in Ezekiel it is; דָּנִאֵל; from דָּן and אֵל; judge of God; Daniel or Danijel, the name of two Israelites; Daniel.
Transliteration:Dânîyêʼl
Pronunciation:daw-nee-yale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H1840}}` (דָנִיֵּאל, *Dânîyêʼl*) is a proper noun, a personal name derived from two constituent elements: `{{H1777}}` (דָּן, *dan*), meaning "judge," and `{{H410}}` (אֵל, *ʼēl*), meaning "God." Therefore, the literal and primary meaning of the name is "God is my judge" or "Judge of God." This etymology is not merely descriptive but carries profound theological weight, indicating a recognition of divine sovereignty in matters of justice and judgment. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying specific individuals, yet the inherent meaning of the name imbues its bearers with a particular theological identity, suggesting a life lived under the ultimate authority and discernment of the Almighty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Daniel appears in the Old Testament referring to at least three distinct individuals. The most prominent is Daniel the prophet, whose life and visions are chronicled in the biblical book bearing his name. He is introduced as one of the Judean youths of royal or noble lineage taken captive to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar ([[Daniel 1:3]], [[Daniel 1:6]]). Throughout the Book of Daniel, his life consistently exemplifies the meaning of his name. He relies on God's divine judgment and wisdom to interpret dreams and visions ([[Daniel 2:27-28]]), discern the meaning of the writing on the wall ([[Daniel 5:25-28]]), and navigate political intrigue, notably in the lion's den, where his deliverance underscores God's ultimate verdict ([[Daniel 6:10-23]]). His prophetic visions themselves often concern God's righteous judgment upon earthly empires and the ultimate establishment of His eternal kingdom ([[Daniel 7:9-14]], [[Daniel 12:1-3]]).
Beyond the prophet, the name Daniel is also attributed to a son of King David, also known as Chileab ([[1 Chronicles 3:1]], [[2 Samuel 3:3]]). A third individual named Daniel is mentioned among those who returned with Ezra from the Babylonian exile ([[Ezra 8:2]]). Significantly, the prophet Ezekiel refers to Daniel as a paragon of righteousness and wisdom, alongside Noah and Job ([[Ezekiel 14:14]], [[Ezekiel 14:20]], [[Ezekiel 28:3]]), testifying to Daniel's esteemed reputation even during or shortly after his lifetime.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Daniel is intrinsically linked to several key biblical concepts and related words:
* **Judgment (מִשְׁפָּט, *mishpat*):** The core of the name, "judge," connects directly to the broader biblical theme of divine judgment. God's judgment is portrayed as both punitive against sin and redemptive in vindicating His righteous ones. The Book of Daniel is replete with instances of God's judgment over nations and individuals.
* **Wisdom (חָכְמָה, *chokmah*):** Daniel is consistently depicted as possessing extraordinary divine wisdom, enabling him to interpret profound mysteries and understand God's intricate plans ([[Daniel 1:17]], [[Daniel 2:20-23]]). This wisdom is not merely intellectual but spiritual, stemming from his deep reliance on God, the ultimate Judge and source of all truth.
* **Faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה, *ʼemunah*):** Daniel's unwavering faithfulness to God, even under threat of death (e.g., refusing the king's food, praying openly), underscores his profound submission to God as his ultimate Judge and authority. His steadfastness is a testament to the trust placed in the divine verdict.
* **Prophecy & Revelation:** The Book of Daniel is a seminal prophetic work, revealing God's sovereign hand in history and His eschatological plan. The name "God is my judge" resonates deeply with the nature of divine revelation, as God's judgments are revealed through His chosen prophets.
* **Theophoric Names:** The element `{{H410}}` (*ʼēl*) is a common component in Hebrew names, signifying a connection to God (e.g., Samuel, Elijah, Israel). This practice underscores a foundational Israelite belief in God's active involvement in human affairs.
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H1840}}` (דָנִיֵּאל, *Dânîyêʼl*) carries profound theological weight, particularly through the life of the prophet Daniel. Firstly, it serves as a powerful declaration of **God's ultimate sovereignty and role as the righteous Judge** of all creation. It affirms that all actions, human and divine, are subject to His supreme discernment and verdict. Secondly, for the individual bearing the name, it signifies a life lived in **conscious submission to divine authority and judgment**. Daniel's life is a testament to trusting God's wisdom and accepting His decrees, even when they lead to personal hardship or danger. This submission is not passive but an active reliance on God's justice. Thirdly, in the context of the Book of Daniel, the name foreshadows and reinforces the book's central theme: God's **eschatological judgment** over earthly kingdoms and the eventual establishment of His eternal, righteous kingdom, ruled by the "Son of Man" ([[Daniel 7:13-14]]). Daniel's very name points to the divine authority behind the unfolding of history and the ultimate triumph of God's justice. Finally, Daniel's inclusion by Ezekiel among the most righteous individuals highlights the name's association with **exemplary piety, wisdom, and divine favor**, qualities directly stemming from a life lived acknowledging God as the ultimate Judge.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H1840}}` (דָנִיֵּאל, *Dânîyêʼl*) is a proper noun meaning "God is my judge" or "Judge of God," formed from the roots `{{H1777}}` ("judge") and `{{H410}}` ("God"). This name is most famously embodied by the prophet Daniel, whose life and prophetic ministry profoundly illustrate its meaning. Daniel's unwavering faithfulness, divinely bestowed wisdom, and prophetic insights consistently point to God's ultimate sovereignty and righteous judgment over individuals and nations. The name itself functions as a theological statement, affirming God's role as the supreme arbiter of justice and emphasizing the critical importance of human submission to divine authority. Its usage in Scripture, particularly in the Book of Daniel and its commendation by Ezekiel, firmly establishes its significance as a symbol of profound devotion, wisdom, and God's favor.
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