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Verses

Primary Verses -- Full Chapters

Daniel 1 (Foundational Setting -- Hebrew Section)

1:1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 1:2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. 1:3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring [certain] of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; 1:4 Children in whom [was] no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as [had] ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 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. 1:6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 1:7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego. 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. 1:9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 1:10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which [are] of your sort? then shall ye make [me] endanger my head to the king. 1:11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 1:12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 1:13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 1:14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 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. 1:16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. 1:17 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. 1:18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 1:19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 1:20 And in all matters of wisdom [and] understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians [and] astrologers that [were] in all his realm. 1:21 And Daniel continued [even] unto the first year of king Cyrus.

Historical claims in Dan 1: (1) Third year of Jehoiakim = ~606/605 BC; (2) Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem; (3) Vessels taken to "land of Shinar"; (4) Daniel among Jewish captives; (5) Three-year training program; (6) Babylonian name Belteshazzar given; (7) Daniel continued to first year of Cyrus (~539 BC) -- career span of ~66 years.

Daniel 2 (Full Chapter -- Aramaic Transition at 2:4)

2:1 And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him. 2:2 Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. 2:3 And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream. 2:4 Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.

[NOTE: Dan 2:4b marks the transition from Hebrew to Aramaic. "In Syriack" = Aramaic. The text remains in Aramaic through 7:28.]

2:5-11 [The king's demand and the Chaldeans' inability] 2:12-13 [Decree to destroy wise men; Daniel and fellows sought] 2:14-16 [Daniel requests time from the king] 2:17-18 [Daniel and companions pray for mercy] 2:19-23 [Secret revealed; Daniel's prayer of praise] 2:24-30 [Daniel brought before king, attributes revelation to God] 2:31-35 [Description of the image: gold, silver, brass, iron, clay, stone] 2:36-45 [Interpretation: succession of kingdoms] 2:37 Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 2:38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou [art] this head of gold. 2:39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed... 2:46-47 [Nebuchadnezzar worships Daniel, acknowledges God] 2:48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise [men] of Babylon. 2:49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel [sat] in the gate of the king.

Daniel 3:1-15 (Greek Loanwords Context)

3:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height [was] threescore cubits, [and] the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes [H324, achashdarpan/satraps], the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellers, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 3:3 Then the princes [H324], the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellers, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together... 3:5 [That] at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp [H7030, qitharos], sackbut, psaltery [H6460, pesanterin], dulcimer [H5481, sumponyah], and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image... 3:7 Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp [H7030], sackbut, psaltery [H6460], and all kinds of musick... 3:10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp [H7030], sackbut, psaltery [H6460], and dulcimer [H5481], and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image: 3:15 ...the sound of the cornet, flute, harp [H7030], sackbut, psaltery [H6460], and dulcimer [H5481], and all kinds of musick... 3:27 And the princes [H324], governors, and captains, and the king's counsellers, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power...

Linguistic notes: Three Greek loanwords appear exclusively in Dan 3: qitharos (H7030, Greek kitharis), pesanterin (H6460, Greek psalterion), sumponyah (H5481, Greek symphonia). The Persian loanword achashdarpan (H324, satrap) also appears in 3:2,3,27.

Daniel 4 (Nebuchadnezzar's Madness -- Full Chapter)

4:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 4:4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: 4:8 But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god... 4:27 Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness... 4:30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? 4:33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen... 4:34-37 [Nebuchadnezzar's restoration and praise of God]

Daniel 5 (Full Chapter -- Belshazzar's Feast)

5:1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. 5:2 Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which [was] in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. 5:3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which [was] at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. 5:4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. 5:5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 5:6 Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. 5:7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. [And] the king spake, and said to the wise [men] of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler [H8523 taltiy + H7981 shelet] in the kingdom [H4437 malku]. 5:8-9 [Wise men fail; Belshazzar greatly troubled] 5:10 [Now] the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: [and] the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever... 5:11 There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers; 5:12 Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation. 5:13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. [And] the king spake and said unto Daniel, [Art] thou that Daniel, which [art] of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry? 5:14-15 [Belshazzar acknowledges Daniel's reputation] 5:16 And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler [talta + shelet] in the kingdom [malku]. 5:17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation. 5:18-21 [Daniel recounts Nebuchadnezzar's story as precedent] 5:22 And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; 5:23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven... 5:24-28 [Handwriting interpreted: MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN] 5:28 PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. 5:29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and [put] a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler [shallit talta] in the kingdom [malku]. 5:30 In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. 5:31 And Darius the Median took [H6902 qabbel, "received"] the kingdom [H4437 malku], [being] about threescore and two years old.

Historical claims in Dan 5: (1) Belshazzar called "king" (5:1); (2) Nebuchadnezzar called Belshazzar's "father" (5:2,11,13,18); (3) Temple vessels present in Babylon (5:2-3); (4) "Third ruler" as highest available rank (5:7,16,29); (5) Cross-reference to Dan 4 in 5:22 ("thou knewest all this"); (6) Fall of Babylon "that night" (5:30); (7) Darius "the Median" received the kingdom at age 62 (5:31).

Daniel 6 (Full Chapter -- Darius the Mede)

6:1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes [H324, achashdarpan/satraps], which should be over the whole kingdom; 6:2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel [was] first: that the princes [H324] might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. 6:3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes [H324], because an excellent spirit [was] in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 6:4 Then the presidents and princes [H324] sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he [was] faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 6:5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find [it] against him concerning the law of his God. 6:6 Then these presidents and princes [H324] assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 6:7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes [H324], the counsellers, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute [H7010 qeyam], and to make a firm decree [H633 esar]... 6:8 Now, O king, establish the decree [H633], and sign [H7560 resham] the writing [H3792 kethab], that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 6:9 Wherefore king Darius signed [H7560] the writing [H3792] and the decree [H633]. 6:10-23 [Daniel prays, cast into lions' den, delivered] 6:24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast [them] into the den of lions... 6:25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 6:26-27 [Darius's decree praising God] 6:28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign [H4437 malku] of Darius, and in the reign [H4437 malku] of Cyrus the Persian.

Historical claims in Dan 6: (1) 120 satraps (6:1); (2) Three presidents over them (6:2); (3) Daniel was "first" president (6:2); (4) "Law of the Medes and Persians" as irrevocable (6:8,12,15); (5) Daniel prospered in reign of Darius AND Cyrus (6:28).

Daniel 7:1-2 (Chronological Marker)

7:1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, [and] told the sum of the matters. 7:2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.

NOTE: Chronologically, Dan 7 precedes Dan 5 (first year of Belshazzar vs. Belshazzar's last night). Dan 7:18 uses qabbel (H6902): "the saints of the most High shall take [receive] the kingdom."

Daniel 8:1-2 (Chronological Marker)

8:1 In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, [even unto] me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first. 8:2 And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I [was] at Shushan [in] the palace, which [is] in the province of Elam...

NOTE: Hebrew section resumes. Uses chazon (H2377) not chelem (H2493). Third year of Belshazzar places this before Dan 5 chronologically.

Daniel 9:1-3 (Darius Dating Formula + Jeremiah Reference)

9:1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; 9:2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. 9:3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

Historical claims: (1) Darius identified as "son of Ahasuerus"; (2) "of the seed of the Medes"; (3) "was made king" (Hophal passive -- he did not take the throne himself); (4) "over the realm of the Chaldeans"; (5) Daniel studied Jeremiah's prophecy about 70 years.

Daniel 10:1 (Cyrus Dating)

10:1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

Daniel 11:1 (Darius Reference)

11:1 Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, [even] I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.

Daniel 12:4 (Sealing Command)

12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

External Biblical Attestation

Ezekiel 14:12-23 (Daniel with Noah and Job)

14:12 The word of the LORD came again to me, saying, 14:13 Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it... 14:14 Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver [but] their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD. 14:15-19 [Four judgments: famine, beasts, sword, pestilence] 14:20 Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall [but] deliver their own souls by their righteousness. 14:21-23 [Application to Jerusalem]

NOTE: Ezekiel was a 6th-century contemporary of Daniel (both exiled to Babylon). Daniel is listed between Noah and Job -- both treated as historical figures elsewhere in Scripture. The name form in Hebrew is דנאל (without yod).

Ezekiel 28:1-5 (Daniel's Wisdom Referenced)

28:1 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, 28:2 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart [is] lifted up, and thou hast said, I [am] a God... 28:3 Behold, thou [art] wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: 28:4 With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches... 28:5 By thy great wisdom [and] by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches...

NOTE: Ezekiel uses Daniel's wisdom as a proverbial standard. The ironic comparison ("you think you are wiser than Daniel") presupposes that Daniel's wisdom was already well-known. This is consistent with Daniel being a contemporary known for extraordinary wisdom (cf. Dan 1:17,20; 5:11-12).

Matthew 24:1-20 (Jesus References Daniel the Prophet)

24:1-3 [Disciples ask about temple destruction and end of age] 24:4-14 [Signs of the end] 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 24:16-20 [Instructions to flee]

NOTE: Jesus attributes the "abomination of desolation" to "Daniel the prophet" (Danielos ho prophetes). The Greek uses dia + genitive (personal agency), identifying Daniel as the speaker/author of the prophecy, not merely a book from which it comes.

Mark 13:14 (Parallel Reference)

13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

NOTE: Mark's parallel includes "spoken of by Daniel the prophet" in many manuscripts. The participle for "standing" is masculine (hestekota) vs. Matthew's neuter (hestos), suggesting a personal agent.

Jeremiah 25:11-14 (70-Year Prophecy Source)

25:1 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that [was] the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; 25:11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, [and] an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 25:12 And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, [that] I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations. 25:13-14 [Further detail on fulfillment]

NOTE: This is the prophecy Daniel claims to have been studying in Dan 9:2. Jeremiah dates his prophecy to "the fourth year of Jehoiakim...the first year of Nebuchadrezzar" -- one year after Daniel's dating in Dan 1:1 ("third year of Jehoiakim").

Jeremiah 29:10-14 (70-Year Prophecy, Second Source)

29:10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

2 Chronicles 36:20-23 (Cyrus Decree Fulfilling Jeremiah)

36:20 And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: 36:21 To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years. 36:22 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD [spoken] by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying, 36:23 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. Who [is there] among you of all his people? The LORD his God [be] with him, and let him go up.

Ezra 1:1-4 (Cyrus Decree)

1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying, 1:2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. 1:3-4 [Details of the decree]

Isaiah 44:28-45:4 (Prophecy Naming Cyrus)

44:28 That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. 45:1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; 45:2-3 [Promises to Cyrus] 45:4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

Internal Chronological Framework

All date formulas in Daniel, in chronological order:

Verse Date Formula Approximate Date
Dan 1:1 "Third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah" ~606/605 BC
Dan 2:1 "Second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar" ~604/603 BC
Dan 7:1 "First year of Belshazzar king of Babylon" ~553 BC
Dan 8:1 "Third year of the reign of king Belshazzar" ~551 BC
Dan 5:30-31 "In that night" / Darius receives kingdom ~539 BC
Dan 9:1 "First year of Darius son of Ahasuerus" ~539/538 BC
Dan 11:1 "First year of Darius the Mede" ~539/538 BC
Dan 1:21 "First year of king Cyrus" ~539/538 BC
Dan 10:1 "Third year of Cyrus king of Persia" ~536 BC

Cross-Testament Parallels

MAT 24:15 -- Top OT Parallels

  1. Daniel 9:2 (0.406) -- daniel, prophet, understand
  2. Daniel 6:15 (0.394) -- daniel, place
  3. Daniel 10:11 (0.374) -- daniel, place, stand, understand

MAT 24:15 -- Top NT Parallels

  1. MRK 13:14 (0.603) -- abomination, desolation, read, see (Synoptic parallel)
  2. ACT 13:27 (0.388) -- prophet, read
  3. LUK 1:70 (0.370) -- holy, prophet

MRK 13:14 -- Top NT Parallels

  1. MAT 24:15 (0.603) -- abomination, desolation, read, see
  2. MAT 24:16 (0.468) -- flee, judea, mountain
  3. LUK 21:21 (0.449) -- flee, judea, mountain