profile.bible
Portrait of DanielPortrait · Daniel

Exile · Old Testament

Daniel

Faithful Exile and Interpreter of Dreams

Name meaning
God is my judge
Name origin
Hebrew: דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniyyel), meaning "God is my judge"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Royal official
  • Administrator
  • Prophet
Birthplace
Judah (Jerusalem region)
Modern-day location
The ancient kingdom of Judah, broadly corresponding to present-day Israel and the West Bank; the specific site is unknown.
Family
  • Of noble or royal family in Judah
  • Companion of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah
First mention
Daniel 1:1-6
Last mention
Daniel 10:1; also Ezekiel 14:14
Key artifacts
  • Scroll of visions
  • Lions' den stones
  • Window opened toward Jerusalem

Key verses

  • “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.”

    Daniel 3:17

  • “he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.”

    Daniel 6:10

  • “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament.”

    Daniel 12:3

Biography

Early Life

Daniel was taken to Babylon as a youth, trained in the king's court, and resolved not to defile himself with royal food. God gave him skill in literature and interpretation of dreams.

Defining Biblical Moments

Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dreams, survived the lions' den under Darius after praying openly, and received apocalyptic visions of future kingdoms and God's everlasting kingdom.

Strengths

Daniel is portrayed as disciplined, prayerful, courageous under pressure, and consistently loyal to God while serving in a foreign government.

Weaknesses & Lessons

The narrative presents him as largely exemplary; the focus is on integrity maintained over a long career in a challenging cultural setting.

Life Lessons for Today

Consistent daily faithfulness and prayer prepare a person to stand firm when tested; service in secular roles can reflect devotion to God.

Ask about Daniel

Have a question about Daniel or the Bible passages around them? Ask our study helper.

Ask anything about Daniel — their story, the passages around them, or what their life means for yours.

This study helper uses AI to answer from the profile. Answers may be imperfect — check important details against Scripture.

Continue reading

Daniel appears in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #33 in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament

Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament front cover

Profiles of faith, courage, and conviction

Meet the shepherds, warriors, kings, and psalmists of the Old Testament through respectful, story-driven character profiles.

Browse profiles

More characters