Daniel 1:5

Daniel 1:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The king assigned them daily provisions of the royal food and wine. They were to be trained for three years, after which they were to enter the king’s service.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And the king appointed for them a daily portion of the king’s dainties, and of the wine which he drank, and that they should be nourished three years; that at the end thereof they should stand before the king.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And a regular amount of food and wine every day from the king's table was ordered for them by the king; and they were to be cared for for three years so that at the end of that time they might take their places before the king.

Free Bible Version FBV

The king also provided them with a daily allowance of the same kind of rich food and wine he was served. At the end of their three years of education they would enter the king's service.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the King appointed them prouision euery day of a portion of the Kings meate, and and of the wine, which he dranke, so nourishing them three yeere, that at the ende thereof, they might stande before the King.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the king doth appoint for them a rate, day by day, of the king's portion of food, and of the wine of his drinking, so as to nourish them three years, that at the end thereof they may stand before the king.

World English Bible WEB

The king appointed for them a daily portion of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and that they should be nourished three years, that at its end they should stand before the king.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the king appointed them a daily provision, of his own meat, and of the wine of which he drank himself, that being nourished three years, afterwards they might stand before the king.

Translation for Translators T4T

The king commanded his servants, “Give them the same kind of food and wine that is given to me. Train them for three years. Then they will become my servants.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 1:5

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 1:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְמַן֩ לָ/הֶ֨ם הַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ דְּבַר י֣וֹם בְּ/יוֹמ֗/וֹ מִ/פַּת בַּ֤ג הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ וּ/מִ/יֵּ֣ין מִשְׁתָּ֔י/ו וּֽ/לְ/גַדְּלָ֖/ם שָׁנִ֣ים שָׁל֑וֹשׁ וּ/מִ֨/קְצָתָ֔/ם יַֽעַמְד֖וּ לִ/פְנֵ֥י הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ

וַ/יְמַן֩ mânâh H4487 to count Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

לָ/הֶ֨ם Prep | Suff

הַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

דְּבַר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms

י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

בְּ/יוֹמ֗/וֹ yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms | Suff

מִ/פַּת pathbag H6598 choice Prep | N-ms

בַּ֤ג pathbag H6598 choice N-ms

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

וּ/מִ/יֵּ֣ין yayin H3196 wine Conj | Prep | N-ms

מִשְׁתָּ֔י/ו mishteh H4960 feast N-ms | Suff

וּֽ/לְ/גַדְּלָ֖/ם gâdal H1431 to magnify Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

שָׁנִ֣ים shâneh H8141 year N-fp

שָׁל֑וֹשׁ shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

וּ/מִ֨/קְצָתָ֔/ם qᵉtsâth H7117 end Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff

יַֽעַמְד֖וּ ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 1:5

וַ/יְמַן֩ mânâh H4487 "to count" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

To count or number something means to weigh it out or assign a value to it. In the Bible, this term is used to describe the act of counting or numbering people, animals, or things. For example, in the book of Numbers, the Israelites are counted and numbered before entering the Promised Land.

Definition: 1) to count, reckon, number, assign, tell, appoint, prepare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count, number 1a2) reckon, assign, appoint 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be counted, be numbered 1b2) to be reckoned, be assigned 1c) (Piel) to appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) appointed (participle) Aramaic equivalent: me.nah (מְנָה "to reckon/appoint" H4483)

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, count, number, prepare, set, tell. See also: Genesis 13:16; Psalms 61:8; Psalms 90:12.

לָ/הֶ֨ם "" Prep | Suff

הַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ 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.

דְּבַר 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.

י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

בְּ/יוֹמ֗/וֹ yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms | Suff

מִ/פַּת pathbag H6598 "choice" Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, this word describes a special portion of food, like a king's delicacy. It is used to describe the best food, set aside for important people like royalty.

Definition: portion of food for king, delicacies

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: portion (provision) of meat. See also: Daniel 1:5; Daniel 1:15; Daniel 11:26.

בַּ֤ג pathbag H6598 "choice" N-ms

In the Bible, this word describes a special portion of food, like a king's delicacy. It is used to describe the best food, set aside for important people like royalty.

Definition: portion of food for king, delicacies

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: portion (provision) of meat. See also: Daniel 1:5; Daniel 1:15; Daniel 11:26.

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

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.

וּ/מִ/יֵּ֣ין yayin H3196 "wine" Conj | Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.

Definition: wine

Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.

מִשְׁתָּ֔י/ו mishteh H4960 "feast" N-ms | Suff

A mishteh is a feast or banquet, often involving drinking and celebration, like the ones described in Esther and other biblical stories.

Definition: 1) feast, drink, banquet 1a) feast, banquet 1b) drink Aramaic equivalent: mish.teh (מִשְׁתֶּה "feast" H4961)

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: banquet, drank, drink, feast((-ed), -ing). See also: Genesis 19:3; Esther 5:14; Proverbs 15:15.

וּֽ/לְ/גַדְּלָ֖/ם gâdal H1431 "to magnify" Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.

Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.

שָׁנִ֣ים shâneh H8141 "year" N-fp

This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.

Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)

Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.

שָׁל֑וֹשׁ shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

וּ/מִ֨/קְצָתָ֔/ם qᵉtsâth H7117 "end" Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff

This word means the end of something, like a boundary or a limit. It can also refer to a part or portion of something. In the Bible, it is used to describe the end of things.

Definition: 1) end, part 1a) end 1a1) of corners, of earth 1b) from the end of 1c) at the end of Aramaic equivalent: qe.tsat (קְצָת "end" H7118)

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: end, part, [idiom] some. See also: Exodus 37:8; Daniel 1:2; Daniel 1:18.

יַֽעַמְד֖וּ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

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.

Study Notes — Daniel 1:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 1:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 1:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 1:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 1:5
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 1:5
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 1:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 1:5
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 1:5
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 1:5
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 1:5
Sermons on Daniel 1:5

Context — Daniel Removed to Babylon

3Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, to bring in some Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— 4young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

5The king assigned them daily provisions of the royal food and wine. They were to be trained for three years, after which they were to enter the king’s service.

6Among these young men were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 1:19	And 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.
2	1 Kings 10:8	How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!
3	Daniel 1:8	But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself.
4	Luke 11:3	Give us each day our daily bread.
5	Matthew 6:11	Give us this day our daily bread.
6	2 Kings 25:30	And the king provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life.
7	Genesis 41:46	Now Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt.
8	Jeremiah 15:19	Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you return, I will restore you; you will stand in My presence. And if you speak words that are noble instead of worthless, you will be My spokesman. It is they who must turn to you, but you must not turn to them.
9	2 Chronicles 9:7	How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!
10	Luke 21:36	So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Daniel 1:5 Summary

This verse shows how the king took care of the young men's physical needs by providing them with royal food and wine. He wanted them to be healthy and strong so they could learn and grow during their three years of training. This reminds us of how God provides for our needs, as seen in Matthew 6:26, and how He wants us to trust Him and surrender our lives to His plan. Just like these young men, we can trust God to provide for us and guide us as we seek to serve Him, as mentioned in Jeremiah 29:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the king assign the young men daily provisions of royal food and wine?

The king assigned them daily provisions of royal food and wine to help them thrive and be well-nourished during their three years of training, as seen in Daniel 1:5, similar to how God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness with manna, as mentioned in Exodus 16:4.

What was the purpose of the three years of training?

The three years of training were to prepare the young men to enter the king's service, as stated in Daniel 1:5, and to equip them with the language and literature of the Chaldeans, as mentioned in Daniel 1:4, much like the disciples were trained by Jesus before being sent out to minister, as seen in Luke 9:1-2.

How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship?

This verse highlights the king's role as a steward of the young men's lives, providing for their physical needs, as seen in Daniel 1:5, similar to how God calls believers to be good stewards of the resources He provides, as mentioned in Matthew 25:14-30.

What can we learn from the king's investment in these young men?

The king's investment in the young men demonstrates the value he placed on their potential and the importance of nurturing and developing the gifts and talents of others, as seen in Daniel 1:5, much like the apostle Paul's exhortation to equip the saints for ministry, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-12.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can surrender my life to God's plan, just like these young men were surrendered to the king's training program?
How can I trust God to provide for my needs, just like the king provided for the young men's physical needs?
In what ways can I use my gifts and talents to serve others, just like these young men were being trained to serve the king?
What are some areas of my life where I need to submit to God's training and discipline, just like these young men submitted to the king's training?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 1:5

And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat,.... Every day a portion was ordered them, from the king's table, of the richest dainties he himself ate of; which was done not only

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 1:5

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 1:5

Of the king’ s meat; such as he had at his own table, wherein his bounty and humanity appeared towards them the more conspicuous, they being captives. By this preparation they were judged fit to stand before the king. Men of ingenuity and proficiency are fit to stand before kings, .

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 1:5

Daniel 1:5 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.Ver. 5. And the king appointed them a daily provision.] A competent and comfortable subsistence and maintenance, such as whereof, in time past, those abbey lubbers had too much, and now universities and schools of learning have too little, but far less should have, might some brain-sick sectaries be heard, such as was that Weigelius, who said that in no university in the world was Christ to be found, and that Christ would not have his gospel to be preached by devils, and therefore not by academics, with a great deal more of such paltry stuff, vented by that illiterate widgeon. So nourishing them three years.] Those that stay overly long in the universities, standing there till they are sour again, and preaching only now and then, to air their great learning, shall have the rust and canker of their abilities to be a swift witness against them at that great day. Dr Arrowsmith, Orat. Anti-Weigel. ad Calc. Tact. Sacr.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 1:5

(5) A daily portion.—(Comp. Jeremiah 52:34.) The meat was solid food, as opposed to the wine and vegetables which formed so important a part of Babylonian diet. The food appears to have been sent from the king’s table. Three years.—The king appears to have had sufficient insight into the extraordinary character of these youths, to enable him to prescribe not only the subjects of their studies, but also the length of their course of instruction. It appears that Nebuchadnezzar was a man of far higher character than many Assyrian and Babylonian kings. We shall see, in the course of the boot, that his heart was fitted for the reception of Divine truth, and that in the end he was brought to know the true God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 1:5

Verse 5. A daily provision] Athenaeus, lib. iv., c. 10, says: The kings of Persia, (who succeeded the kings of Babylon, on whose empire they had seized,) were accustomed to order the food left at their own tables to be delivered to their courtiers. So nourishing them three years] This was deemed a sufficient time to acquire the Chaldee language, and the sciences peculiar to that people. I suppose they had good introductory books, able teachers, and a proper method; else they would have been obliged, like us, to send their children seven years to school, and as many to the university, to teach them any tolerable measure of useful and ornamental literature! O how reproachful to the nations of Europe, and particularly to our own, is this backward mode of instruction. And what is generally learned after this vast expense of time and money? A little Latin, Greek, and mathematics; perhaps a little moral philosophy; and by this they are entitled, not qualified, to teach others, and especially to teach the people the important science of salvation! To such shepherds, (and there are many such,) the hungry sheep look up, and are not fed; and if all are not such, no thanks to our plan of national education.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 1:5

5. a daily portion of the king’s delicacies] Superior food, such as was served at the table of the king himself, was to be provided for the selected youths. It was a compliment to send anyone a portion of food from the table of a king or great man (Genesis 43:34, in Egypt; 2 Samuel 11:8, in Israel: 2 Kings 25:30, in Babylon, may be similar); and at least in Persia the principal attendants of the king, especially his military ones, seem to have had their provision from the royal table (Plut. Quaest. Conv. VII. iv. 5; Athen. iv. 26, p. 145 e, f.). The word rendered ‘delicacies’ (pathbβg) is a peculiar one, found in the O.T. only in Dan.: it is of Persian origin, and passed (like many other Persian words) into Syriac (Payne Smit[180] Thes. Syr. col. 3086 f.), as well as into late Hebrew. The Persian original would be patibβga, ‘offering,’ ‘tribute’ (from pati, Sanskr. prati, Greek ποτί, προτί, to, and bβg, tribute, Sk. bhβga, portion). The Sansk. pratibhβga actually occurs, and means ‘a share of small articles, as fruit, flowers, &c., paid daily to the Rαja for household expenditure[181].’ The Pers. patibβga originally, no doubt, denoted similarly choice food offered to the king[182], though in Heb. and Syriac pathbβg was used more widely of choice food, or delicacies, in general. The word recurs in Daniel 1:8; Daniel 1:13; Daniel 1:15-16, Daniel 9:26. [180] yne Smith R. Payne Smith, Thesaurus Syriacus. [181] Gildemeister, as quoted by Max Mόller, ap. Pusey, p. 565. [182] Dinon in his Persica, writing c. 340 b.c., says (ap. Athen. xi. 503) that ποτίβαζις (which must be the same word) denoted a repast of cakes and wine, such as was prepared for the kings of Persia (ἔστιδὲποτίβαζιςἅρτοςκρίθινοςκαὶπύρινοςὀπτὸςκαὶκυπαρίσσουστέφανοςκαὶοἶνοςκεκραμένοςἐνᾠῷχρυσῷοὗαὐαὐτὸςβασιλεὺςπίνει).and that they should be nourished] or brought up: lit. made great: so Isaiah 1:2; Isaiah 23:4 al.stand before the king] as his attendants, to wait upon him: Deuteronomy 1:38; 1 Kings 10:8; 1 Kings 12:8.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 1:5

And the king appointed them - Calvin supposes that this arrangement was resorted to in order to render them effeminate, and, by a course of luxurious living, to induce them gradually to forget their

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 1:5

5. Meat — Rather, dainties.

Sermons on Daniel 1:5

	Sermon	Description
	On Believers,-God's Vessels by W.J. Erdman	W.J. Erdman preaches on the significance of believers being vessels in the spiritual temple, drawing parallels from the Old Testament vessels used in God's house. Believers must be
	God’s Awful Judgment in the Breaking and Withering of the Strong Rods of a Community by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards preaches about the awful judgment of God when strong rulers in a community, symbolized as strong rods, are broken and withered by death. He emphasizes the importan
	Dare to Be a Daniel by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and relying on the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ for salvation. He encourages believers to s
	(Montana) Daniel by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and thanksgiving in the life of a believer. He highlights the example of Daniel, who prayed and gave thanks to God t
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:8-2:35 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's commandments, even the seemingly minor ones. He references four passages of scripture that forbid certain act
	1) Ministry From Spring Harvest - Chapter 1 by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering four key words that represent divine principles and truth. He shares his personal struggle to be a spiritual Da
	He Will Soon Rejoice in His Love by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God will do a work in believers, helping them understand true strength and truth. He assures that with this understanding, believers wi