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Daniel 1:4

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Bible Versions

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.
Children {H3206} in whom was no blemish {H3971}{H3971}, but well {H2896} favoured {H4758}, and skilful {H7919} in all wisdom {H2451}, and cunning {H3045} in knowledge {H1847}, and understanding {H995} science {H4093}, and such as had ability {H3581} in them to stand {H5975} in the king's {H4428} palace {H1964}, and whom they might teach {H3925} the learning {H5612} and the tongue {H3956} of the Chaldeans {H3778}.
They were to be boys without physical defect, handsome in appearance, versed in all kinds of wisdom, quick to learn, discerning, and having the capacity to serve in the king's palace; and he was to teach them the language and literature of the Kasdim.
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.
youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

Commentary on Daniel 1:4

Daniel 1:4 introduces the specific qualifications sought by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, for young men to serve in his royal court. This selection process was part of his strategy to integrate the brightest and most capable individuals from conquered lands into his empire's administration, following the deportation of many from Judah to Babylon.

Context

After Jerusalem's siege and the initial waves of exiles were brought to Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar commanded his chief eunuch, Ashpenaz, to select promising young men from the Israelite royal family and nobility. These individuals were to be trained for three years in the language and customs of the Chaldeans. This verse details the stringent criteria for their selection, highlighting the high standards for those who would serve directly in the king's presence. Among these chosen youths were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, whose stories of faith and integrity would become central to the book.

Key Themes

  • Excellence and Aptitude: The verse emphasizes a comprehensive set of qualifications: physical perfection ("no blemish, but well favoured"), intellectual prowess ("skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science"), and social capability ("ability in them to stand in the king's palace"). This portrays the ideal candidate for high-level service in an ancient Near Eastern court, where physical appearance often signified health and nobility, and intellectual capacity was crucial for governance and counsel.
  • Cultural Indoctrination: The phrase "whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans" highlights Babylon's deliberate policy of assimilation. This training was not merely academic; it aimed to immerse the young men in Babylonian culture, religion, and worldview, thereby shifting their allegiance and identity. This sets the stage for the profound test of faith faced by Daniel and his companions.
  • Divine Providence: While the verse describes human selection, the broader narrative of Daniel subtly suggests God's hand in placing these faithful young men in strategic positions within the Babylonian empire. Their unique combination of natural gifts and divine favor prepared them for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "well favoured" (KJV) comes from the Hebrew *tôḇ mar’eh* (טוֹב מַרְאֶה), meaning "good of appearance" or "handsome." This wasn't merely about superficial beauty but often implied good health, vitality, and a noble bearing suitable for royalty.
  • "Skilful in all wisdom" (Hebrew: *binah*) refers to deep understanding and discernment, while "cunning in knowledge" (Hebrew: *da'at*) denotes practical and extensive acquaintance with various subjects.
  • "Understanding science" (Hebrew: *madda'*) broadly refers to intellectual insight, learned knowledge, and understanding of various disciplines, including astronomy, mathematics, and literature, which were highly valued in Babylonian society.
  • "The tongue of the Chaldeans" likely refers to Aramaic, which became the lingua franca of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, or Akkadian, the more formal language of scholarship and administration.

Practical Application

Daniel 1:4 offers valuable insights for believers today. It demonstrates that God's people can be called to excel in secular environments, using their God-given talents and intellect to serve with distinction. Like Daniel and his friends, we are encouraged to pursue excellence in our studies, professions, and all areas of life, developing our abilities to the fullest. However, the verse also subtly introduces the tension between cultural immersion and maintaining one's convictions. The subsequent narrative, particularly Daniel's resolve in Daniel 1:8, shows that while adapting to new environments and acquiring knowledge is important, compromise of core faith principles is not an option. Believers are called to be in the world but not of the world, demonstrating integrity and faithfulness even when under pressure.

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.

  • Daniel 5:11

    There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers;

  • Acts 7:22

    And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

  • Proverbs 22:29

    ¶ Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men].

  • 2 Samuel 14:25

    But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

  • Daniel 2:10

    The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore [there is] no king, lord, nor ruler, [that] asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.

  • Daniel 1:17

    ¶ As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

  • Daniel 1:20

    And in all matters of wisdom [and] understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians [and] astrologers that [were] in all his realm.
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