### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1158 (Δανιήλ, *Daniḗl*) is a proper noun, serving as the transliteration of the Hebrew name `{{H1840}}` (דָּנִיֵּאל, *Daniyyel*). The name itself is a compound of two Hebrew elements: `{{H1777}}` (דִּין, *din*), meaning "to judge" or "judgment," and `{{H410}}` (אֵל, *El*), referring to God. Thus, the name *Daniel* semantically signifies "God is my judge" or "My judge is God." This meaning is profoundly significant, as it encapsulates the character's unwavering reliance on divine justice and sovereignty throughout his life, particularly amidst the challenges of exile and pagan rule. As a proper noun, its primary semantic range is limited to the specific individual it designates, but the etymological meaning provides deep insight into his identity and role.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name G1158 (Δανιήλ) primarily refers to the prophet Daniel, a key figure in the Old Testament and the eponymous author of the Book of Daniel. He was a young man of Judah's royal lineage deported to Babylon during the first wave of Babylonian exile ([[Daniel 1:1-6]]). His life and ministry unfold within the context of the Babylonian and Persian empires.
Key occurrences and contexts include:
* **The Book of Daniel:** The vast majority of occurrences are within this book, detailing his wisdom, faithfulness, prophetic visions, and interpretations of dreams for Babylonian and Persian kings. His steadfast refusal to compromise his faith, even in the face of death (e.g., the lion's den in [[Daniel 6:1-28]]), exemplifies his commitment to the God who is his judge.
* **Ezekiel's Prophecies:** Daniel's reputation for righteousness and wisdom was well-established even among his contemporaries. The prophet Ezekiel mentions Daniel alongside Noah and Job as exemplars of righteousness, highlighting his exceptional moral and spiritual standing ([[Ezekiel 14:14]], [[Ezekiel 14:20]], [[Ezekiel 28:3]]). This pre-dates some of the events recorded in the Book of Daniel, underscoring his early piety.
* **New Testament References:** Jesus Christ himself validates Daniel's prophetic authority and the eschatological significance of his writings. In his Olivet Discourse, Jesus refers to "Daniel the prophet" when speaking of the "abomination of desolation" ([[Matthew 24:15]], [[Mark 13:14]]), explicitly linking Daniel's prophecies to future events concerning the end times. This demonstrates the enduring relevance and divine inspiration attributed to Daniel's work within the New Testament era.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G1158 naturally connects to several related words and concepts:
* **Hebrew Origin:** The direct Hebrew equivalent `{{H1840}}` (דָּנִיֵּאל) is fundamental, as it provides the etymological basis for the name. The root words `{{H1777}}` (דִּין, "to judge") and `{{H410}}` (אֵל, "God") are essential for understanding the name's inherent meaning.
* **Prophecy and Eschatology:** Daniel is preeminently a prophet whose visions concern the rise and fall of world empires and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Concepts like the "seventy weeks" ([[Daniel 9:24-27]]) and the "abomination of desolation" (`{{G935}}` βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως) are central to biblical eschatology.
* **Wisdom:** Daniel is consistently portrayed as possessing extraordinary wisdom, divinely granted ([[Daniel 1:17]], [[Daniel 2:20-23]]). This wisdom is not merely intellectual but spiritual, enabling him to interpret divine mysteries.
* **Faithfulness in Exile:** Daniel's life is a testament to unwavering faithfulness to God amidst a foreign, idolatrous culture. His refusal to defile himself ([[Daniel 1:8]]) and his consistent prayer life ([[Daniel 6:10]]) are hallmarks of his devotion.
* **Sovereignty of God:** A dominant theme throughout the Book of Daniel is God's absolute sovereignty over human kingdoms and history ([[Daniel 2:21]], [[Daniel 4:17]], [[Daniel 5:21]]). Daniel's experiences continually demonstrate that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes."
* **Messianic Figures:** The vision of "one like a son of man" ([[Daniel 7:13-14]]) who receives an everlasting dominion is a pivotal messianic prophecy, pointing forward to Jesus Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Daniel (G1158) is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** Daniel's life and prophecies powerfully affirm God's absolute control over all of history, including the rise and fall of nations. He reveals that God actively intervenes in human affairs, orchestrating events according to His divine plan. This provides immense comfort and assurance to believers facing turbulent times.
* **Model of Faithfulness:** Daniel serves as an enduring paradigm of unwavering faith, integrity, and obedience to God in a hostile environment. His steadfastness in prayer and refusal to compromise his convictions, even under threat of death, exemplifies radical devotion and trust in God's ultimate judgment and deliverance.
* **Revelation of End-Time Prophecy:** The Book of Daniel is a cornerstone of biblical eschatology. Its detailed prophecies concerning successive world empires, the coming of the Messiah, and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom provide critical insights into God's redemptive plan and the consummation of history. Jesus' direct reference to Daniel underscores the prophetic authority and future relevance of his writings.
* **God's Wisdom and Revelation:** Daniel demonstrates that true wisdom comes from God and is available to those who seek Him. God reveals His secrets to Daniel, not for personal gain, but for the instruction and warning of both kings and His people. This highlights God's desire to communicate His truth to humanity.
* **Messianic Hope:** The vision of the "Son of Man" in Daniel 7 is a foundational text for understanding the person and work of Jesus Christ. It portrays a divine, eternal ruler who will establish an everlasting kingdom, offering a powerful prefigurement of the coming Messiah.
### Summary
The Greek word G1158 (Δανιήλ) refers to the renowned Hebrew prophet Daniel, whose name profoundly means "God is my judge." His life, chronicled primarily in the Book of Daniel, serves as a compelling testament to unwavering faith, wisdom, and integrity amidst the challenges of Babylonian and Persian exile. Recognized by Ezekiel as a paragon of righteousness and cited by Jesus as a prophet of future events, Daniel's significance spans both Old and New Testaments. Theologically, he underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human history, provides critical end-time prophecies, and offers a powerful model of devotion to God in a hostile world. His visions, particularly that of the "Son of Man," contribute significantly to biblical eschatology and messianic hope, making him an enduring figure of profound theological importance.
TRV