CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Daniel 1:17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/daniel/1-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/27_Dan_01_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Daniel 1:17 - Daniel's Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/daniel/1-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/daniel/1-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/daniel/">Daniel</a> > <a href="/daniel/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/daniel/1-16.htm" title="Daniel 1:16">◄</a> Daniel 1:17 <a href="/daniel/1-18.htm" title="Daniel 1:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/daniel/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/daniel/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/daniel/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/daniel/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/daniel/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/daniel/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/daniel/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/daniel/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every <i>kind of</i> literature and expertise; Daniel even understood all <i>kinds of</i> visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/daniel/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/daniel/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every <i>branch of</i> literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all <i>kinds of</i> visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/daniel/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and insight in every <i>branch of</i> literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all <i>kinds of</i> visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/daniel/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all <i>kinds of</i> literature and wisdom; Daniel also understood all <i>kinds of</i> visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/daniel/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/daniel/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/daniel/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/daniel/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God made the four young men smart and wise. They read a lot of books and became well educated. Daniel could also tell the meaning of dreams and visions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/daniel/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/daniel/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />God gave these four men knowledge, wisdom, and the ability to understand all kinds of literature. Daniel could also understand all kinds of visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/daniel/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God gave the four young men knowledge and skill in literature and philosophy. In addition, he gave Daniel skill in interpreting visions and dreams. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/daniel/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge, aptitude for learning, and wisdom. Daniel also could understand all kinds of visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/daniel/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/daniel/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now as for these four young men, God endowed them with knowledge and skill in all sorts of literature and wisdom--and Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/daniel/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/daniel/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/daniel/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/daniel/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />As for these four boys, God has given to them knowledge and understanding in every [kind of] literature, and wisdom; and Daniel has given instruction about every [kind of] vision and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/daniel/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As to these four lads, God hath given to them knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature, and wisdom; and Daniel hath given instruction about every kind of vision and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/daniel/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And these four children, God gave to them knowledge and understanding in all writing and wisdom: and Daniel understood in every vision and dreams.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/daniel/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And to these children God gave knowledge, and understanding in every book, and wisdom: but to Daniel the understanding also of all visions and dreams. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/daniel/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Yet, to these children, God gave knowledge and instruction in every book, and wisdom, but to Daniel, also the understanding of all visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/daniel/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />To these four young men God gave knowledge and proficiency in all literature and wisdom, and to Daniel the understanding of all visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/daniel/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions and dreams.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/daniel/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As for these four boys, God gave them knowledge and understanding in every book and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/daniel/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And to these four boys God gave knowledge and understanding in all writing and wisdom, and Daniel understood all visions and dreams<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/daniel/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/daniel/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And <i>as for</i> these four children, God gave them understanding and prudence in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/daniel/1-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/shUZJK-vYxI?start=168" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/daniel/1.htm">Daniel's Wisdom</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">To these</a> <a href="/hebrew/702.htm" title="702: ’ar·ba‘·tām (Number-msc:: 3mp) -- Four. Masculine oarbaah; from raba'; four.">four</a> <a href="/hebrew/3206.htm" title="3206: wə·hay·lā·ḏîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- Child, son, boy, youth. From yalad; something born, i.e. A lad or offspring.">young men</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nā·ṯan (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">gave</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4093.htm" title="4093: mad·dā‘ (N-ms) -- Knowledge, thought. Or maddai; from yada'; intelligence or consciousness.">knowledge</a> <a href="/hebrew/7919.htm" title="7919: wə·haś·kêl (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To be, circumspect, intelligent. A primitive root; to be circumspect and hence, intelligent.">and understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">in every kind</a> <a href="/hebrew/5612.htm" title="5612: sê·p̄er (N-ms) -- A missive, document, writing, book. Or ciphrah; from caphar; properly, writing; by implication, a book.">of literature</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: wə·ḥā·ḵə·māh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">and wisdom.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1841.htm" title="1841: wə·ḏā·nî·yêl (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- God is my judge, an Isr. leader in Bab. (Aramaic) corresponding to Daniye'l; Danijel, the Heb. Prophet.">And Daniel</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: hê·ḇîn (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">had insight</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">into all kinds</a> <a href="/hebrew/2377.htm" title="2377: ḥā·zō·wn (N-ms) -- Vision. From chazah; a sight, i.e. A dream, revelation, or oracle.">of visions</a> <a href="/hebrew/2472.htm" title="2472: wa·ḥă·lō·mō·wṯ (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- A dream. Or chalom; from chalam; a dream.">and dreams.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Now at the end of the time specified by the king, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12</a></span><br />behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6</a></span><br />For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-38.htm">Genesis 41:38-39</a></span><br />So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?” / Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-10.htm">Acts 7:10</a></span><br />and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-8.htm">1 Corinthians 12:8</a></span><br />To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/31-3.htm">Exodus 31:3</a></span><br />And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">1 Kings 4:29-30</a></span><br />And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9</a></span><br />For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a></span><br />The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Luke 21:15</a></span><br />For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/1-10.htm">2 Chronicles 1:10-12</a></span><br />Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or honor for yourself or death for your enemies—and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king— / therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17</a></span><br />that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/32-8.htm">Job 32:8</a></span><br />But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-11.htm">Matthew 13:11</a></span><br />He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21,23</a></b></br> And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12,28</a></b></br> Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">1 Kings 4:29-31</a></b></br> And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that <i>is</i> on the sea shore… </p><p class="hdg">knowledge.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Acts 7:22</a></b></br> And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/4-9.htm">Acts 4:9,10</a></b></br> If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/5-11.htm">Acts 5:11,12,14</a></b></br> And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/36-8.htm">Branch</a> <a href="/daniel/1-15.htm">Children</a> <a href="/daniel/1-11.htm">Daniel</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-8.htm">Dreams</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-32.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-34.htm">Four</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-11.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-22.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/daniel/1-9.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-10.htm">Kinds</a> <a href="/daniel/1-4.htm">Learning</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-5.htm">Skill</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-3.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/daniel/1-4.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-15.htm">Understood</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-10.htm">Vision</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-3.htm">Visions</a> <a href="/daniel/1-4.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/daniel/1-15.htm">Young</a> <a href="/daniel/1-15.htm">Youths</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/11-7.htm">Branch</a> <a href="/daniel/2-25.htm">Children</a> <a href="/daniel/1-19.htm">Daniel</a> <a href="/daniel/2-1.htm">Dreams</a> <a href="/daniel/8-23.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/daniel/3-25.htm">Four</a> <a href="/daniel/9-22.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/daniel/5-14.htm">Intelligence</a> <a href="/daniel/6-23.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/daniel/3-5.htm">Kinds</a> <a href="/luke/23-7.htm">Learning</a> <a href="/daniel/9-22.htm">Skill</a> <a href="/daniel/2-3.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/daniel/1-20.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/daniel/8-27.htm">Understood</a> <a href="/daniel/2-19.htm">Vision</a> <a href="/daniel/2-28.htm">Visions</a> <a href="/daniel/1-20.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/daniel/8-5.htm">Young</a> <a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">Youths</a><div class="vheading2">Daniel 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/1-1.htm">Jehoiakim's captivity.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/1-3.htm">Ashpenaz takes Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/1-8.htm">They refusing the king's portion do prosper with pulse and water.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/daniel/1-17.htm">Their proficiency in wisdom.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/daniel/1.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>To these four young men</b><br />This phrase refers to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who were taken into Babylonian captivity. The Hebrew word for "young men" is "יְלָדִים" (yeladim), which can denote youths or children, emphasizing their tender age and the potential for growth and learning. Historically, these young men were part of the royal or noble families of Judah, chosen for their aptitude and potential to serve in the Babylonian court. Their selection highlights God's providence in placing them in a position where they could influence a foreign empire.<p><b>God gave</b><br />The Hebrew word for "gave" is "נָתַן" (natan), which means to bestow or grant. This emphasizes that the knowledge and understanding these young men possessed were divine gifts, not merely the result of human effort or education. It underscores the sovereignty of God in equipping His people for His purposes, even in exile. This divine endowment is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to empower His servants in any circumstance.<p><b>knowledge and understanding</b><br />The terms "knowledge" (דַּעַת, da'at) and "understanding" (שֵׂכֶל, sekel) reflect a comprehensive grasp of information and the ability to discern and apply it wisely. In the context of the Babylonian court, this would include mastery of languages, literature, and the sciences of the time. Theologically, it signifies the wisdom that comes from God, enabling His people to navigate complex and challenging environments with discernment and integrity.<p><b>of all kinds of literature and wisdom</b><br />This phrase indicates the breadth of their learning, encompassing the vast array of Babylonian culture, including its myths, laws, and scientific knowledge. The word "literature" (סֵפֶר, sefer) suggests written works, while "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokmah) implies practical skills and insights. This comprehensive education prepared them to serve effectively in the king's court, demonstrating that God's wisdom transcends cultural boundaries and equips His people to engage with the world without compromising their faith.<p><b>And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds</b><br />The ability to interpret "visions and dreams" (חֲזוֹן וַחֲלוֹם, chazon v'chalom) was a special gift given to Daniel, setting him apart from his peers. In the ancient Near East, dreams were often seen as messages from the divine, and the ability to interpret them was highly valued. This gift not only elevated Daniel's status in the Babylonian court but also served as a means for God to reveal His plans and purposes. Scripturally, it foreshadows Daniel's role as a prophet and his contributions to biblical prophecy, affirming that God communicates with His people in diverse ways to guide and instruct them.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/daniel/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">Learning and wisdom.--</span>These appear to be contrasted in this verse. The former refers to literature, and implies the knowledge of secular subjects; the latter implies philosophy and theology, and perhaps, also, an acquaintance with the meaning of portents. Abundant instances of the latter may be found in the <span class= "ital">Records of the Past</span> (see vol. v., p. 167).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/daniel/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As for these four children, God gave them knewledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams</span>. Or, as the words might be more accurately rendered, "these lads, the four of them" (<a href="/ezekiel/1-8.htm">Ezekiel 1:8-10</a>). This indicates that somehow they were separated off into a quaternion. In Ezekiel, where a similar phrase cecum, the four cherubim form a quaternion in a very special way. As we have already seen, the Assyrians in a feast arranged the guests in messes of four. Those thus seated together would most likely be associated in some other way. In the case of these youths, who were permanent guests at the table of the King of Babylon, they would most likely be associated in their studies from the first. The Septuagint Version omits the numeral, but is pleonastic in a way that suggests a coalescing of different readings. The rendering is, "And to the youths the Lord gave understanding and knowledge and wisdom in the art of learning (the grammatic art - grammar), and to Daniel he gave understanding of every kind (in every word), and in visions, and in dreams, and in every kind of wisdom." The omission of the word "four," and the insertion of two words, "understanding" and "knowledge," suggest that the one has somehow taken the place of the other; it may be that the word <span class="hebrew">עָרְמָה</span> was read instead of <span class="hebrew">ארבעת</span>. The Massoretic original of the phrase, "skill in all learning," may be rendered literally, "skill in every kind of books." This has a special meaning in regard to the Babylonian and Assyrian books, which were clay tablets incised when wet, and burnt into permanence. Rolls of parchment were, as we see from Jeremiah, the common material for books among the Jews. Among the Egyptians, papyrus largely took the place of parchment, so the knowledge "of every kind of books" meant "every language." It is certain that three languages were to a certain extent in use in Babylon - Aramaic, the ordinary language of business and diplomacy; Assyrian, the court language, the language in which histories and dedications were written; Accadian, the old sacred tongue, in which all the formulae of worship and the forms of incantation had been originally written. From the fact that Rabshakeh could talk Hebrew when conversing with Eliakim and Shebna, it would seem that the accomplish-merit required from a diplomat implied the knowledge of the languages of the various nations subject to the Babylonian Empire or eonterminous with it. "Knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom" would seem to mean the complete eurriculum fitted to make these youths able diplomatists and wise councillors. <span class="accented">And Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.</span> All the nations of antiquity laid stress on dreams as means by which the future was revealed to men; but in no nation was there so elaborate a system of interpretation as among the Babyhmians. Lenormant ('La Divination') gives a long account, with many passages translated from their books, of their mode of interpreting dreams. "Visions" may be regarded as appearances of the nature of the alleged second sight among the Scottish Highlanders. It may, however, refer to appearances which are regarded as omens of good or evil fortune. We see in all the elaborate distinctions of omens preserved to us in Lenormant only the folly of superstition; but we may not assume that Daniel and his friends did not believe in them. It has been objected that if Daniel and his friends were so scrupulous in regard to the dainties and. the wines of the Babylonian monarch, because these were connected with idol-worship, they ought logically to have refused to learn these superstitious formulae. But men are never completely logical; life is wider than logic, and hence there are always elements that are left out in our calculations. The possession even of Divine inspiration would not suffer men to annul the two millennia and a half that separate us from the days of Daniel. They - Daniel and his friends - did not see in this so-called science of oneiromancy mere superstition. Still less did they recognize it as having a necessary connection with the idolatries of Babylon. In the following chapter we see the theory Daniel himself had of the matter, namely, that God used dreams as means to make known the future to men. No one can say he was mistaken in this. When Luther described heaven to his child, he filled it with what would be most happy for the little boy; he takes the child at the stage at which he is, and tells him the truth, but in limitations suited to his knowledge. May we not reasonably argue that the great Father deals so with his children? When they are in the state of knowledge that makes them expect to have his will revealed to them in dreams and omens, then he will make known his will by dreams. Daniel knew all that Chaldean science could tell him, but he saw that it was limited, that behind all the canons of interpretation there was the Eternal Mind, the Great Thinker, whose thoughts are things. In other words, he did not recognize the so-called science of Babylon, its astrology, its incantations, its omens, its interpretations of dreams as false so much as limited. It has been placed by Jerome as a parallel, that Moses was learned in all the learning of the Egyptians. Jerome assumes "they learned not that they might follow, but that they might judge and convict (<span class="accented">convincant</span>)." We do not see the need of any such supposition. In their own land they in all likelihood believed in the interpretation of dreams, not unlikely in omens too in some degree. When they came to Babylon they came among a people who halt reduced all this to a form that had a delusive appearance of scientific accuracy. They could not fail to believe in all these things. Long after the latest critical date of Daniel, the Jews believed in omens and dreams. Josephus tells us of his own skill in these matters, and is still more explicit in respect to the wisdom of the Essenes in regard to the future. Students of the Talmud will not require to be told of the <span class="accented">bath-qol</span> and other means by which a knowledge of the future was derived. We must, we fear, assume that Daniel was not so far ahead of his contemporaries as not to believe in the science of Babylon, and therefore to expect him to protest against it and refuge to acquire it is absurd in the last degree. This fact of these four Hebrew youths not objecting to heathen learning is n indirect proof of the early date of Daniel. <span class="accented">It</span> this book had been written in the days of the Maccabees, then the learning of the Chaldeans would be a synonym for the learning of the Greeks. We know that, so far from the <span class="accented">Hasideem -</span> the party from whom, by hypothesis, "Daniel" emanated - looking favourably on Greek learning, they hated and abhorred it. We see in the Second Book of Maccabees (4:14) the feelings with which they regarded those who favoured Greek manners; how even the innocent game of <span class="accented">discus</span> was full of horror for them, because it was Greek (1:14); and in the first book with what horror the pious looked on the erection of a gymnasium in Jerusalem. This hatred of everything Greek was very natural, and certainly was very much in evidence in their history. For business purposes they had to know the Greek language; but the learning, the philosophy, and literature of Greece would have been to those engaged in the Maccabean struggle abomination. Is it, then, to be imagined that a writer of the Maccabean period, describing an ancient hero from whose example his contemporaries were to draw encouragement and guidance, would represent him as zealously addicting himself to the pursuit of Gentile learning, and making such progress in it that he excelled all competitors? The attitude ascribed to him would have been more like that of the Rabbi Akiba, who declared that "Greek learning could be studied in an hour that was neither day nor night;" or like that other rabbi, who declared that "the translation of the Scripture into Greek was a disaster to Judaism equal in horror to the fall of Jerusalem." We hear a great deal of the historic imagination and the necessity of applying it to questions of Biblical criticism. Surely the minds must be strangely deficient in the power of imaginative reconstruction who cannot feel the thrill of abhorrence of everything foreign that must have filled the Jews during the Maccabean struggle. If the critics had only realized this, they would have seen how utterly impossible it is to conceive that a religious novel, written at that time, intended to nerve the Jews for fiercer resistance to their oppressors, should represent the hero complacently acquiring Gentile learning, and acting the submissive courtier in the tyrant's palace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/daniel/1-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">To these</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><br /><span class="word">four</span><br /><span class="heb">אַרְבַּעְתָּ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·ba‘·tām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_702.htm">Strong's 702: </a> </span><span class="str2">Four</span><br /><br /><span class="word">young men</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַיְלָדִ֤ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hay·lā·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something born, a lad, offspring</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gave</span><br /><span class="heb">נָתַ֨ן</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ṯan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knowledge</span><br /><span class="heb">מַדָּ֥ע</span> <span class="translit">(mad·dā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4093.htm">Strong's 4093: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, consciousness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and understanding</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַשְׂכֵּ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·haś·kêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7919.htm">Strong's 7919: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, circumspect, intelligent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in every kind</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of literature</span><br /><span class="heb">סֵ֣פֶר</span> <span class="translit">(sê·p̄er)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5612.htm">Strong's 5612: </a> </span><span class="str2">A missive, document, writing, book</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and wisdom.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחָכְמָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥā·ḵə·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And Daniel</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדָנִיֵּ֣אל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏā·nî·yêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1840.htm">Strong's 1840: </a> </span><span class="str2">Daniel -- 'God is my judge', the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had insight</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵבִ֔ין</span> <span class="translit">(hê·ḇîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into all kinds</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of visions</span><br /><span class="heb">חָז֖וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·zō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2377.htm">Strong's 2377: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sight, a dream, revelation, oracle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and dreams.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַחֲלֹמֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(wa·ḥă·lō·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2472.htm">Strong's 2472: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dream</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/daniel/1-17.htm">Daniel 1:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/daniel/1-17.htm">Daniel 1:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/daniel/1-17.htm">Daniel 1:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/daniel/1-17.htm">Daniel 1:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/daniel/1-17.htm">Daniel 1:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/daniel/1-17.htm">Daniel 1:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/daniel/1-17.htm">Daniel 1:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/daniel/1-17.htm">Daniel 1:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/daniel/1-17.htm">Daniel 1:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/daniel/1-17.htm">Daniel 1:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/daniel/1-17.htm">OT Prophets: Daniel 1:17 Now as for these four youths God (Dan. Da Dn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/daniel/1-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Daniel 1:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Daniel 1:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/daniel/1-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Daniel 1:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Daniel 1:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>