Daniel 1:16 - So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they would drink, and gave them vegetables.

Generated Verse: Daniel 1:16

What does "Daniel 1:16" mean?


Daniel 1:16 describes a pivotal moment in Daniel and his three friends' defiance against King Nebuchadnezzar's food provisions. Let's break down the meaning:

"So the steward took away their dainties..." The "steward" here is the official in charge of overseeing the young Hebrew men and their dietary needs. "Dainties" refers to the rich and luxurious food from the king's table. This food was likely considered the best and most desirable, but it also may have been considered unclean according to Jewish dietary laws (kosher). Daniel and his friends had requested to abstain from these foods.

"...and the wine that they would drink..." Wine was a common beverage at meals, and it would have been part of the royal provision. Daniel and his friends also refused the wine, likely for the same reasons they refused the food.

"...and gave them vegetables." Instead of the rich food and wine, the steward provided them with vegetables (often translated as "pulse," which could include legumes like beans, lentils, and peas, as well as other plant-based foods). This was a simple, clean diet that aligned with their religious beliefs.

In essence, the verse signifies:

The steward's agreement: The steward, seeing the success of Daniel's 10-day trial (Daniel 1:12-15), agreed to replace the royal diet with a simple vegetable diet.
The success of their test: Daniel and his friends had proven that they could be healthy and well-nourished on a simple diet, even exceeding the health of those who ate the king's rich food.
Divine favor: The success of the 10-day trial was presented as showing that God was blessing Daniel and his friends for their obedience to Him.
Their commitment to their faith: Daniel and his friends were willing to forgo the comforts and pleasures of the king's table in order to remain faithful to their religious convictions. This demonstrated their prioritization of God's law over worldly benefits.

The verse is not just about a dietary change; it's a symbol of faith, courage, and the potential for God's blessing when one remains true to one's beliefs, even in a challenging environment.

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