Meaning of the Name Daniel
The Hebrew name Daniyyel means 'God is my judge', formed from the root 'dan' (to judge) and the element 'El' (God).
Origin
The name Daniel is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Daniel in the Bible?
Daniel is the wise man taken into the Babylonian court in exile, who would not compromise his faith under a foreign order. He interprets dreams and survives the lions' den; the book bearing his name is a book of faithfulness and hope in exile.
The story of Daniel in the Bible
We meet Daniel at the start of the Babylonian exile, chosen for palace service from among the noble youths carried off from Jerusalem. His first test comes at the table: resolving not to defile himself with the king's food, he chooses vegetables and water — and God gives him wisdom and the ability to understand dreams. He interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream when no one else can and rises in the court; kings change, but Daniel's integrity does not. Under Darius the Mede, jealous officials exploit his one vulnerability — his faith — and secure a law that for thirty days prayer may be offered to the king alone. Daniel does what he has always done: three times a day he kneels in prayer in his room with windows opening toward Jerusalem. Thrown into the lions' den, he is found alive in the morning; God has shut the lions' mouths. The second half of his book is filled with visions showing that history rests in God's hands. Daniel remains one of Scripture's brightest examples of unbending faithfulness in a foreign land.
Is Daniel mentioned in the Quran?
The name Daniel is not mentioned by name in the Quran; in the Bible he is the hero of the Old Testament book that bears his name, the wise and faithful figure of the Babylonian exile.
Verses where Daniel appears
- Daniel 1:8 —
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s dainties, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
- Daniel 6:10 —
When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his room toward Jerusalem) and he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God,…
- Daniel 6:16-23 —
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. The king spoke and said to Daniel, Your God whom you serve continually, he will deliver you. A stone was brought, and laid on the…