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.

◄ Daniel 1:19 ►

New International Version
The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service.

New Living Translation
The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service.

English Standard Version
And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

New King James Version
Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king.

New American Standard Bible
And the king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; so they entered the king’s personal service.

NASB 1995
The king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s personal service.

NASB 1977
And the king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s personal service.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; so they stood in service before the king.

Amplified Bible
The king spoke with them, and among them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; so they were [selected and] assigned to stand before the king and enter his personal service.

Christian Standard Bible
The king interviewed them, and among all of them, no one was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they began to attend the king.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The king interviewed them, and among all of them, no one was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they began to serve in the king’s court.

American Standard Version
And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

Contemporary English Version
The king interviewed them and discovered that none of the others were as outstanding as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they were given positions in the royal court.

English Revised Version
And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The king talked to them and found no one like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah among all of them. So these four men served the king.

Good News Translation
The king talked with them all, and Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah impressed him more than any of the others. So they became members of the king's court.

International Standard Version
When the king spoke to them, none of them compared to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, or Azariah as they stood before the king.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
When the king spoke with them, he did not find among the entire group anyone like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, or Azariah. So they entered the king's service.

New Heart English Bible
The king talked with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore they entered the king's service.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore they stood before the king.

World English Bible
The king talked with them; and among them all was found no one like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore stood they before the king.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the king speaks with them, and there has not been found among them all like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and they stand before the king;

Young's Literal Translation
And the king speaketh with them, and there hath none been found among them all like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and they stand before the king;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king will speak with them: and there was not found from all of them as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: and they will stand before the king.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And when the king had spoken to them, there were not found among them all such as Daniel, Ananias, Misael, and Azarias: and they stood in the king's presence.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And, when the king conversed with them, there had not been found any so great in all the world as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; and so they stood in the sight of the king.

New American Bible
When the king had spoken with all of them, none was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; and so they entered the king’s service.

New Revised Standard Version
and the king spoke with them. And among them all, no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they were stationed in the king’s court.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the king spoke with them; and he found none among all of them like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they stood before the king.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King spoke with them and he had not found among all of them any like Daniel and KhananYah and Mishail and Azraya, and they stood before the King

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the king spoke with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore stood they before the king.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king spoke with them; and there were not found out of them all any like Daniel, and Ananias and Misael, and Azarias: and they stood before the king.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

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.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 41:38-40
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. / You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”

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.

1 Samuel 16:18
One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.”

1 Kings 4:29-31
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.

Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

Esther 2:17
And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

1 Kings 3:12-13
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. / Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.

1 Samuel 2:26
And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man.

2 Chronicles 9:22-23
So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.

Acts 6:3
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them

Acts 7:10
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.

Luke 2:52
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

1 Corinthians 1:19-20
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

James 1:5
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.

Treasury of Scripture

And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

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.

Genesis 41:46
And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

1 Kings 17:1
And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

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Azariah Azari'ah Communed Daniel Entered Equal Found Hananiah Hanani'ah King's Mishael Mish'a-El Personal Service Speaketh Stand Stood Talked

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Daniel 1

1. Jehoiakim's captivity.
3. Ashpenaz takes Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
8. They refusing the king's portion do prosper with pulse and water.
17. Their proficiency in wisdom.

Berean Study Bible

The king spoke with them
This phrase indicates a personal interaction between King Nebuchadnezzar and the young men brought before him. The Hebrew root for "spoke" (דָּבַר, dabar) implies not just casual conversation but a formal and authoritative communication. In the historical context, this was a significant moment, as the king himself was assessing the capabilities and wisdom of these young men. It underscores the importance of divine favor and wisdom, as these qualities were recognized even by a pagan king.

among all of them
This phrase highlights the exclusivity and distinction of Daniel and his friends. In the context of the Babylonian court, many young men from various nations were likely presented, yet these four stood out. This distinction is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to those who remain faithful. It also reflects the biblical theme of God exalting the humble and faithful.

none was found equal
The Hebrew word for "equal" (כָּמוֹהֶם, kamoham) suggests a comparison in qualities such as wisdom, understanding, and character. This phrase emphasizes the exceptional nature of Daniel and his friends, who were not just different but superior in their abilities. It serves as an encouragement for believers to pursue excellence and integrity, trusting that God will honor their faithfulness.

to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah
These names are significant as they reflect the Hebrew identity and faith of these young men. Each name contains a reference to God: Daniel means "God is my judge," Hananiah means "Yahweh is gracious," Mishael means "Who is what God is?" and Azariah means "Yahweh has helped." Despite being in a foreign land, their names remind us of their heritage and the God they serve. This serves as a powerful reminder of maintaining one's identity and faith in the face of cultural pressures.

so they entered the king’s service
This phrase marks the culmination of their preparation and God's favor. Entering the king's service was not just a position of privilege but also of influence. It signifies the beginning of their roles as God's representatives in a foreign court. Historically, this was a strategic placement by God, allowing His wisdom and power to be demonstrated through these young men. It encourages believers to see their own positions and opportunities as platforms for God's purposes.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 19. - And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azarish: therefore stood they before the king. The word translated "communed" really means "spake," and is the common word for this. The Septuagint translates here ὥμίλησεν, which does mean "commune." Theodotion renders ἐλάλησε. Jerome has loeutus; the Peshitta has malel; all these may be rendered "talked." From Nebuchadnezzar's great reverence for the national religion and for the national magic, we may be certain that much of the conversation would turn on those magical formulae which have been to such a large extent preserved to us. Even if, as we think, the immediate occasion of Daniel and his companions appearing before the king was his "dream," still he would not unnaturally examine them further. It is not unlikely that this conversational examination would involve naturally the languages they would have to be proficient in were they to be of the royal council. They would have to be acquainted with Accadian, the original tongue of all the most sacred magical formulae; with Assyrian, the language in which the royal annals were recorded; and with Aramaic, which was, as we have already said, the language of commerce and diplomacy. Hebrew, the language of the four in whom we are more especially interested, was spoken, not merely by the holy people, but also by the Edomites, Ammonites, Moabites, and the Phoenicians. Further, Egypt was a factor that had to be taken into account, and so, not unlikely, the tongue of Egypt would be known by some, at any rate, of the court officials in Babylon. The empire of the Hittites had certainly passed away, but, probably, their language was still known and spoken by a large number of the inhabitants of Nebuchadnezzar's extensive empire. Not only were the languages of peoples west of Babylon to be considered, but also those to the east; there were the Aryan tongues too. If the tradition is correct that Nebuchadnezzar married a Median wife, the Median tongue, which seems to have been the same with that of Persia, would be, above all, important, Not unlikely questions of policy and statecraft would be submitted to these candidates, to see what they would say. Above all, in personal intercourse the King of Babylon would be able to form some estimate of the real worth of these youths, There probably would enter in a large measure of caprice, or even superstition, into his choice, yet not unlikely his strong practical sense would limit his superstition. The result of this examination is eminently satisfactory to the young Hebrews. They were found superior to all their competitors. Therefore stood they before the king. Professor Bevan would render this "became his personal attendants" - a very natural translation. We know, from the Ninevite marbles, that the king is always, alike on the field of battle, the hunting-field, and the council-chamber, attended by eunuchs. It may, however, be regarded as referring to the special subjects of their study. As they had been admitted to the class of magicians and astrologers, it would mean they were admitted to the number of those who were royal magicians and astrologers - those whom the king consulted. It is not to be understood that, even though they were admitted to this number, they were therefore necessarily admitted before the king in this capacity on ordinary occasions. They would occupy but a subordinate position in the huge Babylonian hierarchy. We must note here a variation in the Septuagint, η΅σαν, "they were." We, for our part, agree with Professor Bevan, in regarding this as a scribal blunder in the Greek, and that the original text was probably ἔστησαν. The only difficulty is that the blunder is also in Paulus Tellensis.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And the king
הַמֶּלֶךְ֒ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

spoke with them,
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר (way·ḏab·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

and among
אִתָּם֮ (’it·tām)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

all [the young men]
מִכֻּלָּ֔ם (mik·kul·lām)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

he found
נִמְצָא֙ (nim·ṣā)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

no one
וְלֹ֤א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

equal to Daniel,
כְּדָנִיֵּ֣אל (kə·ḏā·nî·yêl)
Preposition-k | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1840: Daniel -- 'God is my judge', the name of several Israelites

Hananiah,
חֲנַנְיָ֔ה (ḥă·nan·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2608: Hananiah -- 'Yah has been gracious', the name of a number of Israelites

Mishael,
מִֽישָׁאֵ֖ל (mî·šā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4332: Mishael -- 'Who is what God is?' three Israelites

and Azariah.
וַעֲזַרְיָ֑ה (wa·‘ă·zar·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5838: Azariah -- 'Yah has helped', the name of a number of Israelites

So they entered
וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּ (way·ya·‘am·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

the king's service.
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

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OT Prophets: Daniel 1:19 The king talked with them (Dan. Da Dn)