Daniel 1:21

KJV

And Daniel continued [even] unto the first year of king Cyrus.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Daniel {H1840} continued even unto the first {H259} year {H8141} of king {H4428} Cyrus {H3566}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Dani'el remained there until the first year of King Koresh.

Berean Standard Bible

And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.

American Standard Version

And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 1:21 serves as a concise yet profoundly significant chronological marker, indicating Daniel's enduring presence and influence within the Babylonian and nascent Persian empires. This verse highlights his remarkable longevity and steadfastness, positioning him as a key figure who not only survived the dramatic fall of Babylon but also maintained a position of prominence and divine favor through the transition to the reign of King Cyrus, marking a pivotal moment in both secular and biblical history and setting the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 1:21 concludes the introductory chapter of the book, which establishes Daniel and his three friends' forced relocation to Babylon following Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem. The preceding verses detail their refusal to defile themselves with the king's rich food and wine, their subsequent divine blessing of superior wisdom and understanding, and their exceptional performance in the king's service. Chapter 1 sets the foundational narrative for Daniel's entire ministry, establishing his unwavering faithfulness to God and the divine favor bestowed upon him in a pagan land. This concluding verse acts as a crucial chronological and narrative bridge, subtly hinting at Daniel's long and impactful career that will span multiple empires, providing a vital anchor for the subsequent narratives of chapters 2-6, which recount Daniel's interpretations of dreams and visions, and his miraculous deliverances under various Babylonian and Persian rulers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The verse marks a critical juncture in ancient Near Eastern history: the definitive transition from the Neo-Babylonian Empire to the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar and his successors, had been the dominant world power, responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jewish people. The "first year of king Cyrus" refers to Cyrus the Great, who famously conquered Babylon in 539 BC. This event was not merely a change of rulers but a monumental shift in geopolitical power, fulfilling ancient prophecies. Culturally, Babylon was known for its imperial might, elaborate idolatry, and oppressive policies, while Persia, though also pagan, would soon adopt a more tolerant policy towards conquered peoples, famously allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland. Daniel's survival and continued influence through such a dramatic upheaval underscore the extraordinary nature of his position and God's sovereign hand in shaping world events.
* **Key Themes:** This verse subtly reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Daniel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over world empires and historical events. Daniel's longevity and influence are not accidental but divinely ordained, showing that God raises up and brings down kings according to His will, as articulated in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Secondly, it highlights **Faithfulness in Exile**. Daniel's unwavering commitment to God, even in a foreign land and under pagan rule, is exemplified by his continued presence and relevance. His steadfastness, first seen in [Daniel 1:8](/daniel/1-8 "Daniel 1:8 - Daniel's Resolve Not to Defile Himself"), is rewarded with sustained influence and a prominent position. Thirdly, the mention of Cyrus points to the theme of **God's Fulfillment of Prophecy**. Cyrus's decree, which would allow the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem (foretold in [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd") and [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Seventy Years of Exile")), was a direct fulfillment of prophetic word, and Daniel lived to witness the dawn of this new era, reinforcing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Daniel (Hebrew, _Dânîyêʼl_):** This name, meaning "judge of God," is profoundly significant for the protagonist of the book. It foreshadows his role as an interpreter of divine mysteries and a conduit of God's judgment and revelation to pagan kings. His continued presence, as stated in this verse, means that God's "judge" remained active and influential, bearing witness to God's sovereignty even amidst the rise and fall of empires, demonstrating that God's plan unfolds regardless of earthly rulers.
* **first (Hebrew, _ʼechâd_):** While typically meaning "one," in this context, it functions as an ordinal, signifying the "first" year. This precise chronological marker is crucial. It doesn't just say Daniel continued *into* Cyrus's reign, but specifically into its very beginning. This highlights the immediate and seamless transition of Daniel's influence from one empire to the next, underscoring his unique and divinely sustained position as a key figure at the dawn of a new world order.
* **Cyrus (Persian, _Kôwresh_):** This refers to Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. His appearance marks a monumental shift from Babylonian to Persian rule, a change that held immense significance for the Jewish exiles. Daniel's presence into Cyrus's first year means he witnessed the very beginning of the empire that would eventually issue the decree for the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, fulfilling long-awaited prophecies and demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Daniel continued":** This phrase emphasizes Daniel's remarkable longevity, resilience, and sustained relevance across multiple decades and significant political upheavals. It implies not merely his physical survival but his ongoing active participation and influence within the highest echelons of imperial power, spanning the reigns of several Babylonian kings and into the Persian era. It speaks to God's divine preservation and specific purpose for Daniel in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
* **"[even] unto the first year":** This serves as a precise chronological anchor, marking the exact point in history that Daniel's narrative extends to, specifically the commencement of a new imperial era. The KJV's "even unto" underscores the extent and duration of Daniel's service, emphasizing that he saw the very beginning of the Persian Empire's dominance, a period of immense prophetic significance for the Jewish exiles.
* **"of king Cyrus":** This identifies the new world ruler and empire, King Cyrus the Great. The mention of Cyrus is historically momentous, as he was the king prophesied by Isaiah who would allow the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Daniel's continued presence into this specific reign signifies his proximity to the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the end of the seventy-year Babylonian captivity, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 1:21 primarily employs **Chronological Marker** as its key literary device, providing a precise historical anchor for the narrative. This seemingly simple statement serves as a powerful indicator of the vast sweep of time covered by Daniel's ministry and the significant geopolitical shifts he witnessed. Furthermore, there is an element of **Understatement** in the brevity of the verse. The profound historical and theological significance of Daniel's longevity and the rise of Cyrus is conveyed in a remarkably concise manner, allowing the reader to infer the immense weight of the events it encapsulates. The verse also functions as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the broader historical context that will unfold, particularly the return of the exiles under Cyrus's decree, which is a major theme in later biblical books like Ezra and Nehemiah, and a testament to God's faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 1:21 is a profound testament to God's unwavering sovereignty over human history and His faithfulness to His covenant people. Daniel's ability to "continue" through the rise and fall of formidable empires is not merely a biographical detail but a deep theological statement about divine preservation and purpose. It demonstrates that God's plans are not thwarted by political changes or human rulers; rather, He orchestrates them, positioning His servants strategically to witness and participate in the unfolding of His redemptive narrative. Daniel's longevity into the reign of Cyrus, the king destined to allow the Jewish return, underscores God's meticulous attention to prophetic detail and His ultimate control over the destiny of nations and His chosen people, ensuring that His promises are fulfilled in His perfect timing.

* [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for Temple Rebuilding")
* [Isaiah 45:1-7](/isaiah/45-1-7 "Isaiah 45:1-7 - God Anoints Cyrus")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 1:21, though brief, offers profound encouragement for believers navigating a constantly changing world. Daniel's steadfastness through the collapse of one superpower and the rise of another reminds us that our ultimate security and purpose are found not in earthly kingdoms or political stability, but in the unchanging sovereignty of God. His life exemplifies that faithfulness to God, even in challenging and foreign environments, can lead to remarkable longevity of influence and divine favor. We are called to live with integrity and devotion, trusting that God can use us in any circumstance, for His purposes transcend human understanding and political shifts. Daniel's story challenges us to consider how we can remain steadfast in our faith amidst societal changes, knowing that God is actively working through history to accomplish His will, and that His timing is perfect. Our faithfulness in the small things, like Daniel's refusal to defile himself, can lead to God using us in significant ways for His kingdom purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's longevity and continued influence inspire you to remain faithful in your own challenging circumstances or periods of significant change?**
* **In what ways does the transition from Babylon to Persia, and Daniel's pivotal role within it, affirm God's sovereignty over world events in your own life and the broader world today?**
* **What does Daniel's example teach us about maintaining integrity and a faithful witness in a culture that may be hostile or indifferent to our faith?**

### FAQ
**Why is the mention of "the first year of king Cyrus" so significant in Daniel 1:21?**

Answer: The mention of "the first year of king Cyrus" is profoundly significant for several reasons. Historically, it marks the definitive end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and the beginning of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, a monumental shift in world power. Theologically, it points directly to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Prophets like Jeremiah had foretold a 70-year period of Babylonian exile ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Seventy Years of Exile")), and Isaiah had even named Cyrus as God's chosen instrument to allow the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple ([Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd") and [Isaiah 45:1-7](/isaiah/45-1-7 "Isaiah 45:1-7 - God Anoints Cyrus")). Daniel 1:21 thus places Daniel at the very threshold of this prophetic fulfillment, underscoring God's meticulous plan and His faithfulness to His promises. It signifies the dawn of a new era for the Jewish people, even while they remained under foreign dominion, and highlights God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's remarkable longevity and continued influence "unto the first year of king Cyrus" powerfully foreshadow the enduring and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Just as Daniel, God's faithful servant, outlasted formidable earthly empires and transitioned seamlessly between world powers, so too does Christ's kingdom transcend and ultimately supersede all human kingdoms. Daniel's survival through the transition from Babylon to Persia points to the ultimate shift from temporary, earthly dominions to the everlasting kingdom established by the "Son of Man" in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion"). While Daniel served under a succession of kings, his steadfastness under God's providence anticipates the singular, unchanging rule of Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whose dominion "will never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")). Daniel's life, marked by divine favor and influence in a foreign land, ultimately points to Christ, who is the true and eternal "judge of God," and through whom all nations will ultimately be brought under His righteous and everlasting rule, as prophesied in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord") and [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

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

Daniel 6:28

So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Daniel 10:1

¶ In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.