King James Version

What Does Daniel 1:13 Mean?

Daniel 1:13 in the King James Version says “Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 1:13 · KJV


Context

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.

14

So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

15

And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel's proposal continues: 'let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat.' He proposes objective comparison—appearance would testify to wisdom or folly of the request. The appeal to visual evidence shows confidence that God blesses obedience with tangible results. The word 'countenance' emphasizes overall health and vitality, not merely weight. Faith trusts God to vindicate His ways through real-world demonstration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern culture valued healthy appearance as indicating divine blessing and proper living. Court officials needed to appear vigorous and capable, reflecting well on the king's provision. Physical appearance was considered evidence of lifestyle wisdom. Daniel's confidence that simple biblical diet would produce superior health challenged Babylonian assumption that royal luxury produced the best results.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's confidence in observable vindication encourage us that godly living produces demonstrable benefits?
  2. What does the appeal to empirical comparison teach us about not fearing honest examination of faith's practical outcomes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
תִּרְאֵ֔ה1 of 14

and as thou seest

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙2 of 14

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וּמַרְאֵה֙3 of 14

Then let our countenances

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

וּמַרְאֵה֙4 of 14

Then let our countenances

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

הַיְלָדִ֔ים5 of 14

of the children

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

הָאֹ֣כְלִ֔ים6 of 14

that eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֵ֖ת7 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פַּתְבַּ֣ג8 of 14

meat

H6598

a dainty

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ9 of 14

of the king's

H4428

a king

וְכַאֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 14
H834

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

תִּרְאֵ֔ה11 of 14

and as thou seest

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עֲשֵׂ֖ה12 of 14

deal

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עִם13 of 14
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עֲבָדֶֽיךָ׃14 of 14

with thy servants

H5650

a servant


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 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study