Daniel 1:15 (KJV)

What does Daniel 1:15 mean?

Daniel 1:15 describes how, after ten days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier and better nourished than the other young men who ate the royal food. This result showed that their choice to eat only vegetables and drink water did not harm them, but instead left them visibly stronger.

In this scene, Daniel and his friends are being tested in the Babylonian king’s court. They had asked to avoid the king’s rich food and wine, sticking to a simple diet for reasons of faith. The verse records the outcome of this test, highlighting that their appearance—specifically their faces and bodies—was noticeably better than those who ate the king’s food.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 1:15

• The word for "countenances" is מַרְאֶה (mar’eh), meaning "appearance" or "face." This emphasizes that the difference was visible and obvious to anyone looking at them.
• "Fairer" comes from טוֹב (tov), which means "good" or "pleasant." Here, it suggests a healthy, attractive look, not just physical beauty.
• "Fatter" is from בָּרִיא (bari’), which means "well-fleshed" or "healthier." In this context, it points to a sign of good health and strength, not overweight.
• The word for "flesh" is בָּשָׂר (basar), referring to the body or physical condition. The verse is highlighting a real, physical difference in their bodies compared to the others.

Why Daniel 1:15 matters

• Daniel 1:15 clears up any idea that Daniel and his friends became weak or sickly from their restricted diet; instead, they were visibly healthier.
• The verse emphasizes that faithfulness to their convictions did not put them at a disadvantage, but actually resulted in a positive outcome.
• This outcome sets up the rest of the story, showing that God’s favor is with Daniel and his friends, preparing the reader for their later successes in the Babylonian court.