Daniel 1:20

Translations

Modern

In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

Traditional

And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

Literal

And in all matters of wisdom and understanding that the king inquired of them, he found them ten hands above all the magicians and the enchanters who were in all his kingdom.

Latin

Et omne verbum sapientiæ et intellectus, quod sciscitatus est ab eis rex, invenit in eis decuplum super cunctos ariolos et magos qui erant in universo regno ejus.

Original

Hebrew

English

In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

Notes

Daniel 1:20

The magicians were priests who could predict the future and interpret dreams (see Genesis 44:1–15). They could also perform wonders (see Exodus 7:11). The term enchanters, from the Hebrew word ’ashap, appears only in the book of Daniel. It comes from an Akkadian term for people who spoke spells.

Daniel 1:15–21

During their training, Daniel and his friends followed a challenging curriculum in a threatening pagan culture. They stayed faithful to the Lord. As they learned language, literature, and science, they aimed for excellence and honored God. In return, God enhanced their skills and knowledge with many gifts.

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

Prophecies of Danielc. 606 BC

Related verses

Exodus 8:19
“This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
Isaiah 47:12–14
So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror!
1 Kings 4:29–34
And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore.
Genesis 41:8
In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.
Numbers 14:22
…not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness—yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times—
Exodus 7:22
But the magicians of Egypt did the same things by their magic arts. So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.
Nehemiah 4:12
At that time the Jews who lived nearby came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.”
Exodus 8:7
But the magicians did the same thing by their magic arts, and they also brought frogs up onto the land of Egypt.
Isaiah 19:3
Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will frustrate their plans, so that they will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists.
1 Kings 10:23–24
So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
Genesis 31:7
And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me.
Job 19:3
Ten times now you have reproached me; you shamelessly mistreat me.

Glossary

Ashpenaz Belteshazzar Book of Daniel Daniel, Additions to Enchantment Numbers and Numerology

Topics

Abed-Nego: Also Called Azariah: A Jewish Captive in Babylon Astrology: General Scriptures Concerning Civil Service: Appointment In, on Account of Merit Civil Service: School For Eunuchs Government: Civil Service School Provided By Instruction: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Integrity: Daniel, in his Abstemiousness (I. E. Abstinent) Magician: A Person Who Claims to Understand and Explain Mysteries by Magic Magicians Mishael: Also Called Meshach: One of Three Hebrew Young Men Trained with Daniel at the Court of Babylon School: State

Daniel 1:20

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Related verses?

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Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Glossary

Topics