Daniel 1:10 kjv

And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.

Daniel 1:10 nkjv

And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king."

Daniel 1:10 niv

but the official told Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you."

Daniel 1:10 esv

and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king."

Daniel 1:10 nlt

But he responded, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who has ordered that you eat this food and wine. If you become pale and thin compared to the other youths your age, I am afraid the king will have me beheaded."

Daniel 1 verses

Daniel 1 10 Meaning

Daniel 1:10 records the chief of the eunuchs expressing profound fear to Daniel regarding the king's reaction should Daniel and his friends' appearances suffer due to their chosen diet. The chief eunuch articulates his concern that any deterioration in their health, specifically their physical appearance compared to their peers, would lead to severe repercussions from King Nebuchadnezzar, ultimately endangering his own life for perceived failure in executing the king's direct decree regarding their sustenance.

Daniel 1 10 Context

Daniel 1:10 occurs early in the Book of Daniel, establishing a central theme of fidelity to God amidst pagan captivity and pressure to assimilate. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon has besieged Jerusalem, brought its inhabitants, including members of royal and noble families like Daniel and his friends, into exile. The most promising young men were selected for a three-year training program in Babylonian language, literature, and customs, with the specific intent of serving in the king's court. As part of this program, they were allotted specific food and wine from the king's table. Daniel's internal conflict and resolve (Daniel 1:8) to not defile himself with the royal provisions set the stage for this interaction. The chief of the eunuchs, responsible for these young men, previously showed favor to Daniel (Daniel 1:9). This verse captures the chief eunuch's practical, self-preservatory objection, highlighting the immense power and volatile nature of the Babylonian king, which serves to intensify the challenge of Daniel's faith.

Daniel 1 10 Word analysis

• Then the chief of the eunuchs: The Hebrew term is שַׂר הַסָּרִיסִים (śar hassārîsîm), meaning "chief of the eunuchs." In ancient Near Eastern courts, eunuchs often held high-ranking, trusted positions because, being castrated, they were not perceived as threats to the king's lineage or dynasty. This official, therefore, held considerable authority and responsibility within the royal household, especially over personnel like Daniel and his companions.

• said to Daniel: Indicates a direct, personal communication.

• “I fear”: The Hebrew word is אִירָא ('îrā'), emphasizing a genuine and profound sense of apprehension and terror. This is not just a polite concern but a potent fear for his own well-being and life. In a despotic regime, royal displeasure could swiftly lead to severe consequences.

• my lord the king: A formal and subservient address acknowledging the absolute authority of King Nebuchadnezzar.

• who has assigned your food and your drink: The Hebrew is מָנָה אֶת־מַאֲכַלְכֶם וְאֵת מִשְׁתֵיכֶם (mānâ ’eṯ-ma’akalḵem wə’ēṯ mišṭêḵem). This signifies a direct, specific royal decree and provision. The food and drink from the king's table (pat-ha-melekh) symbolized royal favor, privilege, and nourishment for service, and was of the highest quality. Disregarding this assignment was not merely a dietary choice but a direct disobedience to a royal command.

• for why should he see: Emphasizes the visual aspect that would trigger the king's anger. The king, being an absolute monarch, was the ultimate arbiter, and physical appearance was a readily observable measure of the program's success.

• your faces looking worse: The Hebrew word is זֹועֲפִים (zo'afim), meaning gloomy, angry, ill-humored, or indeed, physically deteriorated, haggard. This implies a noticeable negative change in their physical condition or appearance that would signify a lack of proper care or nourishment.

• than the young men who are your age: This sets the standard for comparison. The expectation was that these chosen youths would thrive under the royal provision, and any deviation in appearance compared to their peers would be instantly evident and concerning to the king.

• Then you would endanger my head: The Hebrew הִמַּרְתֶּם אֶת־רֹאשִׁי לַמֶּלֶךְ (himmartem ’eṯ-rō’šî lammeleḵ) literally means "you would make my head guilty before the king" or "cause my head to be forfeited to the king." This is a strong idiom indicating that his life would be put at grave risk, most likely leading to execution. This underscores the chief eunuch’s vulnerability and the harsh realities of service in a powerful, autocratic empire.

• The chief of the eunuchs… "I fear my lord the king": This grouping highlights the inherent conflict. The chief eunuch, in a position of power relative to Daniel, is himself subservient and driven by primal fear of an even higher, absolute authority. His fear for "my head" contrasts sharply with Daniel's implicit trust in God and willingness to risk personal well-being for spiritual purity. This dynamic sets up the narrative’s test of faith.

Daniel 1 10 Bonus section

The nature of ancient Near Eastern absolute monarchies meant that royal decrees concerning all aspects of court life were non-negotiable. Food offered from the king’s table often signified more than just sustenance; it implied sharing in the king’s life, becoming his dependant, and symbolically acknowledging his ultimate authority and provision. Daniel's refusal was therefore a deeply symbolic act of resistance against total cultural and religious assimilation, going beyond mere dietary preference. It was a rejection of spiritual defilement linked to a polytheistic environment, potentially involving food sacrificed to idols, non-kosher ingredients, or practices forbidden by Mosaic Law. This cultural context elevates the chief eunuch's practical concern into a profound spiritual battle for Daniel. The rapid advancement or demise of court officials depended heavily on the king’s personal perception, making the chief eunuch's anxiety understandable within this system of accountability.

Daniel 1 10 Commentary

Daniel 1:10 portrays a critical moment where earthly authority, power, and fear directly confront Daniel's divinely inspired resolve. The chief eunuch's apprehension is not arbitrary; it stems from the tangible threat posed by Nebuchadnezzar, an absolute ruler whose word was law and whose wrath could mean instant death. The king’s "assignment" of food was a direct command, and any perceived failure in its execution by his subordinates would be met with severe punishment, justifying the chief eunuch’s vivid concern for his own "head." This exchange illustrates the intense pressure on those serving in foreign pagan courts and serves as a backdrop to highlight Daniel's unwavering trust in God, despite very real human consequences. The visual proof – their physical appearance – would be undeniable evidence to the king, forcing the chief eunuch to voice his genuine, existential fear. It prepares the reader for the extraordinary intervention of God as Daniel and his friends lean not on human ingenuity or fear but on divine favor and wisdom.