TRV
Translation
King James Version
Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
Complete Jewish Bible
So the guard took away their food and the wine they were supposed to drink, and gave them vegetables.
Berean Standard Bible
So the steward continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and he gave them vegetables instead.
American Standard Version
So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.
World English Bible Messianic
So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus Melzar tooke away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drinke, and gaue them pulse.
Young's Literal Translation
And the Meltzar is taking away their portion of food, and the wine of their drink, and is giving to them vegetables.
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In the KJVVerse 21,754 of 31,102
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Commentary on Daniel 1 verses 8–16
8 ¶ 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.
9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
10 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.
11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
We observe here, very much to our satisfaction,
I. That Daniel was a favourite with the prince of the eunuchs (Dan 1:9), as Joseph was with the keeper of the prison; he had a tender love for him. No doubt Daniel deserved it, and recommended himself by his ingenuity and sweetness of temper (he was greatly beloved, Dan 9:23); and yet it is said here that it was God that brought him into favour with the prince of the eunuchs, for every one does not meet with acceptance according to his merits. Note, The interest which we think we make for ourselves we must acknowledge to be God's gift, and must ascribe to him the glory of it. Whoever are in favour, it is God that has brought them into favour; and it is by him that they find good understanding. Herein was again verified That work (Psa 106:46), He made them to be pitied of all those that carried them captives. Let young ones know that the way to be acceptable is to be tractable and dutiful.
II. That Daniel was still firm to his religion. They had changed his name, but they could not change his nature. Whatever they pleased to call him, he still retained the spirit of an Israelite indeed. He would apply his mind as closely as any of them to his books, and took pains to make himself master of the learning and tongue of the Chaldeans, but he was resolved that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, he would not meddle with it, nor with the wine which he drank, Dan 1:8. And having communicated his purpose, with the reasons of it, to his fellows, they concurred in the same resolution, as appears, Dan 1:11. This was not out of sullenness, or peevishness, or a spirit of contradiction, but from a principle of conscience. Perhaps it was not in itself unlawful for them to eat of the king's meat or to drink of his wine. But, 1. They were scrupulous concerning the meat, lest it should be sinful. Sometimes such meat would be set before them as was expressly forbidden by their law, as swine's flesh; or they were afraid lest it should have been offered in sacrifice to an idol, or blessed in the name of an idol. The Jews were distinguished from other nations very much by their meats (Lev 11:45, Lev 11:46), and these pious young men, being in a strange country, thought themselves obliged to keep up the honour of their being a peculiar people. Though they could not keep up their dignity as princes, they would not lose it as Israelites; for on that they most valued themselves. Note, When God's people are in Babylon they have need to take special care that they partake not in her sins. Providence seemed to lay this meat before them; being captives they must eat what they could get and must not disoblige their masters; yet, if the command be against it, they must abide by that. Though Providence says, Kill and eat, conscience says, Not so, Lord, for nothing common or unclean has come into my mouth. 2. They were jealous over themselves, lest, though it should not be sinful in itself, it should be an occasion of sin to them, lest, by indulging their appetites with these dainties, they should grow sinful, voluptuous, and in love with the pleasures of Babylon. They had learned David's prayer, Let me not eat of their dainties (Psa 141:4), and Solomon's precept, Be not desirous of dainties, for they are deceitful meat (Pro 23:3), and accordingly they form their resolution. Note, It is very much the praise of all, and especially of young people, to be dead to the delights of sense, not to covet them, not to relish them, but to look upon them with indifference. Those that would excel in wisdom and piety must learn betimes to keep under the body and bring it into subjection. 3. However, they thought it unseasonable now, when Jerusalem was in distress, and they themselves were in captivity. They had no heart to drink wine in bowls, so much were they grieved for the affliction of Joseph. Though they had royal blood in their veins, yet they did not think it proper to have royal dainties in their mouths when they were thus brought low. Note, It becomes us to be humble under humbling providences. Call me not Naomi; call me Marah. See the benefit of affliction; by the account Jeremiah gives of the princes and great men now at Jerusalem it appears that they were very corrupt and wicked, and defiled themselves with things offered to idols, while these young gentlemen that were in captivity would not defile themselves, no, not with their portion of the king's meat. How much better is it with those that retain their integrity in the depths of affliction than with those that retain their iniquity in the heights of prosperity! Observe, The great thing that Daniel avoided was defiling himself with the pollutions of sin; that is the thing we should be more afraid of than of any outward trouble. Daniel, having taken up this resolution, requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself, not only that he might not be compelled to do it, but that he might not be tempted to do it, that the bait might not be laid before him, that he might not see the portion appointed him of the king's meat, nor look upon the wine when it was red. It will be easier to keep the temptation at a distance than to suffer it to come near and then be forced to put a knife to our throat. Note, We cannot better improve our interest in any with whom we have found favour than by making use of them to keep us from sin.
III. That God wonderfully owned him herein. When Daniel requested that he might have none of the king's meat or wine set before him the prince of the eunuchs objected that, if he and his fellows were not found in as good case as any of their companions, he should be in danger of having anger and of losing his head, Dan 1:10. Daniel, to satisfy him that there would be no danger of any bad consequence, desires the matter might be put to a trial. He applies himself further to the under-officer, Melzar, or the steward: "Prove us for ten days; during that time let us have nothing but pulse to eat, nothing but herbs and fruits, or parched peas or lentils, and nothing but water to drink, and see how we can live upon that, and proceed accordingly," Dan 1:13. People will not believe the benefit of abstemiousness and a spare diet, nor how much it contributes to the health of the body, unless they try it. Trial was accordingly made. Daniel and his fellows lived for ten days upon pulse and water, hard fare for young men of genteel extraction and education, and which one would rather expect they should have indented against than petitioned for; but at the end of the ten days they were compared with the other children, and were found fairer and fatter in flesh, of a more healthful look and better complexion, than all those who did eat the portion of the king's meat, Dan 1:15. This was in part a natural effect of their temperance, but it must be ascribed to the special blessing of God, which will make a little to go a great way, a dinner of herbs better than a stalled ox. By this it appears that man lives not by bread alone; pulse and water shall be the most nourishing food if God speak the word. See what it is to keep ourselves pure from the pollutions of sin; it is the way to have that comfort and satisfaction which will be health to the navel and marrow to the bones, while the pleasures of sin are rottenness to the bones.
IV. That his master countenanced him. The steward did not force them to eat against their consciences, but, as they desired, gave them pulse and water (Dan 1:16), the pleasures of which they enjoyed, and we have reason to think were not envied the enjoyment. Here is a great example of temperance and contentment with mean things; and (as Epicurus said) "he that lives according to nature will never be poor, but he that lives according to opinion will never be rich." This wonderful abstemiousness of these young men in the days of their youth contributed to the fitting of them, 1. For their eminent services. Hereby they kept their minds clear and unclouded, and fit for contemplation, and saved for the best employments a great deal both of time and thought; and thus they prevented those diseases which indispose men for the business of age that owe their rise to the intemperances of youth. 2. For their eminent sufferings. Those that had thus inured themselves to hardship, and lived a life of self-denial and mortification, could the more easily venture upon the fiery furnace and the den of lions, rather than sin against God.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–16. Public domain.
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John ChrysostomAD 407
At the end of the 10 days, Daniel and his three companions looked healthier; this was a miracle, not a proof that fasting is physically beneficial. (Fr. Most) And inasmuch as they brought to the work all the strength which they had, God also contributed His strength to it. For it was not God’s doing only that they achieved those things for the sake of which they were to receive a reward, but the beginning and starting point was from their own purpose, and having manifested that to be noble and brave, they won for themselves the help of God, and so accomplished their aim.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Daniel 1:16 marks the definitive outcome of Daniel's bold request for a dietary test, revealing God's favor upon his faithfulness. Following a ten-day trial where Daniel and his three companions consumed only "pulse" and water, their health and appearance surpassed those who ate the king's rich provisions. Consequently, Melzar, the chief steward, permanently removed the royal meat and wine from their daily allocation, substituting it with a simple, plant-based diet. This pivotal moment not only secured their physical well-being but also powerfully demonstrated divine vindication for prioritizing obedience and purity in a hostile, pagan environment.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Contrast is central, setting the simple "pulse" against the rich "meat" and "wine" of the king's table. This highlights the stark difference between the world's lavish provisions, which carried spiritual risks, and God's simple, pure provision, which brought health and favor. There is also an element of Divine Irony, where the seemingly inferior diet of vegetables and water proves to be superior in nourishing the young men, confounding human expectations and demonstrating God's power to work outside conventional means. Furthermore, the "pulse" can be seen as Symbolism, representing not just food but also Daniel's unwavering commitment to purity, obedience, and trust in God's provision, even in a pagan environment. The entire episode serves as a Microcosm of the larger conflict between God's kingdom and the kingdoms of the world, where faithfulness to God ultimately triumphs over worldly pressures and where God's wisdom is vindicated over human wisdom.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 1:16 profoundly illustrates the principle that God honors those who honor Him, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His faithful servants. This verse is a testament to the power of conviction and obedience, showing that even in seemingly small decisions, God can manifest His favor and provide for His people in miraculous ways. It underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity in the face of cultural assimilation and pressure, reminding believers that true nourishment and well-being come not from worldly provisions but from divine blessing. The narrative serves as a foundational example of how faithfulness in personal choices can lead to public vindication and opportunities for God's glory to be revealed, setting a precedent for Daniel's later acts of courage and wisdom.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 1:16 offers a timeless blueprint for navigating a world often at odds with biblical values. It challenges believers to examine their own convictions: where are we compromising for comfort, acceptance, or perceived security? Daniel and his friends demonstrate that true security comes from God's favor, not from conforming to worldly standards. This verse encourages us to cultivate a radical trust in God's provision, believing that His way, though seemingly counter-cultural or inconvenient, always leads to the best outcome. Our daily choices, from what we consume to how we conduct our work and relationships, can be acts of worship and powerful testimonies to God's faithfulness. It reminds us that integrity in the small things prepares us for faithfulness in the larger challenges, and that God delights in honoring those who honor Him, often in ways that surprise and bless not only us but also those around us, even those in positions of authority. This passage calls us to live lives of uncompromising faith, knowing that God is able to sustain and vindicate us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the king's food considered defiling by Daniel?
Answer: The king's food was likely considered defiling for several reasons. Firstly, it would have included meats and other foods that did not conform to the Mosaic dietary laws (kosher laws) outlined in books like Leviticus 11. Secondly, food served in pagan courts was often dedicated to idols before consumption, which would have been an act of idolatry for faithful Israelites. Thirdly, consuming the king's provisions could symbolize allegiance and assimilation into the Babylonian culture and religious system, which Daniel and his friends sought to avoid to maintain their distinct identity as God's people. Their refusal was an act of worship and a declaration of their primary allegiance to God, demonstrating their commitment to holiness even in exile.
What exactly is "pulse" as mentioned in Daniel 1:16?
Answer: The Hebrew word translated as "pulse" (zêrôaʻ) literally means "things sown" or "seeds." In this context, it refers to a diet consisting of vegetables, grains, and legumes—simple, plant-based foods. This stood in stark contrast to the rich, elaborate, and potentially ritually unclean meals served at the king's table. It was a diet of basic, natural provisions, emphasizing purity and simplicity, and demonstrating that God could sustain them perfectly well without the king's elaborate provisions.
Was Daniel's request a form of civil disobedience?
Answer: Daniel's request was a remarkable example of principled non-conformity rather than outright civil disobedience. He did not openly defy the king's decree or rebel against the authorities. Instead, he respectfully requested an alternative and proposed a test, demonstrating wisdom and deference while upholding his convictions. His approach was diplomatic and strategic, seeking a way to obey God without unnecessarily provoking the authorities. This allowed God to work through Melzar to grant their request, showcasing divine favor within the existing system and providing a model for how believers can maintain their integrity in challenging environments without resorting to unnecessary confrontation.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The faithfulness of Daniel and his friends in Daniel 1:16, and God's subsequent provision and vindication, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate faithfulness and provision found in Jesus Christ. Daniel's refusal to defile himself with the king's food points to Christ, who was utterly pure and undefiled, the Holy One of God, who never yielded to the temptations of the world or the devil. While Daniel sought ritual purity through diet, Jesus offers ultimate spiritual purity, cleansing us from all sin through His blood, making us holy and blameless before Him. Furthermore, just as God provided "pulse" for Daniel, sustaining him physically, Jesus is the Bread of Life and the Living Water, offering eternal spiritual sustenance that truly satisfies the soul and never runs dry. His perfect obedience, even to the point of death on the cross, secured for us divine favor and eternal life, far surpassing the temporary physical blessings Daniel received. In Christ, we find not merely an alternative diet, but a complete transformation and an unshakeable foundation for life, embodying the ultimate fulfillment of God's provision for His faithful ones. We are called to follow His example of uncompromising obedience, trusting in His ultimate provision and vindication, knowing that in Him, we are truly nourished and made whole, as Philippians 4:19 promises.