Keraia
Daniel 1

Daniel 1:10

Daniel’s Faithfulness · Daniel 1:8–16
Read Daniel 1

Translations

Modern
…but he said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age? You would endanger my head before the king!”
Traditional
And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
Literal
And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel: “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces sadder than the young men who are your age? And you would endanger my head before the king.”
Latin
Et ait princeps eunuchorum ad Danielem: Timeo ego dominum meum regem, qui constituit vobis cibum et potum: qui si viderit vultus vestros macilentiores præ ceteris adolescentibus coævis vestris, condemnabitis caput meum regi.

Original

Hebrew
English
…but he said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age? You would endanger my head before the king!”

Notes

Daniel 1:10

Ashpenaz was understandably afraid of the king.

Daniel 1:8–14

Daniel decided not to eat the king's food or drink his wine. He wanted to keep his religious and moral independence. He allowed God to show kindness and care to his faithful servants. This strong trust in God by Daniel and his friends is an important theme in the book (see also Daniel 2:16–23; 3:16–18; 6:16).

Daniel 1:1–21

God kept his promise by sending his rebellious people into exile (see Jeremiah 25:11–12; 29:10). He also showed grace to a small group (a remnant) in exile, protecting and helping Daniel and three other young Hebrew captives. These young men received the best training available in the Babylonian king’s court. This prepared them to be God’s witnesses in Babylon. They made the God of Israel known even while in exile.

Theme notes and profiles

Babylon Daniel Nebuchadnezzar II

Events

People

Daniel: Prophet in Babylon, known for wisdom and visions

Glossary

Ashpenaz Azariah Belteshazzar Book of Daniel Daniel, Additions to Hananiah

Topics

Abed-Nego: Also Called Azariah: A Jewish Captive in Babylon Abstemiousness: Daniel and his Hebrew Companions Appetite: Kept in Subjection Daniel: A Jewish Captive, Also Called Belteshazzar: Abstinence of Government: Civil Service School Provided By Government: Monarchical by Nebuchadnezzar Head: Put for the Life Integrity: Daniel, in his Abstemiousness (I. E. Abstinent) Prudence: Daniel School: State Self-Denial: Daniel