Daniel 1:20
Daniel 1:20 in Multiple Translations
In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his realm.
And in any business needing wisdom and good sense, about which the king put questions to them, he saw that they were ten times better than all the wonder-workers and users of secret arts in all his kingdom.
Whatever subject the king asked them about, everything that required wisdom of understanding, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
And in all matters of wisedome, and vnderstanding that the King enquired of them, hee founde them tenne times better then all the inchanters and astrologians, that were in all his realme.
and [in] any matter of wisdom [and] understanding that the king hath sought of them, he findeth them ten hands above all the scribes, the enchanters, who [are] in all his kingdom.
In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters who were in all his realm.
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times superior to all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the diviners, and wise men, that were in all his kingdom.
In all important matters, the king found that what we four men advised was ten times as good as what all the magicians and sorcerers/fortune-tellers in his kingdom advised.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 1:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Daniel 1:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כֹ֗ל
דְּבַר֙
חָכְמַ֣ת
בִּינָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁר
בִּקֵּ֥שׁ
מֵ/הֶ֖ם
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
וַֽ/יִּמְצָאֵ֞/ם
עֶ֣שֶׂר
יָד֗וֹת
עַ֤ל
כָּל
הַֽ/חַרְטֻמִּים֙
הָֽ/אַשָּׁפִ֔ים
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
בְּ/כָל
מַלְכוּתֽ/וֹ
וְ/כֹ֗ל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
דְּבַר֙
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
חָכְמַ֣ת
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
בִּינָ֔ה
bîynâh
H998
understanding
N-fs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בִּקֵּ֥שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
מֵ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וַֽ/יִּמְצָאֵ֞/ם
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
עֶ֣שֶׂר
ʻeser
H6235
ten
Adj
יָד֗וֹת
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cp
עַ֤ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַֽ/חַרְטֻמִּים֙
charṭôm
H2748
magician
Art | N-mp
הָֽ/אַשָּׁפִ֔ים
ʼashshâph
H825
enchanter
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
מַלְכוּתֽ/וֹ
malkûwth
H4438
royalty
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 1:20
וְ/כֹ֗ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דְּבַר֙
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
חָכְמַ֣ת
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
בִּינָ֔ה
bîynâh
H998
"understanding"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means understanding or discernment, like having wisdom or knowledge. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms, guiding people to make good decisions.
Definition: 1) understanding, discernment 1a) act 1b) faculty 1c) object 1d) personified Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, meaning, [idiom] perfectly, understanding, wisdom. See also: Deuteronomy 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 1:2.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בִּקֵּ֥שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
מֵ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וַֽ/יִּמְצָאֵ֞/ם
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
עֶ֣שֶׂר
ʻeser
H6235
"ten"
Adj
This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.
יָד֗וֹת
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cp
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
עַ֤ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַֽ/חַרְטֻמִּים֙
charṭôm
H2748
"magician"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a magician or astrologer who claims to have special knowledge of the stars and supernatural forces. Such individuals were known for drawing magical lines and circles to predict the future. They were often seen as having occult powers.
Definition: 1) diviner, magician, astrologer 1a) engraver, writer (only in derivative sense of one possessed of occult knowledge) Aramaic equivalent: char.tom (חַרְטֹם "magician" H2749)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: magician. See also: Genesis 41:8; Exodus 8:14; Daniel 2:2.
הָֽ/אַשָּׁפִ֔ים
ʼashshâph
H825
"enchanter"
Art | N-mp
An enchanter or astrologer is what this word describes, often used in the Bible to warn against false spiritual practices. In Daniel, these enchanters are contrasted with true prophets and wise men who follow God.
Definition: 1) necromancer, conjurer, 2) (TWOT) astrologer, enchanter, exorcist Aramaic equivalent: ash.shaph (אָשַׁף "enchanter" H0826)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: astrologer. See also: Daniel 1:20; Daniel 2:2.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מַלְכוּתֽ/וֹ
malkûwth
H4438
"royalty"
N-fs | Suff
Royalty or royal power refers to the authority and dominion of a king or queen, like Solomon's reign in Israel. It can also mean the kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch. The word is used in the Bible to describe sovereign power and authority.
Definition: 1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power 1a) royal power, dominion 1b) reign 1c) kingdom, realm Aramaic equivalent: mal.khu (מַלְכוּ "kingdom" H4437)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. See also: Numbers 24:7; Esther 1:9; Psalms 45:7.
Study Notes — Daniel 1:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 1:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 1:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 1:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 1:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 1:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 1:20
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 1:20
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 1:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 1:20
- Sermons on Daniel 1:20
Context — Daniel’s Wisdom
18Now at the end of the time specified by the king, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar.
19And the king spoke with them, and among all the young men he found no one equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the king’s service.
20In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.
21And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 8:19 | “This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. |
| 2 | Isaiah 47:12–14 | So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you— your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. There will be no coals to warm them or fire to sit beside. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 4:29–34 | 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. He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. Solomon composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke of trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing in the wall, and he taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. So men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom. |
| 4 | Genesis 41:8 | In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him. |
| 5 | Exodus 8:7 | But the magicians did the same thing by their magic arts, and they also brought frogs up onto the land of Egypt. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 10:23–24 | So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. |
| 7 | Numbers 14:22 | not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness—yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times— |
| 8 | Job 19:3 | Ten times now you have reproached me; you shamelessly mistreat me. |
| 9 | Isaiah 19:3 | Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will frustrate their plans, so that they will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 4:12 | At that time the Jews who lived nearby came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” |
Daniel 1:20 Summary
This verse shows that Daniel and his friends were incredibly wise and understanding, and that they were able to give the king good advice because of their faith in God. The king found them to be ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom, which is a testament to the power of God's wisdom and provision, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 where it says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to lean on our own understanding. This verse reminds us that when we seek God's wisdom and understanding, He can give us the ability to make good decisions and to navigate challenging circumstances, just like He did for Daniel and his friends. By trusting in God's power and provision, we can have confidence that He will give us the wisdom and understanding we need to live a life that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wisdom and understanding did the king consult Daniel and his friends about?
The Bible does not specify exactly what the king consulted them about, but it is likely that it involved matters of state and governance, as seen in Daniel 2:2 where the king calls upon his magicians and enchanters to interpret a dream, and in Daniel 4:6 where Daniel interprets another dream for the king.
How could Daniel and his friends be ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in the kingdom?
This is likely due to the fact that Daniel and his friends were filled with the Holy Spirit and had a deep understanding of God's ways, as seen in Daniel 1:17 where it says that God gave them knowledge and understanding, similar to what is promised in Proverbs 2:6 and James 1:5.
What does this verse say about the role of faith in our lives?
This verse suggests that faith in God can give us wisdom and understanding that surpasses the wisdom of the world, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:20 and 1 Corinthians 3:19, where the apostle Paul contrasts the wisdom of God with the wisdom of the world.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual gifts?
This verse may be seen as an example of the spiritual gift of wisdom, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:8, where the apostle Paul lists wisdom as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and also in James 1:5 where it says that if we lack wisdom we should ask God and He will give it to us generously.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need God's wisdom and understanding, and how can I seek it like Daniel and his friends did?
- In what ways can I trust in God's power and provision to give me wisdom and understanding, just like Daniel and his friends did in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of seeking God's wisdom in my daily life, whether in my relationships, my work, or my decisions?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of challenging circumstances, like Daniel and his friends did in the king's court?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 1:20
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding that the king inquired of them,.... At the time of their examination before him, when he put questions to them, which they gave a ready, pertinent, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 1:20
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 1:20
This is a further confirmation of the king’ s noble endowments of mind, and of his great care whom he chose to be in offices of trust; namely, persons excellently qualified to serve him in the great affairs of the kingdom, not to serve his lusts by them for base jobs, for which men of no abilities or honour are usually chosen.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 1:20
Daniel 1:20 And in all matters of wisdom [and] understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians [and] astrologers that [were] in all his realm.Ver. 20. And in all matters of wisdom.] God will honour them that honour him: his gifts and graces he giveth to pure souls, and according to their study of purity, as to Daniel chiefly. He found them ten times better.] Masters of knowledge, skilled usque ad apices literarum, right up to the very peak of learning, and therefore highly favoured by the king, who was himself a great philosopher. Daniel was a leviathan of learning, both divine and human, as one saith of Archbishop Ussher; Unicum istius cetatis miraculum et musarum delicium, as Erasmus saith of Alciat, the miracle of his age, and the muse’ s darling - one that better deserved, for his learning, to be called Magnus Great than ever Albertus did. The perfection even of human arts is to be found in the Church. See my Common Place of "Arts." Mr Fuller.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 1:20
Verse 20. Magicians and astrologers] Probably the same as philosophers and astronomers among us.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 1:20
20. The king found further, upon putting to them difficult questions, that in a knowledge of the technicalities of their science the four Jewish youths excelled even the wise men of Babylon themselves. and in every particular of reasoned wisdom] lit. wisdom of understanding, i.e. wisdom determined or regulated by understanding, ‘wisdom’ having the same concrete sense of ‘science’ which it has in Daniel 1:17. Marti, however, following Theod., reads ‘wisdom and understanding.’ magicians] ḥ ?arṭ ?ummim, recurring in Daniel 2:2; Daniel 2:10; Daniel 2:27, Daniel 4:7; Daniel 4:9, Daniel 5:7, probably of Egyptian origin (though not at present known to occur in Egyptian inscriptions), used otherwise only of the ‘magicians’ of Egypt (Genesis 41:8; Genesis 41:24; Exodus 7:11; Exodus 7:22; Exodus 8:7; Exodus 8:18-19; Exodus 9:11), and no doubt borrowed from the Pent. by the author of Daniel. The precise sense of the term is difficult to fix. It is not improbable that originally it denoted the sacred scribes (ἱερογραμματεῖς)[186] of Egypt; but, even if this opinion be accepted, it is doubtful how far the idea was consciously present to the Hebrews who in later times used the word. In Gen. the ḥ ?arṭ ?ummim appear as interpreters of dreams (LXX. ἐξηγηταί), in Ex. as men able to work magic (LXX. ἐπαοιδοί, in Daniel 9:11 φαρπακοί): Theod. in Dan. renders by ἐπαοιδοί. Probably the word was used by the author of Daniel in the sense of men acquainted with occult arts in general, so that the rendering ‘magician’ may be allowed to stand. [186] Clem. Alex. Strom. vi. 36; cf. Ebers, Aeg. u. die Bb.
Mose’s, pp. 343, 347. On the functions of these sacred scribes, and the nature of the literature with which they had to deal (which included a knowledge of magic and charms), see Brugsch, Aegyptologie (1891), pp. 77, 85, 149–159.astrologers] enchanters, Heb. ’ashshβph, Aram. ’βshaph, found only in the Book of Daniel (Daniel 2:2; Daniel 2:10; Daniel 2:27, Daniel 4:4, Daniel 5:7; Daniel 5:11; Daniel 5:15), the Assyrian ashipu (Schrader, KAT[187][188] ad loc), which passed also into Syriac, where it is used specially of the charmers of serpents. [187] AT. Eb. Schrader, Die Keilinschriften und das A. T., ed. 2, 1883 (translated under the title The Cuneiform Inscriptions and the O.T. 1885, 1888). The references are to the pagination of the original, which is given on the margin of the English translation. [188] Eb. Schrader, Die Keilinschriften und das A. T., ed. 2, 1883 (translated under the title The Cuneiform Inscriptions and the O.T. 1885, 1888). The references are to the pagination of the original, which is given on the margin of the English translation.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 1:20
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding - Margin, “of.” The Hebrew is, “Everything of wisdom of understanding.” The Greek, “In all things of wisdom “and” knowledge.” The meaning is, in
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 1:20
18-20. At the end of a three years’ course of study (Daniel 1:5) the examination not only showed the fitness of these youths to stand before the king (Daniel 1:19), that is, as royal attendants
Sermons on Daniel 1:20
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Daniel) Purity in the Face of Adversity by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon. The young men were appointed a daily provision of the king's delicacies and wine for three ye |
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(Exodus) Exodus 8:1-15 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the eighth plague that God brought upon the land of Egypt, which was the infestation of frogs. God commanded Moses to go to Pharaoh and deman |
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When God Crashes the Party by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on the story of Belshazzar in Daniel 5, highlighting the tragic dissipation and revelry at the royal feast, where intemperance, impropriety, impiety, and idolat |
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Deliverance - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the magicians in the book of Exodus. He highlights the supernatural powers displayed by both Moses and the magicians, b |
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About Astrology by Jack Hayford | Jack Hayford addresses the topic of astrology, emphasizing the Bible's rejection and condemnation of it, warning of the confusion and tragic consequences that come with practicing |
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All Is Vanity by David Hocking | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the futility of pursuing worldly goals and pleasures. He emphasizes that these pursuits do not bring lasting satisfaction or fulfillment. The |
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The Riches of Christ in the Wisdom and Revelation of God by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the rapid development and advancements in the world, which are often seen as signs of human wisdom. However, the speaker argues that this wi |