Daniel 1:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the prince {H8269} of the eunuchs {H5631} said {H559} unto Daniel {H1840}, I fear {H3373} my lord {H113} the king {H4428}, who hath appointed {H4487} your meat {H3978} and your drink {H4960}: for why should he see {H7200} your faces {H6440} worse liking {H2196} than the children {H3206} which are of your sort {H1524}? then shall ye make me endanger {H2325} my head {H7218} to the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

however, the chief officer said to Dani'el, "I'm afraid of my lord the king. After all, he has given you an allowance of food and drink; so if he were to see you boys looking worse than the others your age, you would be putting my own head in danger from the king."

Berean Standard Bible

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!”

American Standard Version

And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your food and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths that are of your own age? so would ye endanger my head with the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 1:10 vividly portrays the intense apprehension of the prince of the eunuchs, Ashpenaz, as Daniel proposes a dietary alternative to the king's prescribed provisions. The prince expresses profound fear of King Nebuchadnezzar, whose direct decree established the young men's sustenance. His paramount concern is the potential for Daniel and his companions to appear less healthy than other trainees, which would directly jeopardize the prince's own life and position under the king's absolute and ruthless authority. This verse powerfully underscores the high stakes involved in Daniel's faithful resolve and the immediate human cost of even indirectly challenging a royal command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Daniel's firm and principled decision, stated in [Daniel 1:8](/daniel/1-8 "Daniel's Resolve Not to Defile Himself"), not to defile himself with the king's rich food and wine. Having already received favor from the prince of the eunuchs, a divine intervention noted in [Daniel 1:9](/daniel/1-9 "God Grants Favor to Daniel"), Daniel now presents his audacious request for an alternative diet. Verse 10 reveals the prince's deep-seated and entirely understandable fear, which serves as a crucial dramatic pivot, setting the stage for the subsequent test proposed by Daniel and agreed to by the steward in [Daniel 1:11-13](/daniel/1-11-13 "Daniel's Test Proposal"). This interaction highlights the profound tension between Daniel's unwavering spiritual conviction and the practical, life-threatening realities of navigating the Babylonian court. The narrative arc moves from Daniel's internal resolve to an external negotiation, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in opening doors and preparing the way for His faithful servants amidst formidable human opposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 605 BC, King Nebuchadnezzar implemented a strategic policy of integrating the brightest and most promising young men from conquered territories into his imperial administration. These individuals, including Daniel and his three friends, were subjected to a rigorous program designed to thoroughly Babylonianize them—training them in Chaldean language and literature, and providing them with royal provisions. This was a common imperial strategy to assimilate elites, ensure their loyalty, and harness their talents for the empire. In this despotic regime, the king's word was absolute law, and any perceived failure to comply or to meet his expectations could result in severe, often capital, punishment for those directly responsible. The "prince of the eunuchs" (Ashpenaz, explicitly named in [Daniel 1:3](/daniel/1-3 "Ashpenaz, Chief of the Eunuchs")) held an exceptionally high-ranking and sensitive position, directly accountable for the welfare and performance of the king's chosen trainees. His expressed fear was not exaggerated but a realistic assessment of the brutal consequences inherent in a system where a ruler's displeasure could mean instant death.
* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 1:10](/daniel/1-10 "Daniel 1:10 - The Prince's Fear") powerfully illustrates the foundational biblical theme of **fear of man versus fear of God**. The prince's fear is entirely directed toward King Nebuchadnezzar, emphasizing the immense, life-or-death power and potential cruelty of earthly rulers. This stands in stark contrast to Daniel's unwavering commitment to God's principles, which drives his request, even if it indirectly challenges the king's explicit decree. Another prominent theme is **personal responsibility and accountability** within a rigid hierarchical system. The prince of the eunuchs is directly responsible for the health and appearance of these young men; his chilling statement, "then shall ye make [me] endanger my head to the king," vividly portrays the life-or-death stakes of his position. Finally, the verse touches on **perception and judgment**, as the king's assessment was based on the outward appearance of the young men ("see your faces worse liking"). This highlights the superficial yet practically significant nature of royal evaluation in a court where image, compliance, and visible health were paramount indicators of success and loyalty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to fear," this term describes the prince's profound apprehension. It signifies not merely a general worry but a deep, reverential dread of the king's power and potential wrath, underscoring the absolute authority Nebuchadnezzar wielded over his subjects, including those in high office. The prince's fear is a rational response to the very real threat of capital punishment, stemming from the king's ability to "rule" (implied in the root of _ʼâdôwn_, H113, "lord").
* **Worse liking (Hebrew, _zâʻaph'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to boil up" or "to be peevish/angry," this word in the KJV context means "looking worse" or "less healthy." It refers to a visible deterioration in physical appearance, which would inevitably "fret" or provoke the king's displeasure or anger. The concern is not merely aesthetic but indicative of a perceived lack of proper nourishment and care, reflecting poorly on the prince's stewardship and potentially inciting royal "wrath."
* **Endanger (Hebrew, _chûwb'_):** This root means "to tie" or, figuratively, "to owe" or "to forfeit." In this context, "make me endanger my head" is an idiom meaning "to make me forfeit my life" or "to put my life at risk." It vividly conveys the severe, potentially capital, consequences the prince faced if Daniel and his companions did not meet the king's expectations, highlighting the ruthless nature of the Babylonian court where one could "forfeit" their very existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel,"**: This opening clause precisely identifies the speaker, the high-ranking official Ashpenaz, and the recipient, Daniel, setting the stage for a direct and consequential dialogue. It immediately establishes the power dynamic and the gravity of the impending conversation, as Daniel's unusual request is now met with the prince's direct response.
* **"I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink:"**: The prince immediately articulates the source of his profound apprehension: his absolute dread of King Nebuchadnezzar. He underscores that the king himself, not merely a subordinate, has personally "appointed" (Hebrew: _mânâh_, H4487) the specific provisions (meat and drink) for these elite young men, highlighting the direct royal decree and the immense gravity of any deviation from this mandate. His fear is a testament to the king's absolute and unquestionable authority.
* **"for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which [are] of your sort?"**: This clause reveals the core of the prince's practical concern and the immediate threat to his safety. He anticipates the king's visual inspection and the negative judgment that would inevitably follow if Daniel and his friends appeared physically inferior, less robust, or "worse liking" than other young men of their age and stature who were consuming the royal diet. The king's perception of their health and appearance was paramount, as it reflected directly on the effectiveness of his appointed regimen and the competence of his officials.
* **"then shall ye make [me] endanger my head to the king."**: This chilling and dramatic statement reveals the ultimate, potentially fatal, consequence for the prince. If Daniel and his friends' appearance displeased the king, the prince's own life would be on the line. This potent idiom vividly conveys the potential for execution or severe punishment, illustrating the brutal and unforgiving accountability system characteristic of absolute monarchies in the ancient Near East. The prince's "head" (Hebrew: _rôʼsh_, H7218) represents his very life, which he would "endanger" (Hebrew: _chûwb_, H2325) or forfeit.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey the tension and stakes of the situation. **Dialogue** is central, presenting the prince's direct and emotional response, which immediately humanizes his character and highlights the dramatic conflict. The prince's expression, "I fear my lord the king," is a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the overwhelming and potentially fatal nature of the king's power and the prince's deep-seated reverence (or dread) for it. The phrase "worse liking" functions as a subtle **euphemism** for appearing unhealthy or malnourished, conveying the prince's anxiety about the visible evidence that would condemn him without explicitly stating the dire physical condition. Most powerfully, the idiom "endanger my head" is a striking example of **metonymy** (where "head" stands for "life") and **synecdoche** (where a part represents the whole), vividly communicating the life-threatening consequences the prince faced. This stark imagery underscores the brutal realities of the Babylonian court and the immense pressure on those serving the king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 1:10 serves as a crucial moment that tests Daniel's faith and introduces the theme of divine favor in the face of human fear. The prince's understandable dread of the king's wrath stands in stark contrast to Daniel's quiet confidence, rooted in his conviction to honor God above all else. This setup highlights the biblical principle that obedience to God often requires courage to defy human expectations, cultural norms, or even powerful systems, even when it creates discomfort or perceived risk for others. Ultimately, the narrative demonstrates how God can work through human anxieties and even use them to bring about His purposes, as seen in the prince's eventual willingness to allow the test. This initial test of faithfulness sets the stage for Daniel's entire prophetic ministry, demonstrating that God honors those who honor Him and can orchestrate circumstances to protect His servants.

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men")
* [Psalm 118:6](/psalm/118-6 "Psalm 118:6 - The Lord Is With Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 1:10 presents a powerful scenario where personal conviction meets institutional fear and absolute power. The prince of the eunuchs, caught between the king's absolute decree and Daniel's principled request, reveals the very real human cost of navigating such tensions. For us, this verse challenges us to consider the implications of our own faithfulness in a world that often demands compromise or conformity. When our commitment to biblical principles might inconvenience, challenge, or even threaten the comfort or position of others—especially those in authority—how do we respond? Do we prioritize the "fear of man" and its immediate, tangible consequences over our unwavering commitment to God's will and His eternal principles? This passage reminds us that standing firm in our faith can indeed create ripple effects, sometimes causing discomfort or perceived risk for those around us. Yet, it also sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention and the demonstration of His power to protect and prosper those who trust Him, even in seemingly impossible or intimidating situations. It encourages us to pray for wisdom, discernment, and divine favor when our convictions put us at odds with worldly systems, trusting that God can work through even the fears and anxieties of others to accomplish His divine and perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself more influenced by the "fear of man" (what others might think or do) than by the "fear of God" (reverent obedience to His commands)?**
* **Can you identify a situation where your commitment to a biblical principle might cause discomfort or perceived risk for someone in authority over you? How would you navigate that with grace and conviction?**
* **How does Daniel's peaceful yet firm stance inspire you to maintain your integrity and faithfulness, even when facing potential negative consequences for yourself or others?**

### FAQ

**Why was the prince of the eunuchs so afraid of the king's reaction?**

Answer: The prince's fear was entirely rational and deeply rooted in the brutal realities of King Nebuchadnezzar's absolute monarchy. The king had personally "appointed" (Hebrew: _mânâh_, H4487) the specific diet for these elite young men, making any deviation a direct challenge to his supreme authority. In ancient Near Eastern despotic regimes, a king's word was absolute law, and failure to comply or to meet his expectations could result in severe, often capital, punishment for those responsible. The prince, as the one directly accountable for the well-being and appearance of Daniel and his friends, knew that if they looked "worse liking" (Hebrew: _zâʻaph_, H2196)—that is, less healthy or robust—than other trainees, it would be seen as his personal failure. This perceived failure would "endanger" (Hebrew: _chûwb_, H2325) his "head" (Hebrew: _rôʼsh_, H7218), an idiom for risking his life, as execution was a common and swift consequence for displeasing such a powerful and ruthless ruler. His fear was not an overreaction but a clear and sober understanding of the life-or-death stakes involved in his high-ranking position within the king's court.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 1:10, while highlighting the prince's fear and Daniel's faithfulness, ultimately points to the greater obedience and perfect provision found in Christ. Daniel's resolve not to defile himself with the king's food, even at the risk of jeopardizing another's life, foreshadows the perfect obedience of Jesus. Our Savior, though tempted in every way, lived a life without sin and perfectly fulfilled God's righteous requirements ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Where Daniel's faithfulness led to a test and God's favor, Christ's perfect obedience led to the ultimate sacrifice, taking upon Himself the consequences of humanity's defilement and disobedience, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The prince's fear of the king's wrath finds its ultimate resolution in Christ, who delivers us from the fear of death and the wrath to come, for He has rescued us from the coming judgment ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from Death") and [1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")). Just as God granted Daniel favor and ensured his well-being, Christ, through His finished work on the cross, provides true spiritual nourishment and sustains His followers, enabling them to live lives of faithfulness without fearing the ultimate consequences of human disapproval, for our lives are hidden with Christ in God ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Our Life Hidden in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:16

¶ Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:18

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

John 12:42

¶ Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess [him], lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

John 12:43

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Proverbs 29:25

¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.