of food; delicacyH6598 — Full Word Study →. 16Soוַיְהִ֣יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → the stewardהַמֶּלְצַ֗רham·mel·ṣar — steward, overseer, or chief officerH4453 — Full Word Study → continued to withholdנֹשֵׂא֙nō·śê — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → their choice foodפַּתְבָּגָ֔םpaṯ·bā·ḡām — choice portion of food; delicacyH6598 — Full Word Study → and the wineוְיֵ֖יןwə·yên — Wine; fermented grape juiceH3196 — Full Word Study → they were to drinkמִשְׁתֵּיהֶ֑םmiš·tê·hem — Feast, banquet, or festive mealH4960 — Full Word Study →, and he gaveוְנֹתֵ֥ןwə·nō·ṯên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → them vegetables instead. 17To theseהָאֵ֙לֶּה֙hā·’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → fourאַרְבַּעְתָּ֔ם’ar·ba‘·tām — The number four; a group of fourH702 — Full Word Study → young menוְהַיְלָדִ֤יםwə·hay·lā·ḏîm — Child, boy, or young person; offspringH3206 — Full Word Study → Godהָֽאֱלֹהִ֛יםhā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → gaveנָתַ֨ןnā·ṯan — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → knowledgeמַדָּ֥עmad·dā‘ — Knowledge, understanding, awarenessH4093 — Full Word Study → and understandingוְהַשְׂכֵּ֖לwə·haś·kêl — To act wisely; to understand, prosper, or give skillH7919 — Full Word Study → in every kindבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → of literatureסֵ֣פֶרsê·p̄er — A written document, scroll, or bookH5612 — Full Word Study → and wisdomוְחָכְמָ֑הwə·ḥā·ḵə·māh — Wisdom; skillful understanding and discernmentH2451 — Full Word Study →. And Danielוְדָנִיֵּ֣אלwə·ḏā·nî·yêl — God is my judgeH1841 — Full Word Study → had insightהֵבִ֔יןhê·ḇîn — To understand, discern, perceiveH995 — Full Word Study → into all kindsבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → of visionsחָז֖וֹןḥā·zō·wn — A divinely revealed vision or sightH2377 — Full Word Study → and dreamsוַחֲלֹמֽוֹת׃wa·ḥă·lō·mō·wṯ — dream, vision during sleepH2472 — Full Word Study →. 18Now at the endוּלְמִקְצָת֙ū·lə·miq·ṣāṯ — end, extremity, or a portionH7117 — Full Word Study → of the timeהַיָּמִ֔יםhay·yā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → specifiedאָמַ֥ר’ā·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → by the kingהַמֶּ֖לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, the chiefשַׂ֣רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → officialהַסָּרִיסִ֔יםhas·sā·rî·sîm — eunuch; court official or chamberlainH5631 — Full Word Study → presented themוַיְבִיאֵם֙way·ḇî·’êm — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toלִפְנֵ֖יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → Nebuchadnezzarנְבֻכַדְנֶצַּֽר׃nə·ḇu·ḵaḏ·neṣ·ṣar — God protects the kingH5019 — Full Word Study →. 19And the kingהַמֶּלֶךְ֒ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → spoke with themוַיְדַבֵּ֣רway·ḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study →, and amongאִתָּם֮’it·tām — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → all the young men he foundנִמְצָא֙nim·ṣā — to find, discover, obtainH4672 — Full Word Study → no oneוְלֹ֤אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → equal to Danielכְּדָנִיֵּ֣אלkə·ḏā·nî·yêl — God is my judgeH1841 — Full Word Study →, Hananiahחֲנַנְיָ֔הḥă·nan·yāh — Hananiah; God is graciousH2608 — Full Word Study →, Mishaelמִֽישָׁאֵ֖לmî·šā·’êl — Who is what God isH4332 — Full Word Study →, and Azariahוַעֲזַרְיָ֑הwa·‘ă·zar·yāh — The Lord helpsH5838 — Full Word Study →. So they enteredוַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּway·ya·‘am·ḏū — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study → the king’s serviceהַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →. 20In everyוְכֹ֗לwə·ḵōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → matterדְּבַר֙də·ḇar — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → of wisdomחָכְמַ֣תḥā·ḵə·maṯ — Wisdom; skillful understanding and discernmentH2451 — Full Word Study → and understandingבִּינָ֔הbî·nāh — Understanding; discernment; insightH998 — Full Word Study → about whichאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֑לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → consultedבִּקֵּ֥שׁbiq·qêš — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → them, he found themוַֽיִּמְצָאֵ֞םway·yim·ṣā·’êm — to find, discover, obtainH4672 — Full Word Study → tenעֶ֣שֶׂר‘e·śer — The number ten; a complete group or setH6235 — Full Word Study → timesיָד֗וֹתyā·ḏō·wṯ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → better thanעַ֤ל‘al — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the magiciansהָֽאַשָּׁפִ֔יםhā·’aš·šā·p̄îm — enchanter, magician, one who practices sorceryH825 — Full Word Study → and enchantersהַֽחַרְטֻמִּים֙ha·ḥar·ṭum·mîm — magician, sorcerer, wise manH2748 — Full Word Study → in his entireבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → kingdomמַלְכוּתֽוֹ׃mal·ḵū·ṯōw — kingdom, royal rule, sovereigntyH4438 — Full Word Study →. 21And Danielדָּֽנִיֵּ֔אלdā·nî·yêl — God is my judgeH1841 — Full Word Study → remainedוַֽיְהִי֙way·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → there untilעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → the firstאַחַ֖ת’a·ḥaṯ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → yearשְׁנַ֥תšə·naṯ — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study → of Kingהַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃פham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Cyrusלְכ֥וֹרֶשׁlə·ḵō·w·reš — Persian KingH3566 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Daniel 1
Chapter Overview

Overview

Daniel chapter 1 introduces us to one of Scripture's most remarkable testimonies of faith in exile. When Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army conquers Jerusalem in 605 BC, young Daniel and his three friends are torn from their homeland and pressed into the king's service. Rather than compromise their convictions, these four Hebrew youths demonstrate courageous obedience to God's law, trust in His sovereignty, and reliance upon His strength. This opening chapter establishes the fundamental theme of Daniel's entire book: God's people can remain faithful to Him even in pagan kingdoms, and He will honor such faithfulness with supernatural blessing and wisdom.

Verses 1-5: The Siege and Selection

The chapter opens with historical devastation. In the third year of King Jehoiakim's reign, Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem and the Lord permits the king of Judah to fall into Babylonian hands (verses 1-2). This is not coincidental—God gave Jehoiakim into Nebuchadnezzar's hand. The sacred vessels of the temple are also carried off as spoils, a humbling sign of God's judgment upon Judah's unfaithfulness.

Yet from this catastrophe, a divine opportunity emerges. Nebuchadnezzar orders Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to select promising young Israelites—particularly from royal and noble families—for three years of intensive training in Babylonian language, culture, and science (verses 3-4). The king's selection criteria are rigorous: the youths must be physically unblemished, intellectually gifted, and capable of serving in his palace. They are offered the king's own food and wine as part of their sustenance and education (verse 5). This was meant to assimilate them into Babylonian culture and to build loyalty to the crown.

Application: God often allows His people to be placed in difficult, unfamiliar environments. Rather than despair, we should recognize that God may be positioning us for future kingdom service.

Verses 6-8: The Four Young Men and Their Conviction

The narrative now introduces four Judahite youths by their Hebrew names: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (verse 6). The Babylonians immediately rename them—Daniel becomes Belteshazzar, Hananiah becomes Shadrach, Mishael becomes Meshach, and Azariah becomes Abednego (verse 7). This renaming was an intentional strategy to erase their Hebrew identity and replace it with Babylonian identity, a form of cultural assimilation.

But Daniel's response is decisive: "Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank" (verse 8). Daniel recognized that eating the king's meat and wine would violate God's dietary laws (see Leviticus 11) and would represent spiritual compromise. His conviction was not merely personal preference—it was rooted in covenantal faithfulness to the God of Israel. He respectfully requests exemption from the king's provisions.

Application: Standing firm in biblical conviction often requires us to respectfully but clearly say "no" to cultural pressures. True courage is acting on our convictions with humility and grace.

Verses 9-16: God's Favor and the Test

God grants Daniel favor with Ashpenaz (verse 9), but the chief eunuch expresses legitimate fear: if the youths appear weak or sickly, the king will hold him responsible (verse 10). Daniel then proposes a ten-day test to Melzar, the official overseeing the four youths (verses 11-13). They will eat only pulse—vegetables and legumes—and drink water, then be compared with those eating the king's meat.

The results vindicate Daniel's faithfulness. After ten days, the four youths appear "fairer and fatter in flesh" than those consuming royal provisions (verse 15). Melzar therefore permits them to continue their simple diet (verse 16). This is no mere nutritional coincidence; it reflects God's blessing upon obedience.

Application: When we honor God through obedience, He honors us in return. We need not fear that faithfulness will disadvantage us.

Verses 17-21: God's Supernatural Blessing

God empowers the four with exceptional knowledge, skill, learning, and wisdom (verse 17). Daniel receives special understanding of visions and dreams—a gift that will become central to his prophetic ministry. When their three-year training concludes, the king finds these four surpass all other candidates (verses 18-19). Most remarkably, in every matter of wisdom and understanding, they prove "ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers" in Nebuchadnezzar's realm (verse 20). Daniel's influence extends throughout the Babylonian exile and into the Persian period under King Cyrus (verse 21).

Application: Faithfulness to God produces supernatural fruitfulness. Excellence in service flows from devotion to the Lord.

Application for Today

Whether

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