King James Version

What Does Daniel 1:17 Mean?

Daniel 1:17 in the King James Version says “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding i...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Daniel: or, he made Daniel understand”

Daniel 1:17 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

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.

16

Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

17

As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Daniel: or, he made Daniel understand

18

Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19

And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase "God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom" reveals the source of the young men's excellence. The Hebrew natan (נָתַן, "gave") emphasizes divine gifting rather than mere natural talent. While they applied themselves diligently to their studies, God sovereignly blessed their efforts with supernatural insight. This demonstrates that true wisdom begins with fearing the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and that believers can excel in secular fields while maintaining spiritual integrity.

The distinction that "Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams" marks him as uniquely gifted for prophetic ministry. This ability would prove crucial throughout the book as Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dreams and receives apocalyptic visions. God equips His servants according to their specific callings, distributing gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). Daniel's interpretive gift points forward to Christ, who perfectly reveals the Father and makes known all mysteries (John 1:18, Colossians 2:2-3).

This verse teaches that believers need not choose between academic excellence and spiritual faithfulness. God can grant wisdom in secular disciplines when pursued for His glory. Daniel and his friends mastered Babylonian literature and language not to assimilate but to serve God more effectively in exile. Their example encourages Christians in academia, business, and government to pursue excellence while maintaining distinct spiritual identity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

After three years of intensive training in Babylonian language, literature, and wisdom (604-602 BC), Daniel and his companions completed their preparation for royal service. The curriculum likely included cuneiform writing, Akkadian language, Babylonian astronomy/astrology, mathematics, religious texts, and legal traditions. Nebuchadnezzar's empire required multilingual, culturally sophisticated administrators to govern diverse territories.

Ancient Mesopotamian education was highly advanced, particularly in mathematics, astronomy, and literature. The famous Epic of Gilgamesh, Enuma Elish creation myths, and extensive legal codes exemplify Babylonian intellectual achievement. Daniel mastered these subjects while rejecting their pagan worldview, demonstrating the possibility of engaging culture critically from a biblical perspective. His education equipped him for decades of influential service under multiple empires.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you pursue excellence in your field while maintaining biblical convictions that may conflict with prevailing assumptions?
  2. What does Daniel's example teach about engaging cultural knowledge critically rather than accepting or rejecting it wholesale?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהַיְלָדִ֤ים1 of 16

“children”

H3206

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

הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙2 of 16
H428

these or those

אַרְבַּעְתָּ֔ם3 of 16

“As for these four”

H702

four

נָתַ֨ן4 of 16

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֧ם5 of 16
H0
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים6 of 16

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מַדָּ֥ע7 of 16

“them knowledge”

H4093

intelligence or consciousness

וְהַשְׂכֵּ֖ל8 of 16

“and skill”

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

בְּכָל9 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

סֵ֣פֶר10 of 16

“in all learning”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

וְחָכְמָ֑ה11 of 16

“and wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וְדָנִיֵּ֣אל12 of 16

“and Daniel”

H1840

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

הֵבִ֔ין13 of 16

“had understanding”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

בְּכָל14 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חָז֖וֹן15 of 16

“in all visions”

H2377

a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle

וַחֲלֹמֽוֹת׃16 of 16

“and dreams”

H2472

a dream

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 1:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Daniel 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 3:12James 1:5Job 32:8Daniel 2:21Daniel 2:23Colossians 1:9

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