Keraia
Daniel 1

Daniel 1:4

Daniel Removed to Babylon · Daniel 1:1–7
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Translations

Modern
…young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
Traditional
Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
Literal
…young men in whom there was not any blemish, and of good appearance, and being skilled in all wisdom, and knowing knowledge, and understanding learning, and who had power in them to serve in the palace of the king and to teach them and literature and language of the Chaldeans.
Latin
…pueros in quibus nulla esset macula, decoros forma, et eruditos omni sapientia, cautos scientia, et doctos disciplina, et qui possent stare in palatio regis, ut doceret eos litteras et linguam Chaldæorum.

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
…young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

Notes

Daniel 1:4

  • without blemish: They had no defects or blemishes that would disqualify them. The Lord required the same for Israel’s priests (Leviticus 21:16–24; 22:17–25). These youths had the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and character needed to work in high government positions.

  • Babylon had a wide range of literature that covered many kinds of knowledge. It included:

    • wisdom and secret writings,

    • creation stories,

    • magic spells,

    • theogonies (origins and family trees of the gods),

    • legal texts,

    • ancient histories,

    • letters,

    • dream journals,

    • guides for interpreting visions, and

    • mathematical and astrological materials.

    The education of these young men, all in a foreign language, was as advanced as that of Moses in Egypt.

Daniel 1:3–7

The Lord carried out his warning that sons of the royal family would serve in Babylon (Isaiah 39:7), even though they were heirs to the promises given to King David and his family. Nebuchadnezzar tried hard to convert them through education, social and religious pressure, and name changes. However, their influence on their pagan surroundings became the most notable aspect of their time at the king’s palace and court.

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

Places

Chaldea: Ancient Mesopotamian empire; known for astrology and wisdom

Glossary

Belteshazzar Book of Daniel Chaldea, Chaldeans Daniel, Additions to Rabsaris Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Topics

Babylon: Languages Spoken In Babylon: Treatment of the Jews In Chaldeans: Learned and Wise Men of the East Civil Service: School For Government: Civil Service School Provided By Instruction: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Language: Chaldee Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Chaldea Palaces of Kings: Often Attended by Eunuchs As Servants School: State Statecraft: School In