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Daniel 1:3

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Daniel 1:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, to bring in some Israelites from the royal family and the nobility—

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in certain of the children of Israel, even of the seed royal and of the nobles;

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the king gave orders to Ashpenaz, the captain of his unsexed servants, to take in some of the children of Israel, certain of the king's family, and those of high birth;

Free Bible Version FBV

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to take charge of some of the captured Israelites from the royal and noble families.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the King spake vnto Ashpenaz the master of his Eunuches, that he shoulde bring certeine of the children of Israel, of the Kings seede, and of the princes:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the king saith, to Ashpenaz master of his eunuchs, to bring in out of the sons of Israel, (even of the royal seed, and of the chiefs,)

World English Bible WEB

The king spoke to Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in some of the children of Israel, even of the royal offspring and of the nobles:

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the king spoke to Asphenez the master of the eunuchs, that he should bring in some of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed and of the princes,

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Nebuchadnezzar commanded Ashpenaz, the chief official in his palace, to bring to him some of the Israeli men whom they had brought to Babylon. He wanted men who belonged to important families, including the family of the King of Judah.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 1:3

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 1:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ לְ/אַשְׁפְּנַ֖ז רַ֣ב סָרִיסָ֑י/ו לְ/הָבִ֞יא מִ/בְּנֵ֧י יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל וּ/מִ/זֶּ֥רַע הַ/מְּלוּכָ֖ה וּ/מִן הַֽ/פַּרְתְּמִֽים
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
לְ/אַשְׁפְּנַ֖ז ʼAshpᵉnaz H828 Ashpenaz Prep | N-proper
רַ֣ב rab H7227 many N-ms
סָרִיסָ֑י/ו çârîyç H5631 eunuch N-mp | Suff
לְ/הָבִ֞יא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
מִ/בְּנֵ֧י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
וּ/מִ/זֶּ֥רַע zeraʻ H2233 seed Conj | Prep | N-ms
הַ/מְּלוּכָ֖ה mᵉlûwkâh H4410 kingship Art | N-fs
וּ/מִן min H4480 from Conj | Prep
הַֽ/פַּרְתְּמִֽים partam H6579 noble Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 1:3

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ 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.
לְ/אַשְׁפְּנַ֖ז ʼAshpᵉnaz H828 "Ashpenaz" Prep | N-proper
Ashpenaz was a high-ranking official in the Babylonian court, serving under King Nebuchadnezzar. He is mentioned in the book of Daniel as a chief eunuch, playing a key role in the story of Daniel and his friends.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Dan.1.3 § Ashpenaz = "I will make prominent the sprinkled" chief eunuch of Nebuchadnezzar
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ashpenaz. See also: Daniel 1:3.
רַ֣ב rab H7227 "many" N-ms
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
סָרִיסָ֑י/ו çârîyç H5631 "eunuch" N-mp | Suff
A eunuch was a high-ranking official in a royal court, often in charge of the female apartments. This word is used in the Bible to describe important ministers of state. In the book of Acts, the Ethiopian eunuch was a prominent official who met Philip and became a Christian.
Definition: official, eunuch
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: chamberlain, eunuch, officer. Compare H7249 (רַב־סָרִיס). See also: Genesis 37:36; Esther 2:21; Isaiah 39:7.
לְ/הָבִ֞יא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מִ/בְּנֵ֧י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וּ/מִ/זֶּ֥רַע zeraʻ H2233 "seed" Conj | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
הַ/מְּלוּכָ֖ה mᵉlûwkâh H4410 "kingship" Art | N-fs
Melukah refers to a kingdom or realm, describing a king's domain or territory. It is related to the concept of royalty and kingship in the Bible.
Definition: kingship, royalty, kingly office
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: kingsom, king's, [idiom] royal. See also: 1 Samuel 10:16; 1 Kings 12:21; Psalms 22:29.
וּ/מִן min H4480 "from" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַֽ/פַּרְתְּמִֽים partam H6579 "noble" Art | N-mp
A grandee or nobleman is a person of high social status, as described in the Bible. This term refers to a person of great importance and wealth.
Definition: noble, nobleman
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: (most) noble, prince. See also: Esther 1:3; Esther 6:9; Daniel 1:3.

Study Notes — Daniel 1:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 39:7 And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, will be taken away to be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
2 2 Kings 20:17–18 The time will surely come when everything in your palace and all that your fathers have stored up until this day will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD. And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, will be taken away to be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
3 2 Kings 24:15 Nebuchadnezzar carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, as well as the king’s mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men of the land. He took them into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.
4 Jeremiah 41:1 In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family and one of the king’s chief officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah, and they ate a meal together there.

Daniel 1:3 Summary

In this verse, the king of Babylon is trying to find the best and brightest young men from Israel to serve in his palace. He wants them to be smart, handsome, and talented, so they can learn the language and customs of the Babylonians, as seen in Daniel 1:4. This is similar to how God chose David to be king of Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God looks at the heart, not just outward appearance. We can learn from this that God is in control of all things, even when it seems like evil is prevailing, and He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the king of Babylon want to bring in Israelites from the royal family and nobility?

The king wanted to bring in the best and brightest from Israel to serve in his palace, as seen in Daniel 1:3-4, similar to how the Egyptians treated the Israelites in Exodus 1:9-10, where they were forced into hard labor and given important roles.

What was the role of Ashpenaz, the chief of the court officials?

Ashpenaz was responsible for carrying out the king's orders, as seen in Daniel 1:3, much like how Joseph was given a high position in Egypt in Genesis 41:37-40, where he was in charge of the king's affairs.

How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty over the nations?

This verse shows that God is in control of the nations, even when they seem to be in charge, as seen in Daniel 1:2, where God delivers Judah into the hands of the king of Babylon, similar to how He gave the nations to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 and promised to bless those who bless Israel.

What can we learn about the character of God from this verse?

We can learn that God is a God of justice and mercy, who allows nations to rise and fall according to His will, as seen in Daniel 1:2 and Jeremiah 25:11-12, where God judges the nations for their sins.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that God might be calling you to serve in a difficult or challenging situation, like the Israelites in Babylon?
  2. How can you trust in God's sovereignty over the nations, even when it seems like evil is prevailing?
  3. What are some ways that you can be a light for God in a dark place, like Daniel and his friends in the king's palace?
  4. How can you use your talents and gifts to serve God and others, like the young men in Daniel 1:4?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 1:3

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs,.... That is, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon spake to this officer of his, whose name was Ashpenaz; which, according to Saadiah, signifies

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 1:3

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 1:3

These here called eunuchs were chief among the king’ s servants, and they are called eunuchs because many of them were such of old among all the princes of the East, and at this day, but they were not all such, . The word translated eunuch signifies also chamberlain; such was Hatach, ; such were Bigthana and Teresh, , and Harbonah, , and Ashpenaz in the text, the master of the king’ s eunuchs, who had set Melzar over Daniel and his companions, . Here was fulfilled what the prophet Isaiah had foretold king Hezekiah, . Some think Daniel and his companions were made eunuchs in a strict sense, which doth not appear to be probable; but rather to be bred up in the court for officers, and thereby to alienate their minds from the religion of their country, and from seeking the welfare and return of their people; but God had otherwise appointed by this education of them, as appears in many signal testimonies of the presence and power of God with them, for the conviction of idolaters that God was above all gods.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 1:3

Daniel 1:3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring [certain] of the children of Israel, and of the king’ s seed, and of the princes;Ver. 3. And the king spake unto Ashpenaz.] Which signifieth in the Chaldee tongue the chief chider, or controller of the king’ s house, as Ctesias useth Ashpamithres for chief priests. To this great officer the king commendeth the care of his school. And of the king’ s seed, and of the princes.] As having been better bred, and so more hopeful. Here Nebuchadnezzar, minding nothing but the glory of his court by these noble waiters, unwittingly maketh way for the Church’ s comfort.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 1:3

(3) Ashpenaz . . . his eunuchs—i.e., the courtiers or attendants upon the king. (See marginal translation of Gen 37:36; and compare Jeremiah 39:3, where a Rab-saris, or chief of the courtiers, is mentioned. See also Isaiah 39:7.) The king’s seed.—According to the story of Josephus (Ant. x. 10, 1), Daniel and the three holy children were all connected with Zedekiah. The context makes this opinion perfectly admissible.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 1:3

Verse 3. Master of his eunuchs] This word eunuchs signifies officers about or in the palace, whether literally eunuchs or not.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 1:3

3–5. Nebuchadnezzar’s purpose to have certain noble and promising youths educated for the king’s service.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 1:3

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs - On the general reasons which may have influenced the king to make the selection of the youths here mentioned, see the analysis of the chapter.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 1:3

3. Ashpenaz — Compare Genesis 10:3. This name as it stands is not Babylonian, but resembles Persian. It is found in several inscriptions of the Persian period.

Sermons on Daniel 1:3

SermonDescription
Hattie Hammond Process of Becoming a Bride - Part 1 by Hattie Hammond In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a commitment to Jesus Christ. He urges the congregation to surrender their hearts and lives to God and make Him the
David Wilkerson From the Prayer Closet to the Lion's Den by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the biblical pattern of God's people facing trials before experiencing His promises. He illustrates this through the lives of Daniel, who was thrown into
St. Benedict of Nursia Let All Keep Their Places in the Monastery by St. Benedict of Nursia St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of order and discipline within the monastery, highlighting the Abbot's role in maintaining fairness and accountability in his decis
Philip Doddridge Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual Communion With God by Philip Doddridge Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of maintaining a devout, spiritual, and heavenly character in daily life, emphasizing the need for self-examination, prayer, and devo
Flavius Josephus From the Captivity of the Ten Tribes to the First Year of Cyrus by Flavius Josephus Flavius Josephus recounts the tragic events that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the Israelites. From the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians to the appo
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