Daniel 1:17 - Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Generated Verse: Daniel 1:17

What does "Daniel 1:17" mean?


Daniel 1:17 states: "Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."

Let's break down the meaning:

"Now as for these four youths...": This refers to Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (who were later given Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). They were chosen for their intelligence and good looks to be trained in the ways of the Babylonian court.

"...God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom...": This is the core of the verse. It's stating that their exceptional abilities were a gift from God. This gift wasn't limited to a specific area, but encompassed a broad range of "learning and wisdom". This would include languages, literature, history, science, and the arts that were part of Babylonian education. It's important to note the emphasis on "wisdom" which goes beyond mere knowledge and implies the ability to apply knowledge with good judgment and understanding.

"...and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.": This is a specific gift given to Daniel. While all four received general learning and wisdom, Daniel was additionally blessed with the ability to interpret visions and dreams, which were often seen as messages from the divine in ancient cultures. This ability becomes particularly significant later in the Book of Daniel as he interprets dreams for Nebuchadnezzar and others.

In essence, the verse means:

God blessed Daniel and his three friends with exceptional intelligence and abilities, exceeding their peers in their understanding and acquisition of knowledge. Additionally, God specifically gifted Daniel with the ability to understand and interpret visions and dreams. This verse highlights God's provision and preparation of these young men for the important roles they would play in the future, serving in positions of influence and testifying to God's power in a foreign land. The verse emphasizes that their abilities were not merely the result of their own hard work or intelligence but were ultimately a gift from God.

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