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.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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
2 Samuel 14:25
Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw.

Isaiah 36:11
Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, "Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall."

Jeremiah 5:15
Behold, I am bringing a distant nation against you, O house of Israel," declares the LORD. "It is an established nation, an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know and whose speech you do not understand.

Daniel 1:17
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.

Daniel 2:2
So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king,

Daniel 2:4
Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, "O king, may you live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation."

Daniel 3:8
At this time some astrologers came forward and maliciously accused the Jews,


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
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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.














(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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