Daniel 1:4 kjv

Children in 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 1:4 nkjv

young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

Daniel 1:4 niv

young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.

Daniel 1:4 esv

youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

Daniel 1:4 nlt

"Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men," he said. "Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon. "

Daniel 1 verses

Daniel 1 4 Meaning

Daniel 1:4 details the rigorous criteria set by Nebuchadnezzar for selecting young Israelite captives to serve in the Babylonian court. These requirements emphasize physical perfection ("no blemish, but well-favored"), intellectual prowess ("skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science"), social aptitude ("ability in them to stand in the king's palace"), and potential for linguistic and cultural assimilation ("whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans"). This verse sets the stage for a period of intensive indoctrination, intended to transform the youths into loyal Babylonian officials, challenging their Israelite identity and faith.

Daniel 1 4 Context

Daniel 1:4 occurs early in the book, establishing the circumstances of Daniel and his friends' arrival in Babylon. Verses 1-2 recount Jerusalem's capture by Nebuchadnezzar and the divine hand in the defeat. Verse 3 then introduces Ashpenaz, the chief of the eunuchs, tasked by the king to select specific Israelite youths. Verse 4 meticulously details the stringent criteria for this selection, highlighting physical, intellectual, and social qualifications necessary for service in the royal court. This setting immediately underscores the intense pressure these young men would face to assimilate into a pagan culture and system, laying the groundwork for the ensuing tests of their faith and loyalty to the God of Israel. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar's policy of selecting elites from conquered territories and educating them in Babylonian culture was a shrewd imperial strategy, ensuring a cadre of loyal, skilled administrators and minimizing the threat of rebellion from local leadership. This verse paints a vivid picture of this calculated strategy of cultural conquest.

Daniel 1 4 Word analysis

• young men (Hebrew: yeladim, ילדים): Literally "children" or "youths." This term suggests a relatively young age, likely adolescents or those in their early twenties, making them highly impressionable and malleable for re-education. Their youth highlights the intense challenge of resisting assimilation.
• no blemish (Hebrew: mam, מום): Signifies physical perfection or wholeness. In Israelite priestly and sacrificial contexts (Lev 21:17-23; Deut 17:1), an unblemished state indicated purity and fitness for sacred service. Here, it denotes fitness for royal service, implying an impressive physical presence suitable for court.
• well-favored (Hebrew: tove-mareh, טובי מראה): Implies handsome or good-looking. This criterion underscores the importance of outward appearance and attractiveness in ancient royal courts, as such individuals would represent the king's authority and prestige.
• skillful in all wisdom (Hebrew: sikhle-khokhmah, משכילים בכל-חכמה): Possessing understanding or intelligence in various forms of wisdom. Khokhmah (wisdom) in a Babylonian context would include expertise in various intellectual disciplines, not limited to spiritual wisdom.
• cunning in knowledge (Hebrew: yed'e-da'at, ויודעי דעת): Knowledgeable and experienced in learning. This points to intellectual capacity and a familiarity with diverse subjects, going beyond mere information to practical application.
• understanding science (Hebrew: mevinē'imadda', ומביני מדע): Grasping deep comprehension of specific bodies of knowledge or fields of study. "Science" here doesn't refer to modern empirical science, but to structured, systematic knowledge in areas like astronomy, mathematics, divination, or historical records, which were crucial to Babylonian administration.
• ability in them to stand in the king's palace (Hebrew: ko'ach la'amod b'hekhal ha-melekh, וכלים לעמוד בהיכל המלך): More than just physical ability, this implies the aptitude, disposition, and mental resilience required to serve in a demanding, high-stakes environment like a royal court, potentially implying diplomatic and social skills.
• whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans (Hebrew: lelamedam sefer uleshon Kasdim, וללמדמ ספר ולשון כשׂדים): The purpose of their selection was re-education. "Learning" (sefer) refers to the written literature and body of knowledge, likely cuneiform texts embodying Babylonian history, religion, and administration. "Tongue" (leshon) primarily refers to the Akkadian language (Babylonian dialect), the language of empire, but also possibly Aramaic which was emerging as the common language. This points to comprehensive cultural assimilation and ideological training.

Daniel 1 4 Bonus section

The requirements detailed in Daniel 1:4—physical perfection, intelligence, and potential for high service—were typical qualifications for attendants in ancient Near Eastern royal courts. Such individuals would not only serve as administrative staff but often also as public representatives of the king. The emphasis on intellectual qualities also reveals the sophisticated nature of Babylonian "wisdom," which encompassed fields like astronomy (often linked to astrology), mathematics, and legal studies. This verse sets up a parallel with other biblical figures chosen for specific training in foreign courts, such as Joseph in Egypt (Gen 41) or Moses, who was "educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians" (Acts 7:22). However, in Daniel's case, the specific mention of "Chaldeans" and their "learning" often implies their reputation for occult practices and divination. This contrast highlights that while the Babylonian training system aimed to mold them, God ultimately worked through them to demonstrate His superior wisdom and sovereignty, challenging the efficacy of all worldly systems. The very qualities that qualified them for Nebuchadnezzar's service would, by God's providence, be used for His glory within the pagan empire.

Daniel 1 4 Commentary

Daniel 1:4 provides the key criteria for selection into Nebuchadnezzar's imperial training program. Far from being random captives, Daniel and his companions were among the intellectual and physical elite of Judah. Nebuchadnezzar's motives were practical: to integrate promising individuals from conquered territories into his administration, ensuring loyal and skilled service. The qualities sought—physical perfection, sharp intellect, broad knowledge, and social adeptness—were essential for high-ranking government officials in any ancient court. The goal was total acculturation, transforming Hebrew youths into Chaldean administrators through intense training in their language and "learning" (including history, law, divination, and potentially astrology), thereby severing ties to their Israelite identity and God. This strategic indoctrination sets the stage for the book's overarching theme: the tension between adherence to God's ways and conformity to pagan culture, demonstrating that true wisdom and power originate from God alone, not from worldly systems, however sophisticated. This is the test of faith the young men will face from the outset, starting with their names and diet.