King James Version

What Does Daniel 1:11 Mean?

Daniel 1:11 in the King James Version says “Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Melzar: ...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Melzar: or, the steward”

Daniel 1:11 · KJV

Context

9

Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

10

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. worse: Heb. sadder sort: or, term, or, continuance?

11

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

12

Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. pulse: Heb. of pulse to eat: Heb. that we may eat, etc

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel's approach to Melzar (likely a title: steward or guardian) shows wisdom in working within the system. Rather than demanding rights, he proposes a test. This demonstrates spiritual wisdom: seeking alternative solutions that honor both conscience and authority. Daniel doesn't rebel against the system but finds a way to maintain convictions while respecting structure. The specific approach to the steward rather than Ashpenaz shows strategic thinking in finding the right person with authority to help.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Melzar appears to be a title (Hebrew: ham-meltzar, 'the steward') rather than a proper name, referring to the immediate supervisor over Daniel's group. This official had day-to-day oversight while Ashpenaz held overall authority. Ancient bureaucracies had hierarchies; Daniel wisely approached the appropriate level for his request. Working through proper channels while maintaining convictions models institutional engagement without compromise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's respectful approach within the system challenge both rebellious resistance and passive capitulation?
  2. What wisdom can we learn from Daniel about finding creative solutions that honor both conscience and legitimate authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 13

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּנִיֵּ֣אל2 of 13

“Daniel”

H1840

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּלְצַ֑ר4 of 13

“to Melzar”

H4453

the butler or other officer in the babylonian court

אֲשֶׁ֤ר5 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מִנָּה֙6 of 13

“had set”

H4487

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

שַׂ֣ר7 of 13

“whom the prince”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַסָּֽרִיסִ֔ים8 of 13

“of the eunuchs”

H5631

a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state

עַל9 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דָּנִיֵּ֣אל10 of 13

“Daniel”

H1840

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

חֲנַנְיָ֔ה11 of 13

“Hananiah”

H2608

chananjah, the name of thirteen israelites

מִֽישָׁאֵ֖ל12 of 13

“Mishael”

H4332

mishael, the name of three israelites

וַעֲזַרְיָֽה׃13 of 13

“and Azariah”

H5838

azarjah, the name of nineteen israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Daniel 1:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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