Daniel 1:6
Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מִבְּנֵ֣י
Now among these were of the children
H1121
מִבְּנֵ֣י
Now among these were of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
4 of 8
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
Cross References
Ezekiel 14:20Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.Ezekiel 14:14Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.Matthew 24:15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)Daniel 2:17Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:
Historical Context
Hebrew naming practices reflected theology and family heritage. Names incorporating divine titles testified to covenant relationship with Yahweh. The listing of these four identifies the faithful remnant among many deportees. They came from Judah's tribe (v. 6), likely royal or noble lineage. Preserving their Hebrew names here emphasizes their original identity before Babylon's attempted transformation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Hebrew names incorporating God's titles remind us that our identity should publicly testify to our faith?
- What does the preservation of original names in Scripture teach us about God remembering who we truly are despite worldly attempts to redefine us?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The naming of the four youths—Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah—preserves their Hebrew identity. Their names incorporate 'El' (God) and 'Yah' (Yahweh), bearing witness to covenant faith: Daniel (God is my judge), Hananiah (Yahweh is gracious), Mishael (Who is what God is?), Azariah (Yahweh has helped). These theophoric names publicly proclaimed faith in Yahweh, setting up the coming conflict when Babylon attempts to erase this identity through renaming.