Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

DANIEL 1:16KJV
Know the Bible

Daniel 1:16 (KJV)

What does Daniel 1:16 mean?

Daniel 1:16 describes how the official in charge, Melzar, removed the assigned portions of meat and wine from Daniel and his friends and instead gave them "pulse" (vegetables or plant-based food) to eat. This verse shows that their request to avoid the royal food was granted.

In this setting, Daniel and his friends were young Jewish captives in Babylon, being trained to serve in the king’s court. They had asked not to eat the king’s food or drink his wine for religious reasons, and after a trial period, Melzar agreed to their diet. The verse highlights the outcome of their faithfulness and the willingness of the Babylonian official to accommodate their request.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 1:16

  • מֶלְצַר (meltsar, transliterated "Melzar"): This word refers to the steward or official responsible for Daniel and his friends. The use of this specific title shows the structured oversight in the Babylonian court.
  • פַּת־בָּג (pat-bag, transliterated "meat"): This phrase means "portion of food," not just meat, but any assigned ration from the king’s table. It emphasizes that Daniel and his friends were refusing all the royal provisions, not just meat.
  • יַיִן (yayin, transliterated "wine"): This is the standard Hebrew word for wine, highlighting that the king’s wine was also part of the diet they declined.
  • זֵרוֹעַ (zeroa, transliterated "pulse"): This word refers to food grown from seeds, such as vegetables, beans, or grains. It clarifies that Daniel and his friends were eating a simple, plant-based diet instead of the rich food from the king.

Why Daniel 1:16 matters

  • Daniel 1:16 clears up that Daniel and his friends were not just avoiding certain foods, but all the royal provisions, choosing a much simpler diet for reasons of conscience.
  • The verse shows the respect and trust Daniel and his friends earned from the Babylonian official, which is important for understanding how they were able to keep their faith in a foreign land.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the practical outcome of Daniel’s earlier request and the success of their alternative diet, setting up the rest of the story where their faithfulness leads to favor and wisdom.

Where else these words appear

“Melzar” Hebrew H4453 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 1:11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

“pulse” Hebrew H2235 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 1:12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.

“meat” Hebrew H6598 · used in 6 verses

  • Daniel 1:5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
  • Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
  • Daniel 1:15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.

“drink” Hebrew H4960 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
  • Esther 1:9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
  • Esther 9:18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.