King James Version

What Does Daniel 1:7 Mean?

Daniel 1:7 in the King James Version says “Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Sh...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 1:7 · KJV

Context

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.

8

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

9

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prince of eunuchs changing their names represents Babylon's attempt to reshape identity. Daniel becomes Belteshazzar (Bel protect his life—invoking Babylon's god). Hananiah becomes Shadrach, Mishael becomes Meshach, Azariah becomes Abednego—all incorporating Babylonian deity names. This assault on identity through renaming attempts to erase covenant faith and replace it with pagan religion. Yet God's preservation of their original names in Scripture shows that human attempts to redefine God-given identity ultimately fail.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern conquerors regularly renamed subject peoples to assert dominance and assimilation. Name changes signified ownership and new allegiance (cf. Joseph to Zaphnath-paaneah, Gen. 41:45). The Babylonian names invoke Bel (Marduk), Aku (moon god), and possibly Nebo—major Babylonian deities. This renaming was strategic: replace Yahweh-worship with Babylonian religious identity. Yet the youths' faithfulness shows that imposed names don't change true allegiance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Babylon's renaming strategy parallel modern attempts to redefine identity contrary to God's design?
  2. What does the preservation of Hebrew names in Scripture teach us about God's determination to remember our true identity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיָּ֨שֶׂם1 of 15

“for he gave”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

לָהֶ֛ם2 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

שַׂ֥ר3 of 15

“Unto whom the prince”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַסָּרִיסִ֖ים4 of 15

“of the eunuchs”

H5631

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

שֵׁמ֑וֹת5 of 15

“names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

וַיָּ֨שֶׂם6 of 15

“for he gave”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

לְדָֽנִיֵּ֜אל7 of 15

“unto Daniel”

H1840

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

בֵּ֣לְטְשַׁאצַּ֗ר8 of 15

“the name of Belteshazzar”

H1095

belteshatstsar, the babylonian name of daniel

וְלַֽחֲנַנְיָה֙9 of 15

“and to Hananiah”

H2608

chananjah, the name of thirteen israelites

שַׁדְרַ֔ךְ10 of 15

“of Shadrach”

H7714

shadrak, the babylonian name of one of daniel's companions

וּלְמִֽישָׁאֵ֣ל11 of 15

“and to Mishael”

H4332

mishael, the name of three israelites

מֵישַׁ֔ךְ12 of 15

“of Meshach”

H4335

meshak, an israelite

וְלַעֲזַרְיָ֖ה13 of 15

“and to Azariah”

H5838

azarjah, the name of nineteen israelites

עֲבֵ֥ד14 of 15
H0
נְגֽוֹ׃15 of 15

“of Abednego”

H5664

abed-nego, the babylonian name of one of daniel's companions

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 1:7 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 1:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 5:12Daniel 4:8Daniel 2:492 Kings 23:342 Kings 24:17Daniel 1:3

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