Daniel 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.
Original Language Analysis
הַסָּרִיסִים֙
of the eunuchs
H5631
הַסָּרִיסִים֙
of the eunuchs
Strong's:
H5631
Word #:
3 of 29
a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state
לְדָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל
unto Daniel
H1840
לְדָ֣נִיֵּ֔אל
unto Daniel
Strong's:
H1840
Word #:
4 of 29
daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 29
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מִנָּ֔ה
who hath appointed
H4487
מִנָּ֔ה
who hath appointed
Strong's:
H4487
Word #:
11 of 29
properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַאֲכַלְכֶ֖ם
your meat
H3978
מַאֲכַלְכֶ֖ם
your meat
Strong's:
H3978
Word #:
13 of 29
an eatable (including provender, flesh and fruit)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁתֵּיכֶ֑ם
and your drink
H4960
מִשְׁתֵּיכֶ֑ם
and your drink
Strong's:
H4960
Word #:
15 of 29
drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast
אֲשֶׁ֡ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֡ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 29
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לָמָּה֩
H4100
לָמָּה֩
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
17 of 29
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יִרְאֶ֨ה
for why should he see
H7200
יִרְאֶ֨ה
for why should he see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
18 of 29
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פְּנֵיכֶ֜ם
your faces
H6440
פְּנֵיכֶ֜ם
your faces
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
20 of 29
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
זֹֽעֲפִ֗ים
worse liking
H2196
זֹֽעֲפִ֗ים
worse liking
Strong's:
H2196
Word #:
21 of 29
properly, to boil up, i.e., (figuratively) to be peevish or angry
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
22 of 29
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַיְלָדִים֙
than the children
H3206
הַיְלָדִים֙
than the children
Strong's:
H3206
Word #:
23 of 29
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
24 of 29
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
כְּגִֽילְכֶ֔ם
which are of your sort
H1524
כְּגִֽילְכֶ֔ם
which are of your sort
Strong's:
H1524
Word #:
25 of 29
a revolution (of time, i.e., an age); also joy
וְחִיַּבְתֶּ֥ם
then shall ye make me endanger
H2325
וְחִיַּבְתֶּ֥ם
then shall ye make me endanger
Strong's:
H2325
Word #:
26 of 29
properly, perhaps to tie, i.e., (figuratively and reflexively) to owe, or (by implication) to forfeit
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
27 of 29
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings exercised absolute authority; failure in royal service often meant death. Court officials lived in constant fear of royal displeasure. Ashpenaz's concern was realistic—if Daniel's group appeared inferior after special dietary treatment, the king would view this as Ashpenaz's failure to properly train the hostages. Capital punishment for administrative failures was common in ancient empires.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ashpenaz's legitimate fear challenge us to consider how our convictions might endanger others who help us?
- What wisdom do we need when our faith stance requires others to risk themselves on our behalf?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The prince of eunuchs' response reveals the tension between personal favor and professional duty. He fears 'my lord the king' seeing the youths worse than their peers, resulting in his own execution ('make me endanger my head'). This shows the real cost of standing for convictions—others risk consequences for helping us. His legitimate concern demonstrates that faith sometimes requires us to request what puts others at risk, requiring wisdom and genuine divine direction rather than presumption.