As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

DANIEL 1:17KJV
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Daniel 1:17 (KJV)

What does Daniel 1:17 mean?

Daniel 1:17 says that God gave four young men—Daniel and his friends—special knowledge, skill, and wisdom, and that Daniel was given extra understanding to interpret visions and dreams. The verse credits God as the source of their abilities, setting Daniel apart with a unique gift.

The verse is part of a story where Daniel and his friends are living in exile in Babylon, being trained for service in the king’s court. The narrator explains that their success in learning and wisdom is not just natural talent, but a gift from God. Daniel’s ability to understand visions and dreams is highlighted, hinting at his future role in the book.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 1:17

  • God (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohim): The verse directly attributes the knowledge and skill to God, making it clear that their abilities are not just from hard work or intelligence.
  • Knowledge (מַדָּע, madda‘): This word points to a broad understanding, not just book learning, but a deep grasp of many subjects.
  • Skill (שֵׂכֶל, sekel): This term often means insight or practical wisdom, suggesting these young men could apply what they learned wisely.
  • Understanding (בִּין, bin): Used specifically for Daniel, this word means discernment or the ability to grasp the meaning behind things, especially in the context of visions (חָזוֹן, chazon) and dreams (חֲלוֹם, chalom).

Why Daniel 1:17 matters

  • Daniel 1:17 clarifies that the wisdom and abilities of Daniel and his friends are not simply the result of their own efforts, but are gifts from God, emphasizing God’s active role even in a foreign land.
  • The verse sets Daniel apart from his peers by highlighting his unique gift for interpreting visions and dreams, which becomes a major theme in the rest of the book.
  • This verse helps the reader understand why Daniel and his friends rise to prominence in the Babylonian court, connecting their success directly to God’s intervention rather than luck or human achievement.

Where else these words appear

“knowledge” Hebrew H4093 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 1:10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
  • 2 Chronicles 1:11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
  • Ecclesiastes 10:20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

“Daniel” Hebrew H1840 · used in 28 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:1 Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:
  • Daniel 1:9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
  • Daniel 9:22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

“visions” Hebrew H2377 · used in 34 verses

  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • Ezekiel 7:26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.
  • Daniel 8:26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.

“dreams” Hebrew H2472 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
  • Genesis 41:11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
  • 1 Kings 3:15 And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.