King James Version

What Does Daniel 1:5 Mean?

Daniel 1:5 in the King James Version says “And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them thr...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. the wine: Heb. the wine of his drink”

Daniel 1:5 · King James Version

Context

3

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;

4

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.

5

And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. the wine: Heb. the wine of his drink

6

Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

7

Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The 'daily provision of the king's meat' represents Babylon's generosity and the temptation it creates. Royal food was both honor and snare—honor because it elevated these captives, snare because it compromised dietary law and likely included food offered to idols. The phrase 'nourishing them three years' shows systematic preparation for service. Worldly systems offer provision and advancement, testing whether believers will compromise convictions for comfort and opportunity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern royal courts maintained elaborate cuisines. The king's table represented privilege and obligation—eating the king's food created a bond of loyalty. Daniel 1:8 indicates this food violated Jewish dietary law, either through prohibited items (pork, unclean animals), improper slaughter, or dedication to idols. Accepting it would signal cultural and religious capitulation to Babylonian norms.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the king's provision represent the world's offer of comfort and advancement in exchange for compromise?
  2. What does Daniel's later refusal (v. 8) teach us about recognizing seemingly generous offers that require violating conscience?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיְמַן֩1 of 18

“appointed”

H4487

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

לָהֶ֨ם2 of 18
H0
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃3 of 18

“And the king”

H4428

a king

דְּבַר4 of 18

“provision”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְּיוֹמ֗וֹ5 of 18

“them a daily”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּיוֹמ֗וֹ6 of 18

“them a daily”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מִפַּת7 of 18
H0
בַּ֤ג8 of 18

“meat”

H6598

a dainty

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃9 of 18

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וּמִיֵּ֣ין10 of 18

“and of the wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

מִשְׁתָּ֔יו11 of 18

“which he drank”

H4960

drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast

וּֽלְגַדְּלָ֖ם12 of 18

“so nourishing”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

שָׁנִ֣ים13 of 18

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שָׁל֑וֹשׁ14 of 18

“them three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

וּמִ֨קְצָתָ֔ם15 of 18

“that at the end”

H7117

a termination (literally or figuratively); also (by implication) a portion; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

יַֽעַמְד֖וּ16 of 18

“thereof they might stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לִפְנֵ֥י17 of 18

“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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃18 of 18

“And the king”

H4428

a king

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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 1:191 Kings 10:8Daniel 1:8Genesis 41:46Jeremiah 15:19Luke 21:36

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