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.

◄ Daniel 1:8 ►

New International Version
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

New Living Translation
But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.

English Standard Version
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

New King James Version
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

New American Standard Bible
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.

NASB 1995
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.

NASB 1977
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.

Legacy Standard Bible
But Daniel set in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.

Amplified Bible
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile (taint, dishonor) himself with the king’s finest food or with the wine which the king drank; so he asked the commander of the officials that he might [be excused so that he would] not defile himself.

Christian Standard Bible
Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank. So he asked permission from the chief eunuch not to defile himself.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank. So he asked permission from the chief official not to defile himself.

American Standard Version
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's dainties, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Contemporary English Version
Daniel made up his mind to eat and drink only what God had approved for his people to eat. And he asked the king's chief official for permission not to eat the food and wine served in the royal palace.

English Revised Version
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Daniel made up his mind not to harm himself by eating the king's rich food and drinking the king's wine. So he asked the chief-of-staff for permission not to harm himself in this way.

Good News Translation
Daniel made up his mind not to let himself become ritually unclean by eating the food and drinking the wine of the royal court, so he asked Ashpenaz to help him,

International Standard Version
Daniel determined within himself not to become defiled by the king's menu of rich foods or by the king's wine, so he requested permission from the chief officer not to defile himself.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the royal delicacies or the royal wine. He therefore asked the overseer of the court officials for permission not to defile himself.

New Heart English Bible
But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's royal food, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Webster's Bible Translation
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's food, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

World English Bible
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Daniel purposes in his heart that he will not defile himself with the king’s portion of food, and with the wine of his drinking, and he seeks of the chief of the eunuchs that he may not defile himself.

Young's Literal Translation
And Daniel purposeth in his heart that he will not pollute himself with the king's portion of food, and with the wine of his drinking, and he seeketh of the chief of the eunuchs that he may not pollute himself.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Daniel will set up upon his heart that he will not be defiled with the dainties of the king, and with the wine of his drinking: and he will seek from the chief of the eunuchs that he shall not defile himself.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not be defiled with the king's table, nor with the wine which he drank: and he requested the master of the eunuchs that he might not be defiled.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not be polluted with the king’s meal, nor with the wine he drank, and he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not be contaminated.

New American Bible
But Daniel was resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food or wine; so he begged the chief chamberlain to spare him this defilement.

New Revised Standard Version
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But Daniel decided in his heart that he would not eat of the king's delicacies nor drink of the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he would not force him to eat.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Daniel set in his mind that he would not eat from the delicacies of the King, and he would not drink from the wine that he drinks, and he begged of the High Eunuch that he would not feed him

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's food, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the officers that he might not defile himself.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Daniel purposed in his heart, that he would not defile himself with the king's table, nor with the wine of his drink: and he intreated the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Daniel's Faithfulness
8But 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. 9Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

1 Peter 1:14-16
As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. / But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, / for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Matthew 15:11
A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

Philippians 1:10
so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.

James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Leviticus 11:44-45
For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground. / For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt so that I would be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.

Deuteronomy 8:3
He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

Psalm 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.

Proverbs 4:23
Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.

Isaiah 52:11
Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.

Treasury of Scripture

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

purposed.

Ruth 1:17,18
Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me…

1 Kings 5:5
And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.

Psalm 119:106,115
I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments…

defile.

Leviticus 11:45-47
For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy…

Deuteronomy 32:38
Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.

Psalm 106:28
They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.

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Allow Captain Chief Choice Commander Dainties Daniel Decision Defile Delicate Drank Drinking Eunuchs Food Heart King's Meat Mind Officers Official Officials Permission Pollute Portion Prince Purposed Purposeth Request Requested Resolved Rich Royal Seeketh Servants Sought Unsexed Way Wine

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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

But Daniel purposed in his heart
The phrase "purposed in his heart" indicates a firm and deliberate decision made by Daniel. The Hebrew word for "purposed" is "שׂוּם" (sum), which means to set, place, or appoint. This suggests a strong, intentional resolve. Daniel's decision was not impulsive but a deep-seated commitment. In the context of a young man taken captive in a foreign land, this highlights his unwavering dedication to his faith and principles. His heart, in Hebrew "לֵב" (lev), represents the center of his will and emotions, indicating that his decision was both rational and heartfelt.

that he would not defile himself
The term "defile" comes from the Hebrew "גָּאַל" (ga'al), meaning to pollute or stain. In the Jewish context, defilement was not merely physical but spiritual, affecting one's relationship with God. Daniel's concern was to maintain ritual purity according to the Mosaic Law, which prohibited certain foods. This reflects his commitment to holiness and obedience to God's commandments, even in a foreign land where such laws were not observed.

with the king’s food or with the wine that he drank
The "king’s food" and "wine" were likely rich and luxurious, possibly offered to idols, which would make them unclean according to Jewish law. The Hebrew word for "food" is "פַּתְבַּג" (patbag), a rare term that suggests delicacies or royal provisions. Daniel's refusal indicates his resistance to assimilation into Babylonian culture and his desire to remain distinct as a follower of Yahweh. This choice underscores the importance of dietary laws in maintaining Jewish identity and faithfulness to God.

So he requested permission from the chief official
Daniel's approach was respectful and diplomatic. The Hebrew word for "requested" is "בִּקֵּשׁ" (biqqesh), meaning to seek or ask earnestly. This shows Daniel's wisdom and tact in handling the situation. Instead of outright rebellion, he sought a peaceful resolution, demonstrating respect for authority while remaining true to his convictions. The "chief official," or "שַׂר הַסָּרִיסִים" (sar hasarisim), was likely Ashpenaz, the master of the eunuchs, indicating Daniel's high standing and the favor he found even among his captors.

not to defile himself
Reiterating his earlier resolve, Daniel's request emphasizes his primary concern: maintaining purity before God. This repetition underscores the central theme of the verse—faithfulness to God over conformity to worldly standards. Daniel's steadfastness serves as an inspirational example of living out one's faith with integrity, regardless of external pressures or circumstances. His actions remind believers of the importance of upholding God's standards in all areas of life, trusting that God honors those who honor Him.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(8) Daniel purposed in his heart.--He was cautious from the first. He feared that he might eat something that had been consecrated to idols. (See 1 Corinthians 8)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 8. - But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wins which he drank, therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. The Septuagint renders the first clause somewhat paraphrastically, "Daniel desired in his heart," led possibly to this by the more limited meaning assigned to "heart" in the psychology of ordinary Greek speech. Theodotion is, as usual, in close harmony with the Massoretic text. The Peshitta, instead of "heart," has r'ina, "mind." As before noticed, the G reek versions here render פּת־בג by δεῖπνον. Jerome renders it mensa In the Syriac the word is present, as we before said. We have above indicated that it is possible that the original word was not path-bag, but pathura. In regard to the Massoretic text as compared with the Greek and Latin versions, it seems certain that path-bag, if belonging to the text, was only understood in the East - a phenomenon that would be intelligible if this chapter be a condensation and translation of an original Aramaic text, especially if the Aramaic were Eastern, not Western. An ancient feast had always the nature of a sacrifice. It was the case with the Jews: thus in Deuteronomy 12:11, 12, directions are given for sacrificing in the place which the Lord should choose, and they and all their household rejoicing. But if the place chosen were too far, then permission was given them to eat flesh, only they were to be careful not to eat with the blood. It was the characteristic of the classic nations all through their whole history, that the feast should be consecrated by the offering of something of it to the Deity. The immense probability was that this was the case also among the Babylonians. It may be that this consecration of the feast arose from the same justifiable religious feeling which leads us to ask a blessing on our meals. The habit of the African Church to celebrate the Lord's Supper at every supper, was probably connected with this offering to God of what the guests were about to partake. This fact, that every feast had the character of a sacrifice, might easily make these Hebrew youths refuse the royal dainties. So far as animal food was concerned, the careful directions as to not eating with blood made partaking of the feasts of the Babylonian monarch peculiarly liable to bring on them defilement. The fact that Evil-Merodach provided Jeconiah with a portion from his table, and that Jeconiah did not refuse it, does not necessarily militate against the early date of Daniel. Jeconiah probably was not as conscientious as those youths, and, on the other hand, Daniel's influence by this time may have arranged some consideration for Jewish scruples. It is certain that in 2 Maccabees 5:27 Judas and his brethren are represented as living in the mountains on herbs, after the manner of beasts, that they might not be defiled; but as there is nothing parallel to this in 1 Maccabees, we may dismiss the statement as probably untrue. So the whole idea of this action on the part of Judas and his nine companions may have arisen from the case recorded before us. It has all the look of a rhetorical addition to the narrative, and the differences of the circumstances were not such as would strike a rhetorical scribe; but as this abstinence appeared to add to the sanctity of these four Hebrew youths, would it not add to the sanctity of Judas also? 'In the Assyrian feasts the guests do not seem to have sat at one long table or several long tables, as is usual with us. The guests were divided into sets of four, and had provisions served to them, and it is to be observed that the youths before us would have exactly occupied one of those tables. The word used for "defile" (ga'al) occurs in Isaiah, Lamentations, Zephaniah, Malachi, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It is an Exilic and post-Exilic word mainly; the old priestly word lama had not disappeared - it is used in Haggai. It is to be observed that there is nothing about defilement in the Peshitta; it is not impossible that the word is a later addition, only its presence both in Theodotion and the Septuagint renders the omission improbable. There is nothing in the passage here which makes it necessary for us to maintain that the principle of action followed by those youths was one which was generally acknowledged to be incumbent on all Jews. It may simply have been that, feeling the critical condition in which they were placed, it was well for them to erect a hedge about the Law. There may even have been an excess of scrupulosity which is in perfect dramatic suitability to the age of the youths. Such abstinence may well have occasioned the regular abstinence of the Essenes, but this state-merit concerning Daniel and his friends can scarcely have originated from the Essene dietary. It has been noted, as a proof of Daniel's courtesy and docility, that he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. But to have refused the food provided by the king might have been construed as an insult to the king, and anything of that sort had swift and severe punishment meted out to it. Daniel's request was simply due to the necessities of the situation.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But Daniel
דָּנִיֵּאל֙ (dā·nî·yêl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1840: Daniel -- 'God is my judge', the name of several Israelites

resolved
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם (way·yā·śem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

in
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his heart
לִבּ֔וֹ (lib·bōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

that
אֲשֶׁ֧ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

he would not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

defile
יִתְגָּאַ֛ל (yiṯ·gā·’al)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1351: To soil, desecrate

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

food
בְּפַתְבַּ֥ג (bə·p̄aṯ·baḡ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6598: Portion, delicacies

or wine.
וּבְיֵ֣ין (ū·ḇə·yên)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3196: Wine, intoxication

So he asked
וַיְבַקֵּשׁ֙ (way·ḇaq·qêš)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

the chief
מִשַּׂ֣ר (miś·śar)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

official
הַסָּרִיסִ֔ים (has·sā·rî·sîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5631: A eunuch, valet, a minister of state

for permission
אֲשֶׁ֖ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

to defile himself.
יִתְגָּאָֽל׃ (yiṯ·gā·’āl)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1351: To soil, desecrate

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OT Prophets: Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that (Dan. Da Dn)