Daniel 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.
Original Language Analysis
תִּרְאֵ֔ה
and as thou seest
H7200
תִּרְאֵ֔ה
and as thou seest
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙
before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וּמַרְאֵה֙
Then let our countenances
H4758
וּמַרְאֵה֙
Then let our countenances
Strong's:
H4758
Word #:
3 of 14
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
וּמַרְאֵה֙
Then let our countenances
H4758
וּמַרְאֵה֙
Then let our countenances
Strong's:
H4758
Word #:
4 of 14
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
הַיְלָדִ֔ים
of the children
H3206
הַיְלָדִ֔ים
of the children
Strong's:
H3206
Word #:
5 of 14
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְכַאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
וְכַאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּרְאֵ֔ה
and as thou seest
H7200
תִּרְאֵ֔ה
and as thou seest
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עֲשֵׂ֖ה
deal
H6213
עֲשֵׂ֖ה
deal
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture valued healthy appearance as indicating divine blessing and proper living. Court officials needed to appear vigorous and capable, reflecting well on the king's provision. Physical appearance was considered evidence of lifestyle wisdom. Daniel's confidence that simple biblical diet would produce superior health challenged Babylonian assumption that royal luxury produced the best results.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Daniel's confidence in observable vindication encourage us that godly living produces demonstrable benefits?
- What does the appeal to empirical comparison teach us about not fearing honest examination of faith's practical outcomes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel's proposal continues: 'let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat.' He proposes objective comparison—appearance would testify to wisdom or folly of the request. The appeal to visual evidence shows confidence that God blesses obedience with tangible results. The word 'countenance' emphasizes overall health and vitality, not merely weight. Faith trusts God to vindicate His ways through real-world demonstration.