📖 Daniel — Chapter 1 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Daniel 1:1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
Daniel 1:2 And Rthe Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
Daniel 1:3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;
Daniel 1:4 Children Rin 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.
Daniel 1:5 And the king appointed them Ra daily provision of the king’s meat, and of Tthe wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
Daniel 1:6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, RDaniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
Daniel 1:7 Unto whom Rthe prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel Rpurposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Daniel 1:9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
Daniel 1:10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, RI fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces Tworse liking than the children which are of your Tsort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
Daniel 1:11 Then said Daniel to TMelzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
Daniel 1:12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us RTpulse Tto eat, and water to drink.
Daniel 1:13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
Daniel 1:14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
Daniel 1:15 And at the end of ten days Rtheir countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.
Daniel 1:16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.
Daniel 1:17 As for these four children, RGod gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and TDaniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Daniel 1:18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel 1:19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Rtherefore stood they before the king.
Daniel 1:20 And in all matters of Twisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them Rten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
Daniel 1:21 RAnd Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Daniel 1:1–7 — Captives are prepared for royal service
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Babylon besieges Jerusalem, carries sacred vessels away, and selects young men for palace training. Daniel and his companions receive new names within a program intended to shape their language, learning, and identity.
Key Truth: Attend to faithfulness amid a changed environment.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “In the ____ year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came …” (Daniel 1:1)
Find it in Daniel 1:1 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “Now among these were of the ____ of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:” (Daniel 1:6)
Find it in Daniel 1:6 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “Unto ____ the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave …” (Daniel 1:7)
Find it in Daniel 1:7 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Daniel 1:8–14 — Daniel’s resolve is expressed through a respectful request
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Daniel determines not to defile himself with the king’s food and wine. He considers the official’s concern and proposes a ten-day test rather than demanding reckless treatment of those responsible for him.
Key Truth: Join conviction with respectful and practical conduct.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “But Daniel purposed in his ____ that he would not defile himself with the portion of …” (Daniel 1:8)
Find it in Daniel 1:8 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “____ said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs …” (Daniel 1:11)
Find it in Daniel 1:11 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “So he ____ to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.” (Daniel 1:14)
Find it in Daniel 1:14 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Daniel 1:15–21 — Wisdom is received and service continues
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The test results favor the four young men, and God gives knowledge and skill, including Daniel’s understanding of visions and dreams. Examination before the king leads to service and a long continuing witness.
Key Truth: Receive ability as God’s gift and use it faithfully.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “As for these four ____ , God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning …” (Daniel 1:17)
Find it in Daniel 1:17 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “Now at the end of the ____ that the king had said he should bring them in, …” (Daniel 1:18)
Find it in Daniel 1:18 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “And ____ continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.” (Daniel 1:21)
Find it in Daniel 1:21 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Proverbs 2:6 — The Lord is named as the giver of wisdom.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
How can you express a faithful conviction with both clarity and respect?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. Which summary best distinguishes Daniel 1:1–7 (Captives are prepared for royal service) from the chapter’s other sections?
2. Which summary best distinguishes Daniel 1:8–14 (Daniel’s resolve is expressed through a respectful request) from the chapter’s other sections?
3. Which summary best distinguishes Daniel 1:15–21 (Wisdom is received and service continues) from the chapter’s other sections?
4. How is Daniel’s conviction put into practice?
5. What source is credited for the four young men’s abilities?
Notes
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