דָּנִיֵּאל, דָּנִאֵל (da.niy.yel)
da.niy.yel
Daniel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Daniel means "God is my judge," combining the Hebrew words for judgment and God. In Scripture, this name identifies three distinct figures: a son of King David, a priest who sealed a covenant in Nehemiah’s time, and most prominently, the prophet taken into Babylonian exile. The biblical text highlights his reputation for righteousness, with Ezekiel citing him as a model of wisdom and integrity alongside Noah and Job.
Often called Belteshazzar in the court records, this Daniel served through the rise and fall of empires, gaining fame for interpreting dreams and visions. His name appears frequently in the book that bears it, marking his role as a central figure in prophetic literature. The variation in spelling between Ezekiel and Daniel reflects different periods or textual traditions, but the core identity remains consistent across the Old Testament.
Translators consistently render this proper noun as "Daniel," preserving its historical weight. The name itself serves as a theological statement about divine sovereignty, suggesting that true judgment comes from God alone. This meaning resonates throughout the narratives where human power is contrasted with divine authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Daniel means "God is my judge," a reminder that true wisdom and discernment come from Him alone. In the Bible, this name identifies a man who remained faithful to God even in a foreign land. He did not rely on his own understanding but sought God’s guidance through prayer and humility.
When faced with difficult decisions or confusing circumstances, Daniel’s example invites us to trust in God’s sovereignty. His life shows that integrity and faithfulness are possible anywhere, even in the most challenging environments. We can find comfort knowing that God sees our hearts and guides those who seek Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Daniel14×
- O Daniel5×
- to/ Daniel3×
- like/ Daniel1×
- and/ Daniel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דָּנִיֵּ֣אל3×
- דָּֽנִיֵּ֔אל2×
- דָנִיֵּ֔אל2×
- לְ/דָֽנִיֵּ֜אל1×
- לְ/דָֽנִיֵּ֔אל1×
- לְ/דָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל1×
- כְּ/דָנִיֵּ֣אל1×
- וְ/דָנִיֵּ֣אל1×
- דָּנִיֵּאל֙1×
- דָּנִיֵּ֖אל1×
- דָּנִיֵּ֕אל1×
- דָּנִיֵּ֔אל1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 1:8
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.
This verse highlights Daniel's personal resolve to maintain his faith and purity despite external pressure.
-
Daniel 9:22
He instructed me and talked with me, and said, “Daniel, I have now come to give you wisdom and understanding.
Here, an angel explicitly states that God gives wisdom and understanding directly to Daniel.
-
Daniel 10:12
Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come for your words’ sake.
God acknowledges Daniel's humility and prayer as the reason for His response, emphasizing the power of seeking God.