The Meaning of Daniel 1:9 Explained

Daniel 1:9

KJV: Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

YLT: And God giveth Daniel for kindness and for mercies before the chief of the eunuchs;

Darby: And God granted Daniel favour and mercy before the prince of the eunuchs.

ASV: Now God made Daniel to find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Now God  had brought  Daniel  into favour  and tender love  with  the prince  of the eunuchs. 

What does Daniel 1:9 Mean?

Context Summary

Daniel 1:1-21 - Moral Courage Rewarded
These young men of noble Jewish families were brought to Babylon to receive education for the civil service. Their names were altered to break, so far as possible, their connection with the past. The food provided probably contravened Leviticus 3:17. According to the usual custom it had been presented before an idol, 1 Corinthians 8:10. Note those words: Daniel purposed in his heart. It is all important to resolve in one's heart that certain things are not possible for us. Too many of us have a secret reserve. We barricade the front door but leave the back door on the latch. We ought to realize the extent to which Paul referred when he said, "dead to sin." God always cooperates with His servants when they are true to Him. He brought Daniel into favor; He gave him skill; He caused his face and that of his three friends, to bear the hue of health. Let us trust Him to do His part! This is the secret of continuance, Daniel 1:21. [source]

Chapter Summary: Daniel 1

1  Jehoiakim's captivity
3  Ashpenaz takes Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah
8  They refusing the king's portion do prosper with pulse and water
17  Their proficiency in wisdom

What do the individual words in Daniel 1:9 mean?

And had brought God - Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת־ דָּ֣נִיֵּ֔אל לְחֶ֖סֶד וּֽלְרַחֲמִ֑ים לִפְנֵ֖י שַׂ֥ר הַסָּרִיסִֽים

וַיִּתֵּ֤ן  And  had  brought 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Qal, Consecutive imperfect, third person masculine singular
Root: יָתַן 
Sense: to give, put, set.
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙  God 
Parse: Article, Noun, masculine plural
Root: אֱלֹהִים  
Sense: (plural).
אֶת־  - 
Parse: Direct object marker
Root: אֹות 
Sense: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative.
דָּ֣נִיֵּ֔אל  Daniel 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: דָּנִאֵל 
Sense: the 2nd son of David, by Abigail the Carmelitess.
לְחֶ֖סֶד  into  the  favor 
Parse: Preposition-l, Noun, masculine singular
Root: חֶסֶד 
Sense: goodness, kindness, faithfulness.
וּֽלְרַחֲמִ֑ים  and  goodwill 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Noun, masculine plural
Root: רַחַם 
Sense: womb.
שַׂ֥ר  the  chief 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular construct
Root: סָרַר 
Sense: prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain.
הַסָּרִיסִֽים  of  the  eunuchs 
Parse: Article, Noun, masculine plural
Root: סָרִיס  
Sense: official, eunuch.