Prophet · Old Testament
The Story of Daniel
Also: Danieli (Kiswahili), Belteshazzar
Young exile in Babylon who stayed faithful to God, interpreted dreams and was delivered from the lions.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Daniel was taken to Babylon among the young men of Judah and given the name Belteshazzar. He resolved not to defile himself with the king's food. Daniel 1:1–8
God gave him understanding of visions and dreams. He interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dreams and the writing on the wall, and was delivered from the lions' den under Darius. Daniel 1:17Daniel 2:24–45Daniel 5:13–28Daniel 6:16–23
Told in: Daniel
Life at a glance
- Babylonian name
- Belteshazzar Daniel 1:7
- Friends
- Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) Daniel 1:6–7
- Kings served
- Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius and Cyrus Daniel 2:48Daniel 5:29Daniel 6:28
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Daniel
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Faithful in the king's court
Daniel and his friends refuse the king's food and eat vegetables; after ten days they are healthier, and God gives them wisdom.
More about this event
Places named: Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the statue
God reveals the king's dream to Daniel, who tells and interprets it: a stone will become a kingdom that will never be destroyed.
The dream of the tree
Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a tree cut down, and urges him to turn from sin.
The writing on the wall
At Belshazzar's feast a hand writes on the wall; Daniel reads it as judgment, and that night Belshazzar is killed.
In the lions' den
Daniel keeps praying three times a day despite a decree, is thrown to the lions, and God shuts the lions' mouths.
More about this event
Later recollection of this event: Hebrews 11:33
Visions and prayer
Daniel sees visions of kingdoms and of one like a son of man, and prays a prayer of confession for his people.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Daniel. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollections of these events
- Hebrews 11:33 recalls “In the lions' den”
Later recollection
- Ezekiel 14:14 — Noah, Daniel and Job named together; scholars discuss whether this is the same Daniel.
Teaching or quotation mentioning them
- Matthew 24:15 — Spoken of through Daniel the prophet.
Family and relationships
- Shadrach, Meshach and AbednegoFriends in exileDaniel 1:6–7Daniel 2:17
- NebuchadnezzarKing he servedDaniel 2:48
Books associated with Daniel
- Daniel Main narrative figure
- Daniel Book named after them
Chapters 7–12 are written largely in Daniel's first person. The date and authorship of the book are discussed by scholars; this page records what the text presents.
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
FaithfulnessPrayerGod's sovereignty
- What do Daniel's friends say to the king in Daniel 3:16-18?
- What does Daniel's habit in Daniel 6:10 show?
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