Daniel and His Companions in Babylon
Daniel 1:1-21
Dan.1.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בשנת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- שלוש: NUM,f,sg,abs
- למלכות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cs
- יהויקים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נבוכדנאצר: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בבל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויצר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליה: PREP,3,f,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 24:1-2 (verbal): Reports Nebuchadnezzar's coming during Jehoiakim's reign and the three‑year servitude/rebellion motif that frames the Babylonian intervention mentioned in Daniel's opening.
- 2 Kings 24:10-16 (thematic): Describes Nebuchadnezzar's siege actions and the exile of the king's officers and nobles to Babylon—background for Daniel's account of young Judean elites taken to the Babylonian court.
- 2 Chronicles 36:5-7 (verbal): Chronicles recounts Nebuchadnezzar's campaign against Jehoiakim and the Babylonian domination of Judah, paralleling Daniel's setting of Babylonian aggression under Nebuchadnezzar.
- Jeremiah 39:1 (structural): Narrates Nebuchadnezzar and his army besieging Jerusalem and the city's fall—an event that provides the historical context for Daniel's narrative of deportation to Babylon.
- Jeremiah 52:4-11 (thematic): Retells the siege and capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar and the exile of royal officials and people to Babylon, closely paralleling the circumstances that open the Book of Daniel.
Alternative generated candidates
- In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and laid siege to it.
- In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and laid siege against it.
Dan.1.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יהויקים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ומקצת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויביאם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שנער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- הכלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הביא: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אוצר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Jeremiah 52:17-23 (verbal): Nearly identical wording describing the king of Babylon taking the vessels of the house of the LORD to the land of Shinar and bringing them into the treasury of his god; a close verbal parallel/alternative tradition of the same event.
- 2 Kings 24:13-14 (verbal): Reports Nebuchadnezzar carrying off the treasures/vessels of the house of the LORD to Babylon — closely parallels Daniel’s notice of temple vessels being taken.
- 2 Chronicles 36:17-20 (thematic): Narrative summary of Jerusalem’s fall, the exile under Nebuchadnezzar, and the removal/destruction associated with the temple and its vessels; provides the broader historical-theological context for Daniel’s brief notice.
- Ezra 1:7-11 (allusion): Records Cyrus’s restitution of temple vessels that had been taken to Babylon — presupposes the earlier removal of the sacred vessels described in Daniel 1:2 and the historical accounts above.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Lord delivered into his hand Jehoiakim king of Judah and some of the vessels of the house of God; and he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.
- And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, together with some of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them off to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.
Dan.1.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאשפנז: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,prp
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- סריסיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,ms
- להביא: VERB,hif,inf
- מבני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומזרע: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלוכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- הפרתמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Esther 2:2-4 (structural): Both passages describe a king commissioning an official to gather young persons from among the people for service in the royal household (Esther: virgins gathered for the harem; Daniel: youths brought for palace training).
- 2 Kings 24:14 (thematic): Narrative parallel about Nebuchadnezzar's deportations of Jerusalem's people and elites to Babylon—context for Daniel's selection of royal/noble youth.
- 2 Chronicles 36:17-21 (thematic): Chronicles' account of Judah's exile to Babylon, including removal of people and servants to the king of Babylon, providing the historical background to Daniel's recruitment.
- Jeremiah 52:28-30 (verbal): Lists the deportations to Babylon (numbers and occasions); the passage parallels Daniel's scene by documenting the taking away of Judean people, including nobles and skilled persons.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, the chief of his eunuchs, to bring some of the youths from Israel, from the royal family and the nobility,
- Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, the chief of his eunuchs, to bring in some of the youths of Israel, of the royal seed and of the nobles,
Dan.1.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ילדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אין: PART,neg
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- מום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וטובי: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,abs
- מראה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומשכילים: CONJ+VERB,qal,ptc,_,m,pl
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וידעי: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,pl
- דעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומביני: CONJ+VERB,qal,ptc,_,m,pl
- מדע: NOUN,m,sg,const
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- כח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לעמד: VERB,qal,inf
- בהיכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וללמדם: CONJ+VERB,hiph,inf,3,m,pl
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולשון: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כשדים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Esther 2:2-9 (structural): Selection and training of young people for service in the royal household—maidens chosen for the king’s palace, prepared and instructed in palace ways and appearance, paralleling Daniel’s description of youths chosen for royal service and instruction.
- 2 Kings 24:14-16 (thematic): Accounts of the Babylonian deportations that remove royal offspring, officials and skilled persons to Babylon—parallels Daniel’s context of selecting able young men from Judah for service in the king’s court.
- Proverbs 24:5 (thematic): Links wisdom and knowledge with capability and strength—echoes Daniel 1:4’s emphasis on youth being 'wise in all wisdom' and 'knowledgeable,' highlighting the ideal of trained, competent persons.
- Luke 2:52 (thematic): Notes Jesus’ growth in wisdom and stature—a thematic parallel emphasizing youth characterized by increasing wisdom, understanding and competence as valued qualities.
Alternative generated candidates
- young men without blemish, handsome in appearance, instructed in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge and discernment, and competent to serve in the king’s palace; and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.
- youths without blemish, well-favored, instructed in every kind of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and understanding, competent to serve in the king’s palace; and to teach them the literature and tongue of the Chaldeans.
Dan.1.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביומו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,suff,3,m
- מפת: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- בג: PREP
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומיין: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משתיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ולגדלם: CONJ+VERB,qal,inf
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שלוש: NUM,f,sg,abs
- ומקצתם: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- יעמדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Dan.1.3-4 (verbal): Immediate internal parallel—earlier verses record the king's command to bring young men of the royal seed and their training/education for service in the king's court.
- Esther 2:9-12 (structural): Maidens chosen for the king undergo a period of preparation and provision (beautification treatments and food) before being presented to the king—parallels royal provisioning and preparatory regimen.
- Gen.41:39-41 (thematic): Pharaoh elevates Joseph to serve in the royal administration, giving him authority and provisioning—similar motif of selecting and provisioning an individual for royal service.
- 2 Kings 25:29 (verbal): After exile, Jehoiachin is given a daily allowance by the king of Babylon—closely parallels the phrase and practice of a king’s daily provision (see also Jer 52:31–34).
Alternative generated candidates
- The king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of his wine, and he assigned them them to be educated three years, that at the end of the appointed time they might stand in the king’s presence.
- The king allotted them a daily portion of the king’s food and of his wine; and he appointed that they be trained for three years, so that at the end of the days they might stand before the king.
Dan.1.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- מבני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חנניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מישאל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועזריה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Dan.1.7 (verbal): Immediate continuation: the same four youths are given their Babylonian names (Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed‑nego), linking the Hebrew names in v.6 to their Babylonian identities.
- Dan.3:16-18 (allusion): Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed‑nego (the Babylonian names of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) appear prominently in the furnace narrative, recalling the same individuals introduced in 1:6.
- Jer.29:4-7 (thematic): A letter addressed to Judean exiles in Babylon; thematically parallels the situation of youths from Judah living in Babylonian exile and instructed to settle there.
- 2 Kings 24:14-16 (structural): Describes Nebuchadnezzar's deportations from Judah and the carrying off of royal hostages—historical background for the removal of young Judeans such as Daniel and his companions.
- 2 Chron.36:20-21 (thematic): Summarizes the exile of the people of Judah to Babylon and the desolation of the land—provides the broader context for Daniel and the other Judean youths in Babylon.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now among these youths from Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
- Among these from Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
Dan.1.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסריסים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- שמות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לדניאל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בלטשאצר: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ולחנניה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- שדרך: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ולמישאל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- מישך: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ולעזריה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- נגו: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 41:45 (thematic): Pharaoh gives Joseph an Egyptian name (Zaphenath‑paneah) and a high position — parallel example of a foreign ruler renaming a Hebrew as part of assimilation and change of status.
- Esther 2:7 (thematic): Mordecai and Hadassah/Esther show a Jewish woman known by a Persian name in the royal court — similar phenomenon of Jews receiving non‑Hebrew names in exile/foreign courts.
- Genesis 17:5 (thematic): God renames Abram as Abraham to mark a new covenant identity — demonstrates the broader biblical motif of renaming to signify a changed role or identity (contrast: renaming by captors in Daniel).
- John 1:42 (thematic): Jesus renames Simon as Cephas (Peter), indicating a transformed identity and mission — another instance of renaming as the sign of new status or role.
- Acts 13:9 (thematic): Saul is also called Paul in the Gentile mission context — reflects the use or adoption of dual/foreign names by Jews in diaspora settings, like Daniel and his companions.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: to Daniel he gave Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
- The chief of the eunuchs assigned them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar; Hananiah, Shadrach; Mishael, Meshach; and Azariah, Abednego.
Dan.1.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- לבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- יתגאל: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בפתבג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וביין: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משתיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m
- ויבקש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסריסים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- יתגאל: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 6:3-4 (verbal): Nazirite vow forbids wine and strong drink—direct verbal parallel in abstaining from wine as a mark of consecration/holiness.
- Luke 1:15 (thematic): John the Baptist is declared to 'drink no wine or strong drink'—thematic parallel of voluntary abstention for religious devotion.
- Acts 10:15 (thematic): Vision about clean and unclean foods challenges traditional dietary distinctions—connects to Daniel’s concern for purity and dietary rules in a foreign court.
- 1 Corinthians 8:13 (thematic): Paul speaks of refraining from food if it causes another to stumble—parallels Daniel’s conscientious choice to refuse royal provisions out of religious conviction.
- Daniel 1:11-16 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: Daniel’s formal request and the ten-day dietary test, showing the outcome of his refusal and its role in the book’s argument about faithfulness and God’s favor.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s portion of food or with the wine that he drank, and he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not be defiled.
- But Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food and with the wine that he drank, and he sought of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Dan.1.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחסד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולרחמים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לפני: PREP
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסריסים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Gen.39:21 (verbal): God shows mercy and gives Joseph favor in the sight of the prison keeper—very close wording and the same theme of divine favor resulting in favorable treatment by a human authority.
- Ruth 2:10 (verbal): Ruth asks why she has found favor in Boaz’s eyes—uses the same language of finding/receiving favor before a human patron, highlighting providential favor leading to protection and advancement.
- Esther 2:9 (verbal): Esther ‘obtained favor and kindness’ from Hegai (the king’s chamberlain); like Daniel, divine blessing is manifested as favor with a court official.
- Prov.3:4 (thematic): Promises that one will ‘find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man,’ expressing the principle that divine favor often results in a good reputation and human goodwill.
- 1 Sam.2:26 (thematic): Samuel ‘grew and found favor both with the Lord and with men,’ a parallel motif of a young servant receiving divine favor that is reflected in favorable relations with people.
Alternative generated candidates
- And God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs.
- Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs.
Dan.1.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסריסים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לדניאל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- מאכלכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+poss:2mp
- ואת: CONJ
- משתיכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+poss:2mp
- אשר: PRON,rel
- למה: ADV
- יראה: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- פניכם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- זעפים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- מן: PREP
- הילדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- כגילכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+poss:2mp
- וחיבתם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Esther 4:11 (thematic): Both texts highlight the lethal risk of displeasing the king: the chief eunuch fears for his life if the youths presented to the king appear unacceptable—Esther 4:11 states that approaching the king unbidden (or otherwise offending royal protocol) can mean death.
- Proverbs 20:2 (thematic): Proverbial reflection on the danger of provoking a king—'the terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his life'—parallels the chief eunuch's fear of the king's wrath endangering his head.
- Esther 2:8 (structural): Shows a similar institutional role: Hegai the king's eunuch is responsible for preparing young women for the king and their presentation/appearance, paralleling the chief eunuch's oversight of food, drink, and presentation in Daniel.
- Daniel 3:19-20 (thematic): Nebuchadnezzar's immediate imposition of a death sentence for disobedience illustrates the same motif of a ruler's furious retaliation and the mortal peril faced by those under his authority, echoing the steward's fear in Daniel 1:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- The chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink; for if he should see your faces looking worse than the youths of your age, you would bring my head into jeopardy with the king.”
- And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking worse than the youths of your age? then you would endanger my head with the king.”
Dan.1.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלצר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסריסים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חנניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מישאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועזריה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Dan.1.8 (thematic): Daniel's initial resolve not to defile himself with the king's food provides the motive for speaking to the steward in 1:11.
- Dan.1.12-13 (structural): Direct continuation of 1:11: Daniel's concrete proposal to test a diet of vegetables and water and the steward's agreement to the trial.
- Dan.1.9-10 (thematic): Context immediately preceding 1:11: God grants Daniel favor, and the steward (appointed by the chief eunuch) expresses concern about the king's prescribed provisions.
- Dan.1.17 (thematic): Outcome connected to Daniel's request: God gives Daniel and his friends knowledge and skill—showing the result of their faithful stance.
- Dan.3.16-18 (thematic): Parallel episode of Jewish youths refusing a royal demand on religious grounds (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego), highlighting steadfastness before imperial authority.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
- So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
Dan.1.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נס: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- מן: PREP
- הזרעים: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,pl,def
- ונאכלה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,pl
- ומים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ונשתה: CONJ+VERB,qal,cohort,1,pl
Parallels
- Daniel 1:8 (verbal): Immediate verbal/ethical background: Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the king’s food, which motivates the request in v.12.
- Daniel 1:15 (structural): Reports the result of the ten‑day trial—Daniel and his companions looked healthier—confirming the success of the proposed dietary test.
- Leviticus 11:44 (thematic): Frames the dietary/ritual purity concern behind Daniel’s refusal: biblical commands to avoid defilement through prohibited foods.
- Numbers 6:1-4 (thematic): The Nazirite vow’s voluntary abstention from wine parallels Daniel’s voluntary dietary restriction for religious/holiness reasons.
- Psalm 26:2 (thematic): The petition 'Test me, O LORD, and try me' echoes the motif of inviting a period of testing to prove faithfulness (parallel to 'test your servants for ten days').
Alternative generated candidates
- “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.
- “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.
Dan.1.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לפניך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- מראינו: NOUN,f,sg,prsuf.1pl
- ומראה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הילדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האכלים: PART,qal,ptcp,act,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- פתבג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכאשר: CONJ
- תראה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
Parallels
- Daniel 1:8 (verbal): Daniel's initial resolution not to be defiled by the king's food—directly sets up the petition in 1:13 and is the immediate verbal antecedent to the steward's test.
- Daniel 1:11-16 (structural): The fuller narrative of Daniel's request to the chief official, the proposed test with vegetables and water, and the successful outcome (appearance and health) directly parallels and completes the situation referred to in 1:13.
- Leviticus 11 (thematic): Prescribes clean and unclean foods and the principle of ritual purity tied to diet—background for Daniel's concern about defilement by the king's provisions.
- 1 Samuel 21:4-6 (thematic): David's interaction over sacred bread (the showbread) and the issue of appropriate/forbidden food in a religious context parallels concerns about food, authority, and religious obligation under pressure.
- Acts 10:9-16 (allusion): Peter’s vision about clean and unclean animals raises questions about dietary laws and divine reevaluation of food practices—thematisch related to Daniel’s dietary conviction and its theological implications.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the youths who eat the king’s food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.”
- Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king’s food be observed before you, and as you see, deal with your servants.”
Dan.1.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לדבר: INF,qal
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- וינסם: VERB,niphal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
Parallels
- Daniel 1:15 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: the steward's ten‑day test is resolved here — after ten days Daniel and his companions appear healthier than those who ate the king's food, showing the outcome of the trial.
- Genesis 42–44 (thematic): Joseph tests his brothers' integrity by orchestrating situations involving food and accusation (e.g., the planted cup); both episodes use controlled trials around provisions to reveal character and loyalty.
- Deuteronomy 8:2–3 (thematic): God 'led you forty years in the wilderness to humble and test you, to know what was in your heart' and fed Israel with manna — a thematic parallel of testing through food and dependence on provisions.
- Revelation 2:10 (thematic): The motif of a limited period of trial ('ten days') echoes here: believers are warned of a brief time of testing/suffering that will prove faithfulness, paralleling Daniel's short, decisive test.
Alternative generated candidates
- So he consented to them in this matter and tested them for ten days.
- So he listened to them in this matter and tested them for ten days.
Dan.1.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומקצת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- נראה: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
- מראיהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ובריאי: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,const
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- כל: DET
- הילדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האכלים: PART,qal,ptcp,act,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- פתבג: NOUN,m,sg,const
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Daniel 1:8 (verbal): Same episode: Daniel's refusal to defile himself with the king's food initiates the ten‑day test that yields the favorable appearance reported in 1:15.
- Daniel 1:9 (thematic): Attributes the successful outcome to divine favor—God granting Daniel 'compassion and mercy'—linking God's intervention with the youths' superior appearance.
- Daniel 1:16 (structural): Immediate narrative follow‑up: the chief eunuch observes the result of the test in 1:15 and therefore permits them to continue their diet, showing cause and effect within the chapter.
- Genesis 39:2 (thematic): Joseph prospers in a foreign ruler's house because 'the LORD was with him'; parallels the theme of God's blessing on a faithful servant leading to well‑being and success in a royal court.
- Proverbs 3:7–8 (thematic): Connects righteous behaviour and trust in God with healing and health ('it will be health to your flesh'), echoing the idea that faithfulness yields bodily well‑being as in Daniel's case.
Alternative generated candidates
- At the end of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food.
- At the end of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food.
Dan.1.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המלצר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- פתבגם: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משתיהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,du
- ונתן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- זרענים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Dan.1.8 (structural): Immediate context: Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the king’s food and wine, which explains why the steward removed the royal provisions and gave vegetables.
- Dan.1.15 (structural): Direct narrative follow‑up: after the dietary test (vegetables and water) Daniel and his friends appear healthier than those who ate the king’s food, showing the outcome of refusing the royal provisions.
- Numbers 6:3-4 (thematic): Nazirite rule to abstain from wine as a vow of purity and consecration—parallels Daniel’s voluntary abstention from royal wine/food to avoid defilement.
- Ezekiel 4:9-12 (thematic): Prophetic prescription of a restricted, symbolic diet (bread and water) as part of a sign‑act; both passages use special diets to indicate faithfulness and to demonstrate a spiritual point.
- Acts 15:20 (thematic): The Jerusalem council’s requirement that Gentile believers abstain from certain food practices (things polluted by idols, blood, strangled animals) reflects the early concern with food as a locus of ritual purity and communal identity, similar to Daniel’s refusal of defiling royal food.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus the steward took away their portion of the king’s delicacies and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.
- Therefore the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables.
Dan.1.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והילדים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- ארבעתם: NUM,card,pl,3,m
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מדע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והשכל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ודניאל: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- הבין: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חזון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחלמות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 31:3 (verbal): God fills a person with 'wisdom, understanding, and knowledge' for skill — closely parallels God giving Daniel and the others knowledge and understanding.
- Proverbs 2:6 (verbal): Attributes wisdom, knowledge, and understanding directly to the LORD — echoes the claim that God gave the young men learning and wisdom.
- Genesis 41:16 (thematic): Joseph attributes dream interpretation to God's revelation — parallels Daniel's God-given ability to understand visions and dreams.
- Joel 2:28-29 (verbal): Speaks of God pouring out dreams and visions on people; language of 'dreams' and 'visions' parallels Daniel's special insight into visions and dreams.
- Daniel 2:47 (structural): King Nebuchadnezzar praises Daniel's God who reveals 'mysteries' and dreams — an internal parallel affirming that God grants Daniel understanding of visions.
Alternative generated candidates
- To these four youths God gave knowledge and skill in every kind of learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
- To these four youths God gave knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Dan.1.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולמקצת: CONJ+PREP
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- להביאם: VERB,hiph,inf
- ויביאם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסריסים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לפני: PREP
- נבכדנצר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Gen.41:14 (thematic): Joseph is brought before Pharaoh after a period (from prison) to stand before the king; parallels the motif of a favored servant being presented to the monarch after a prior interval or preparation.
- Dan.2:46 (structural): Another scene in Daniel where individuals (Daniel and his companions) are brought before Nebuchadnezzar and recognized by the king; a direct structural parallel within the same narrative of presentation before Nebuchadnezzar.
- Esther 5:1 (thematic): Esther’s approach and presentation before King Ahasuerus after preparation and timing echoes the motif of appearing before a monarch at a designated moment.
- 1 Sam.16:21 (thematic): David is brought into Saul’s service to stand before the king (to play and attend him) after being chosen—a similar pattern of being presented into royal service following selection or testing.
Alternative generated candidates
- At the end of the days, when the king had said to bring them in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
- Now at the end of the days that the king had appointed to bring them in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them before Nebuchadnezzar.
Dan.1.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולא: CONJ
- נמצא: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
- מכלם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כדניאל: PREP+PN,m,sg
- חנניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מישאל: PN,m,sg
- ועזריה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Daniel 2:48 (structural): After Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream he is promoted and lavished with honors—parallels the theme of royal recognition and appointment following demonstration of wisdom.
- Daniel 4:8–9 (verbal): Nebuchadnezzar identifies Daniel (Belteshazzar) as singularly gifted—'for there is a spirit in him'—language echoing recognition that 'none like' Daniel stood before the king.
- Daniel 6:3 (thematic): Daniel is preferred above other officials because an 'excellent spirit' was in him; parallels the motif of Daniel's unmatched standing and favor in the royal court.
- Genesis 41:39–41 (thematic): Pharaoh's elevation of Joseph after dream-interpretation—'Can we find such a one as this?'—provides a close parallel of a foreign court honoring a dream-interpreter as uniquely qualified.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king spoke with them; and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they stood before the king.
- And the king talked with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they stood before the king.
Dan.1.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- בינה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בקש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וימצאם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- ידות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- החרטמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האשפים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכותו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Daniel 1:17 (verbal): Direct precursor: God gave the young men knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, explaining why they excelled over the magicians.
- Daniel 2:47 (thematic): After Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the king acknowledges the superior wisdom demonstrated by Daniel (and his God), paralleling royal recognition of exceptional insight.
- Daniel 5:11-12 (thematic): Daniel is singled out as possessing unusual insight and skill when the king’s wise men fail—echoes the contrast between Daniel’s group and the empire’s magicians.
- Daniel 6:3 (thematic): Daniel is described as distinguished above other officials because an excellent spirit was in him, a parallel depiction of superior ability and standing.
- Genesis 41:39-40 (thematic): Joseph elevated by Pharaoh because God gave him discernment and wisdom to govern—an analogous pattern of divine bestowal of wisdom leading to precedence over other advisors.
Alternative generated candidates
- And in every matter of wisdom and understanding in which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in all his realm.
- And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters who were in all his realm.
Dan.1.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- שנת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- לכורש: PREP
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Ezra 1:1 (verbal): Uses the identical chronological formula “in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia”; marks the political transition from Babylon to Persia and the beginning of Cyrus’s decree (ties Daniel’s endpoint to the same historical moment).
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (quotation): Parallel account of the ‘first year of Cyrus’ and Cyrus’s decree permitting the return of exiles and temple restoration—same chronological landmark cited in post-exilic historiography.
- Daniel 10:1 (structural): Another chronological note within Daniel that dates revelations by reference to the years of Cyrus (here the third year), showing the book’s concern with precise Persian-era dating and linking narratives across the book.
- Isaiah 45:1 (thematic): God names and commissions Cyrus as his anointed instrument; thematically connects Daniel’s ministry continuing until Cyrus with the theological claim that Cyrus’s rise was divinely ordained.
- Jeremiah 25:11-12 (thematic): Prophecy of the seventy years of Babylonian exile ending at God’s appointed time; Daniel’s continuance ‘until the first year of Cyrus’ reflects the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s timetable in the transition to Persian rule.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Daniel continued there until the first year of King Cyrus.
- And Daniel continued there until the first year of King Cyrus.
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the LORD delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the vessels of the house of God; he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.
The king commanded Ashpenaz, chief of his eunuchs, to bring some of the people of Israel, of the royal family and of the nobility,
young men without defect, handsome in appearance, instructed in every kind of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, competent to serve in the king’s palace, and to be taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
The king appointed for them a daily portion from the king’s table—delicacies and the wine of his drink—and assigned them to be educated for three years, so that at the end they might enter the king’s service.
Among these youths were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, of the people of Judah.
The chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar; Hananiah he called Shadrach; Mishael he called Meshach; and Azariah he called Abednego. But Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s portion or with the wine that he drank, so he sought permission from the chief of the eunuchs not to defile himself. And God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs.
The chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink; if he sees you looking worse than the youths of your age, you will endanger my head with the king.” So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
“Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.
Then let our appearance be examined before you and the appearance of the youths who eat the king’s food; as you see, deal with your servants.”
He listened to them in this matter and tested them for ten days.
At the end of ten days they looked better and healthier in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food. So the steward took away their portions and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.
To these four youths God gave knowledge and skill in every learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
At the end of the days that the king had appointed for their training, the chief of the eunuchs brought them before Nebuchadnezzar.
The king spoke with them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they stood before the king.
In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. And Daniel continued there until the first year of King Cyrus.