Daniel 1:4
New International Version
young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.

New Living Translation
“Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.”

English Standard Version
youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

Berean Standard Bible
young 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.

King James Bible
Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

New King James Version
young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

New American Standard Bible
youths in whom there was no impairment, who were good-looking, suitable for instruction in every kind of expertise, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability to serve in the king’s court; and he ordered Ashpenaz to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

NASB 1995
youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

NASB 1977
youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding, and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

Legacy Standard Bible
youths in whom was no defect, who were good in appearance, showing insight in every branch of wisdom, being thoroughly knowledgeable and discerning knowledge, and who had ability to stand in the king’s palace; and he said for him to teach them the literature and tongue of the Chaldeans.

Amplified Bible
young men without blemish and handsome in appearance, skillful in all wisdom, endowed with intelligence and discernment, and quick to understand, competent to stand [in the presence of the king] and able to serve in the king’s palace. He also ordered Ashpenaz to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

Christian Standard Bible
young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the Chaldean language and literature.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king’s palace—and to teach them the Chaldean language and literature.

American Standard Version
youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

Contemporary English Version
The king said, "They must be healthy, handsome, smart, wise, educated, and fit to serve in the royal palace. Teach them how to speak and write our language

English Revised Version
youths in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They were to be young men who were healthy, good-looking, knowledgeable in all subjects, well-informed, intelligent, and able to serve in the king's palace. They were to be taught the language and literature of the Babylonians.

Good News Translation
They had to be handsome, intelligent, well-trained, quick to learn, and free from physical defects, so that they would be qualified to serve in the royal court. Ashpenaz was to teach them to read and write the Babylonian language.

International Standard Version
They were to be young men without physical defect, handsome in appearance, skilled in all wisdom, quick to learn, prudent in how they used knowledge, and capable of serving in the king's palace. They were to learn the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

Majority Standard Bible
young 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.

NET Bible
young men in whom there was no physical defect and who were handsome, well versed in all kinds of wisdom, well educated and having keen insight, and who were capable of entering the king's royal service--and to teach them the literature and language of the Babylonians.

New Heart English Bible
youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and endowed with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.

Webster's Bible Translation
Children in whom was no blemish, but of good appearance, and skillful in all wisdom, and intelligent in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.

World English Bible
youths in whom was no defect, but well-favored, skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding science, and who had the ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
boys in whom there is no blemish, and of good appearance, and skillful in all wisdom, and possessing knowledge, and teaching thought, and who have ability to stand in the palace of the king, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

Young's Literal Translation
lads in whom there is no blemish, and of good appearance, and skilful in all wisdom, and possessing knowledge, and teaching thought, and who have ability to stand in the palace of the king, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

Smith's Literal Translation
Children whom not any blemish in them, and good of aspect, and understanding in all wisdom, and knowing knowledge, and understanding intelligence, and to whom power in them to stand in the king's temple, and to teach them the writing and tongue of the chaldees.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Children in whom there was no blemish, well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, acute in knowledge, and instructed in science, and such as might stand in the king's palace, that he might teach them the learning, and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

Catholic Public Domain Version
young men, in whom there was no blemish, noble in appearance, and accomplished in all wisdom, cautious in knowledge, and well-educated, and who could stand in the palace of the king, so that he might teach them the letters and the language of the Chaldeans.

New American Bible
They should be young men without any defect, handsome, proficient in wisdom, well informed, and insightful, such as could take their place in the king’s palace; he was to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

New Revised Standard Version
young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Boys in whom was no blemish, who were handsome in their appearance and skillful in all wisdom and cunning in knowledge and understanding of science, those who were able to stand in the king's palace to minister to him, and whom they might teach the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
There were no boys of blemish among those who were beautiful in their appearance, and were understanding in wisdom and acquainted with knowledge, and were edified in the mind, those who were able to stand in the temple of the King for his administration, and to teach them the writing and the language of the Chaldeans
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
youths in whom was no blemish, but fair to look on, and skilful in all wisdom, and skilful in knowledge, and discerning in thought, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
young men in whom was no blemish, and beautiful in appearance, and skilled in all wisdom, and possessing knowledge, and acquainted with prudence, and who had ability to stand in the house before the king, and the king gave commandment to teach them the learning and language of the Chaldeans.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



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.…

Cross References
Acts 7:22
So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

1 Kings 4:29-30
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.

Exodus 24:3-4
When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: “All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.” / And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.

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.”

2 Chronicles 1:10-12
Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or honor for yourself or death for your enemies—and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king— / therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.”

Proverbs 1:5-7
let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel / by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. / The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

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?

2 Timothy 3:15-17
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.

Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Genesis 41:38-39
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.

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.

Matthew 13:54
Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished. “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” they asked.

Luke 2:46-47
Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. / And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.


Treasury of Scripture

Children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

Children.

Genesis 21:8
And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.

Genesis 21:14-16
And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba…

in whom.

Leviticus 21:18-21
For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous, …

Leviticus 24:19,20
And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; …

Judges 8:18
Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.

and skilful.

Daniel 2:20,21
Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: …

Daniel 5:11
There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;

Ecclesiastes 7:19
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

ability.

Daniel 1:17-20
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams…

Proverbs 22:29
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Jump to Previous
Ability Appearance Blemish Chaldeans Children Cunning Discerning Endowed Fair Favoured Good Intelligent King's Learning Palace Science Skilful Skillful Stand Teach Thought Tongue Understanding Well-Favored Wisdom Youths
Jump to Next
Ability Appearance Blemish Chaldeans Children Cunning Discerning Endowed Fair Favoured Good Intelligent King's Learning Palace Science Skilful Skillful Stand Teach Thought Tongue Understanding Well-Favored Wisdom Youths
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.














young men
The Hebrew term used here is "יְלָדִים" (yeladim), which can refer to children or young men. In the context of Daniel, it suggests individuals in their formative years, likely teenagers. This age group was chosen for their potential to be molded and educated, reflecting a strategic approach by the Babylonians to assimilate the best of the conquered peoples into their own culture.

without blemish
The phrase "אֵין־בָּהֶם מוּם" (ein bahem mum) indicates physical perfection. In ancient cultures, physical appearance was often seen as a reflection of inner qualities. The absence of blemish suggests not only physical health but also a symbolic purity, making these young men suitable for service in a royal court.

handsome
The Hebrew word "טוֹבֵי מַרְאֶה" (tovei mareh) translates to good-looking or attractive. In the ancient Near East, beauty was often associated with favor and divine blessing. The emphasis on appearance underscores the importance of presentation and charisma in royal service.

gifted in all wisdom
The phrase "מַשְׂכִּילִים בְּכָל־חָכְמָה" (maskilim bechol chokhmah) highlights intellectual capability. Wisdom in the Hebrew context (חָכְמָה, chokhmah) encompasses practical skills, moral insight, and the ability to make sound decisions. This quality was essential for those who would advise and serve in the king's court.

knowledgeable
The Hebrew "יֹדְעֵי דַעַת" (yodei da'at) refers to those who possess understanding and discernment. Knowledge in the biblical sense is not merely factual but involves a deep comprehension of truth and reality, often linked to a relationship with God.

quick to understand
The phrase "מְבִינֵי מַדָּע" (mevinei madda) suggests an aptitude for learning and the ability to grasp complex concepts swiftly. This quality would be crucial for adapting to the new culture and mastering the Chaldean language and literature.

qualified to serve in the king’s palace
The Hebrew "וַאֲשֶׁר כֹּחַ בָּהֶם לַעֲמֹד בְּהֵיכַל הַמֶּלֶךְ" (va'asher koach bahem la'amod beheichal hamelech) implies not only physical and intellectual capability but also the character and demeanor suitable for royal service. Serving in the king's palace required a blend of skills, loyalty, and decorum.

to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans
The phrase "וּלְלַמְּדָם סֵפֶר וּלְשׁוֹן כַּשְׂדִּים" (ulelamdam sefer uleshon Kasdim) indicates a comprehensive education in the culture and knowledge of the Babylonians. The Chaldeans were known for their advanced knowledge in various fields, including astronomy, mathematics, and literature. This education was intended to integrate the young men into Babylonian society and make them effective administrators and advisors.

(4) Children.--If the Babylonian customs were similar to the Persian, it is probable that the course of education would commence at an early age. So elaborate a system of science as the Babylonian, whether theological, astronomical, or magical, would naturally require an early training. It is reasonable to suppose that these "children" were quite young. So much may be inferred from Nebuchadnezzar's amazement at what he considered to be Daniel's precocious genius (Daniel 2:26).

To stand, i.e., to act as courtiers or servants. (Comp. 2Kings 5:25, and below, Daniel 1:19.)

Learning . . . Chaldeans.--Many interesting specimens of this may be seen in the volumes of the Records of the Past, which are devoted to Assyrian and Babylonian subjects. Many more examples may be seen in the British Museum, and among them the large treatise on magic, which originally consisted of no less than two hundred tablets. It appears, from comparing this with Daniel 1:19, that some form of examination was held by the king, before he admitted the courtiers into his immediate service. The language of Chaldaea at this time was Semitic; but there was a sacred language in use besides, which probably belonged to the Turanian family. In both these languages was Daniel educated.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
young men
יְלָדִ֣ים (yə·lā·ḏîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring

without
אֵֽין־ (’ên-)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

blemish,
מוּם֩ (mūm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3971: To stain, a blemish

handsome,
וְטוֹבֵ֨י (wə·ṭō·w·ḇê)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

gifted
וּמַשְׂכִּילִ֣ים (ū·maś·kî·lîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7919: To be, circumspect, intelligent

in all
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

wisdom,
חָכְמָ֗ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

knowledgeable,
וְיֹ֤דְעֵי (wə·yō·ḏə·‘ê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3045: To know

quick
מַדָּ֔ע (mad·dā‘)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4093: Intelligence, consciousness

to understand,
וּמְבִינֵ֣י (ū·mə·ḇî·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

and qualified
כֹּ֣חַ (kō·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3581: A small reptile (of unknown species)

to serve
לַעֲמֹ֖ד (la·‘ă·mōḏ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

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

palace—
בְּהֵיכַ֣ל (bə·hê·ḵal)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1964: A large public building, palace, temple

and to teach them
וּֽלֲלַמְּדָ֥ם (ū·lă·lam·mə·ḏām)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3925: To exercise in, learn

the language
וּלְשׁ֥וֹן (ū·lə·šō·wn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 3956: The tongue

and literature
סֵ֖פֶר (sê·p̄er)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book

of the Chaldeans.
כַּשְׂדִּֽים׃ (kaś·dîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3778: Chaldeans -- a region of southern Babylon and its inhab


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OT Prophets: Daniel 1:4 Youths in whom was no blemish (Dan. Da Dn)
Daniel 1:3
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