Keraia
Daniel 1

Daniel 1:8

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

Modern
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself.
Traditional
But 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: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Literal
And Daniel set upon his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king, nor with the wine of his banquets; therefore he sought from the chief of the eunuchs that he would not defile himself.
Latin
Proposuit autem Daniel in corde suo ne pollueretur de mensa regis, neque de vino potus ejus: et rogavit eunuchorum præpositum ne contaminaretur.

Original

Hebrew
English
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself.

Notes

Daniel 1:8

Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself: The meat and wine from Nebuchadnezzar’s table were likely not allowed by Jewish standards. The Babylonians used meats like pork, which were unclean (see Leviticus 11:1–23; Deuteronomy 14:1–21), and their meat and wine were probably offered to Babylonian gods. The other young Hebrews agreed with Daniel (Daniel 1:12–16). They trusted God and followed his commands, and God blessed them (compare Deuteronomy 28:1–14).

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 Dietary Laws Hananiah

Topics

Abed-Nego: Also Called Azariah: A Jewish Captive in Babylon Abstemiousness: Daniel and his Hebrew Companions Appetite: Kept in Subjection Conscience: Faithful of Daniel, in Refusing to Eat of the King's Meat and Wine Daniel: A Jewish Captive, Also Called Belteshazzar: Abstinence of Government: Civil Service School Provided By Integrity: Daniel, in his Abstemiousness (I. E. Abstinent) Prudence: Daniel School: State Self-Denial: Daniel Self-Denial: Daniel, in his Abstention Temperance: General Scriptures Concerning Total Abstinence: Daniel Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel