Daniel 1:11 kjv

Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

Daniel 1:11 nkjv

So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

Daniel 1:11 niv

Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah,

Daniel 1:11 esv

Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

Daniel 1:11 nlt

Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

Daniel 1 verses

Daniel 1 11 Meaning

Daniel chapter 1, verse 11 describes Daniel's proactive and strategic step in initiating his request to abstain from the king's rich food and wine. Having already secured "favor and compassion" (Dan 1:9) from Ashpenaz, the chief of the eunuchs, Daniel wisely approaches a lower-ranking, yet directly responsible, official: the steward. This verse highlights Daniel's leadership among his peers and his deliberate, respectful approach in seeking an alternative that aligns with his religious convictions without causing direct confrontation with higher Babylonian authority. It sets the stage for the practical test of their faith and God's intervention.

Daniel 1 11 Context

Daniel 1:11 takes place within the initial phase of the Babylonian captivity of Judah. Jerusalem has fallen, and young men of royal and noble descent, selected for their intelligence, strength, and appearance, are being taken to Babylon. These youths, including Daniel and his three friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, are enrolled in a three-year training program to serve in King Nebuchadnezzar's court. A crucial part of their assimilation program involves providing them with the king's own choice food and wine. Daniel 1:8 reveals Daniel's prior, unwavering resolve "that he would not defile himself" with these provisions. Verse 10 depicts the chief eunuch's apprehension about defying the king. Therefore, Daniel's conversation with the steward in verse 11 is his strategic follow-up, an act of wisdom and faith, aimed at navigating this delicate situation and upholding his integrity without jeopardizing the chief eunuch's life.

Daniel 1 11 Word analysis

• Then Daniel said (וַיֹּאמֶר דָּנִיֵּאל, waiyōʾmer dāniyyēʾl):
  • "Then" (וַיֹּאמֶר, waiyōʾmer): The "wa" prefix (waw consecutive) indicates a sequence of events, showing Daniel's immediate action after the chief eunuch expressed his fear (Dan 1:10). It signifies initiative.
  • "Daniel" (דָּנִיֵּאל, dāniyyēʾl): His Hebrew name means "God is my judge." This name subtly foreshadows his unwavering loyalty to God, which will lead him to make discerning choices and stand for divine principles in a pagan land. His character is built on this foundation.
• to the steward (אֶל הַמֶּלְצַר, ʾel ham-melṣar):
  • "to the steward" (אֶל הַמֶּלְצַר, ʾel ham-melṣar): ʾel means "to" or "towards." Ham-melṣar is a specific title, not a personal name here. It's often understood as 'the steward,' 'the overseer,' or 'the inspector' responsible for the daily provisions and welfare of the trainees. This indicates Daniel's strategic move: instead of further pressing the high-ranking chief of the eunuchs, he appeals to a direct, hands-on official, likely perceiving this individual as having more operational flexibility and being less directly exposed to the king's immediate wrath.
• whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over (אֲשֶׁר מִנָּה שַׂר הַסָּרִיסִים עַל, ʾăšer minnāh śar hassārîsîm ʿal):
  • "whom" (אֲשֶׁר, ʾăšer): A relative pronoun connecting the steward to the appointment.
  • "assigned" (מִנָּה, minnāh): From the root manah (מנה), meaning "to appoint," "to count," "to allot." It confirms the steward's official position and delegated authority. This reinforces the idea that Daniel is approaching someone with legitimate authority over their provisions.
  • "the chief of the eunuchs" (שַׂר הַסָּרִיסִים, śar hassārîsîm): This is Ashpenaz (Dan 1:3), a high-ranking officer in the Babylonian court, effectively the director of the royal household, including all palace personnel and particularly those being trained for royal service. He oversees the assimilation program.
  • "over" (עַל, ʿal): Preposition meaning "over," "upon," or "concerning." It precisely indicates the scope of the steward's responsibility, directly linking him to the four youths' care.
• Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (דָּנִיֵּאל חֲנַנְיָה מִישָׁאֵל וַעֲזַרְיָה, dāniyyēʾl ḥănanyāh mîšāʾēl waʿăzaryāh):
  • Names of the youths: These are their Hebrew names.
    • Hananiah (חֲנַנְיָה, ḥănanyāh): "The Lord is gracious."
    • Mishael (מִישָׁאֵל, mîšāʾēl): "Who is what God is?" or "Who is like God?"
    • Azariah (עֲזַרְיָה, ʿăzaryāh): "The Lord is my help."
  • The listing of all four names underscores their unity and solidarity in their shared resolve, despite Daniel being the primary spokesman. Daniel isn't acting alone; he represents a united front of faithfulness. Their Hebrew names contrast sharply with their assigned Babylonian names (Dan 1:7), reinforcing their core identity and allegiance to their God even under foreign rule.

Daniel 1 11 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "steward," ham-melṣar, is unique to Daniel, appearing only here and in Daniel 1:16. Its precise etymology is debated, but it is generally accepted as a loanword likely meaning "one who tests food," "inspector," or "supervisor." This specific term suggests a role closely connected to the management of food and diet, making the steward the most appropriate person for Daniel to approach concerning his dietary request. Daniel's wisdom in navigating this hierarchical structure is a powerful illustration for believers, demonstrating that conviction often requires discernment, patience, and a reliance on divine guidance to know when to speak and to whom, ultimately for God's glory.

Daniel 1 11 Commentary

Daniel 1:11 showcases Daniel's strategic wisdom, demonstrating that firmness of conviction does not necessitate foolish defiance. Instead of confronting the chief eunuch directly, Daniel seeks out a subordinate, the steward, who directly managed the youths' daily provisions. This tactical approach aligns with biblical wisdom, which often counsels discretion and humility in dealing with authorities, especially when lives might be at stake.

The verse implicitly emphasizes the foundation of faith that God had established for Daniel, leading the chief eunuch to already show him favor (Dan 1:9). Daniel leveraged this divine grace, not with arrogance, but with careful planning. His appeal to the steward was a measured risk, indicating his deep trust in God's providence to work through even those in positions of control. By presenting a reasonable alternative and appealing to a direct supervisor, Daniel showed respect for the existing hierarchy while unyieldingly maintaining his commitment to God's dietary laws. This move reveals not just Daniel's courage but also his profound reliance on God to guide his interactions and bring about His will through humble means. The unity among Daniel and his three friends in this resolve is paramount, underscoring the strength and accountability found in shared convictions among believers.