DAN 1:4 Parallel Verse View

Note: This view shows ‘verses’ which are not natural language units and hence sometimes only part of a sentence will be visible—click on any Bible version abbreviation down the left-hand side to see the verse in more of its context. Normally the OET discourages the reading of individual ‘verses’, but this view is only designed as a tool for doing comparisons of different translations—the older translations are further down the page (so you can read up from the bottom to trace the English translation history). The OET segments on this page are still very early looks into the unfinished texts of the Open English Translation of the Bible—please double-check these texts in advance before using in public.

Text critical issues=none Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

OET (OET-RV) They had to be good-looking young men without obvious defects, wise and well-educated, who would be competent for future work in the palace. They would be taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans,

1:4 OSHB variant note: מאום: (x-qere) ’מוּם֩’: lemma_3971 a morph_HNcmsa id_27hh7 מוּם֩

Key: khaki:verbs, red:negative.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the OET-RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).

ULT youths in whom was no blemish, who were good-looking, skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge and understanding learning, and who were competent to stand in the palace of the king, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

UST King Nebuchadnezzar wanted only men who were very healthy, handsome, wise, well-educated, capable of learning many things, and suitable for working in the palace. He also wanted to teach them the Babylonian language and have them read things that had been written in the Babylonian language.

BSB young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans.[fn]

OEB No OEB DAN book available

WEBBE youths in whom was no defect, but well-favoured, skilful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding science, and who had the ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.

WMBB youths in whom was no defect, but well-favoured, skilful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding science, and who had the ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Kasdim.

NET young men in whom there was no physical defect and who were handsome, well versed in all kinds of wisdom, well educated and having keen insight, and who were capable of entering the king’s royal service – and to teach them the literature and language of the Babylonians.

LSV boys in whom there is no blemish, and of good appearance, and skillful in all wisdom, and possessing knowledge, and teaching thought, and who have ability to stand in the palace of the king, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

FBV “They are to be young men without any physical defect who are good-looking,” he said. “They must be well-educated, quick to learn, have good insight, and be well able to serve in the king's palace and be taught the literature and language of Babylon[fn].”

1:4 Literally, “the Chaldeans.”

T4T King Nebuchadnezzar wanted only men who were very healthy, handsome/good-looking, wise, well-educated, capable of learning many things, and suitable for working in the palace. He also wanted to teach them the Babylonian language and have them read things that had been written in the Babylonian language.

LEB youths who _⌊have no physical defect_⌋,[fn] and who are _⌊handsome_⌋,[fn] and who are prudent[fn] in all wisdom and _⌊endowed with knowledge_⌋,[fn] and who understand insight, and who have the _⌊ability_⌋[fn] in them to serve in the palace of the king. And the king ordered him to teach them the literature and the language of the Chaldeans.

1:4 Literally “there is not in them any physical defect”

1:4 Literally “good/pleasing of appearance”

1:4 Or “insightful”

1:4 Literally “who have knowledge of knowledge”

1:4 Literally “strength”

BBE Young men who were strong and healthy, good-looking, and trained in all wisdom, having a good education and much knowledge, and able to take positions in the king's house; and to have them trained in the writing and language of the Chaldaeans.

Moff youths who had no bodily blemish, who were good-looking, intelligent in all branches of knowledge, adepts in learning, accomplished scholars, and competent to take their place in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the literature and the language of the Chaldeans.

JPS youths in whom was no blemish, but fair to look on, and skilful in all wisdom, and skilful in knowledge, and discerning in thought, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

ASV youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

DRA Children in whom there was no blemish, well favoured, and skillful in all wisdom, acute in knowledge, and instructed in science, and such as might stand in the king’s palace, that he might teach them the learning, and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

YLT lads in whom there is no blemish, and of good appearance, and skilful in all wisdom, and possessing knowledge, and teaching thought, and who have ability to stand in the palace of the king, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.

Drby youths in whom was no blemish, and of goodly countenance, and skilful in all wisdom, and acquainted with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.

RV youths in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

SLT Children whom not any blemish in them, and good of aspect, and understanding in all wisdom, and knowing knowledge, and understanding intelligence, and to whom power in them to stand in the king’s temple, and to teach them the writing and tongue of the chaldees.

Wbstr Children in whom was no blemish, but of good appearance, and skillful in all wisdom, and intelligent in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.

KJB-1769 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

KJB-1611 Children in whom was no blemish, but well fauoured, and skilfull in all wisedome, and cunning in knowledge, and vnderstanding science, and such as had abilitie in them to stand in the Kings palace, and whom they might teach the learning, and the tongue of the Caldeans.
(Children in whom was no blemish, but well-favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the Kings palace, and whom they might teach the learning, and the tongue of the Chaldeans.)

Bshps Springaldes without any blemishe, but well fauoured, studious in al wisdome, skilfull for knowledge, able to vtter knowledge, & such as haue liuelinesse in the that they may stand in the kinges palace: & whom they might teache the learning & the toung of the Chaldeans.
(Springaldes without any blemish, but well-favoured, studious in all wisdom, skilful for knowledge, able to utter knowledge, and such as have liueliness in the that they may stand in the kings palace: and whom they might teach the learning and the towng of the Chaldeans.)

Gnva Children in whome was no blemish, but well fauoured, and instruct in all wisedome, and well seene in knowledge, and able to vtter knowledge, and such as were able to stande in the kings palace, and whome they might teach the learning, and the tongue of the Caldeans.
(Children in whom was no blemish, but well-favoured, and instruct in all wisdom, and well seen in knowledge, and able to utter knowledge, and such as were able to stand in the kings palace, and whom they might teach the learning, and the tongue of the Chaldeans. )

Cvdl yoge spryngaldes with out eny blemish but fayre ad welfauored, instructe in all wisdome, connynge and vnderstodinge: which were able to stonde in the kynges palace, to reade, and to lerne for to speake Caldeish.
(young springaldes with out any blemish but fair and welfauored, instructe in all wisdom, cunning and understanding: which were able to stand in the kings palace, to reade, and to learn for to speak Chaldeesh.)

Wycl faire in schap, and lerned in al wisdom, war in kunnyng, and tauyt in chastisyng, and that myyten stonde in the paleis of the kyng, that he schulde teche hem the lettris and langage of Caldeis.
(fair in schap, and learned/learnt in all wisdom, war in cunning, and taught in chastising, and that might stand in the palace of the king, that he should teach hem the lettris and language of Chaldees.)

Luth Knaben, die nicht gebrechlich wären, sondern schöne, vernünftige, weise, kluge und verständige, die da geschickt wären, zu dienen in des Königs Hofe und zu lernen chaldäische Schrift und Sprache.
(boys/lads, the not frail would_be, rather beautiful, reasonablee, wise, wise/clever and sensible/understandinge, the there sent would_be, to/for serve/be_of_service in the kings Hofe and to/for learn chaldäische writing and language.)

ClVg pueros in quibus nulla esset macula, decoros forma, et eruditos omni sapientia, cautos scientia, et doctos disciplina, et qui possent stare in palatio regis, ut doceret eos litteras et linguam Chaldæorum.
(boys in/into/on to_whom none was blemish/stain, decoros form, and learnt all wisdom, cautos knowledge/skill, and doctos discipline, and who/which they_could to_stand in/into/on palace king, as to_teach them letters and tongue/language Chaldæorum. )

SOTN SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 1:1–21: Daniel and his friends began to serve King Nebuchadnezzar

This section forms the introduction to the first division and to the book of Daniel as a whole. It tells how some Hebrew boys came to live in Babylon and serve the Babylonian king.

God allowed the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, to defeat the king of Judah. King Nebuchadnezzar ordered his chief official to choose some boys from Judah and to train them to work in the government of Babylon. Daniel and his three friends were among these boys. They excelled in their studies and the king was pleased with the wise advice they gave.

The phrase “the Lord delivered” (“Adonay gave” in Hebrew) occurs in 1:2, the phrase “God had granted” (“Elohim had given” in Hebrew) occurs in 1:9, and the phrase “God gave” (“Elohim gave” in Hebrew) occurs in 1:17. (1:2a, 1:9, 1:17a). The author used these phrases to emphasize that the Lord is sovereign over the events of history and the lives of his people. God has authority over what happens to Gentile nations and also what happens to his people. This is the theme of this chapter.

Paragraph 1:3–5

King Nebuchadnezzar decided to train some of the Israelite captives to serve him in his royal court.

1:4

The king told Ashpenaz to choose only qualified young men to serve in his palace. This verse lists the qualities the young men were required to have. Translate this list in a way that is natural in your language. You may use either indirect or direct speech (see also the General Comments on 1:3 and 1:4–5). It may be natural to start a new sentence here and to use two or more sentences in your translation. For example:

^4a-bThey had to be handsome, intelligent, well-trained, quick to learn, and free from physical defects, ^4cso that they would be qualified to serve in the royal court. (GNT)

^4aKing Nebuchadnezzar wanted only young Israelite men who had nothing wrong with them. They were to be handsome ^4band well educated, capable of learning and understanding, ^4cand able to serve in his palace. (NCV)

^4a“Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. ^4b“Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good sense, ^4cand have the poise needed to serve in the royal palace.” (NLT)

1:4a

young men without blemish, handsome,

He told Ashpenaz these young men should be without any physical defects and good-looking.
Choose^(sing) only handsome and healthy young men,
young, strong, handsome,

young men without blemish: The king wanted these young men to be in good physical condition, without any problems or handicaps that would make it hard for them to serve him.

young men: The exact age of the young men who were chosen is uncertain. This word can refer to boys from the time they were born to the time they were married. It is likely that they were from about fourteen to twenty years old. Here is another way to translate this:

youths (RSV)

without blemish: The Hebrew phrase that the BSB translates as without blemish indicates that the young men should have no physical handicaps or weakness. See 2 Samuel 14:25, where the same Hebrew word for blemish is used. The phrase without blemish can be translated in two major ways:

Using a positive expression. For example:
strong, healthy (NLT)
Using a negative expression:
free from physical defects (GNT)
who had nothing wrong with them (NCV)
without any physical defect (NIV)

handsome: Each culture describes physical beauty in its own way. It is best to use a general term for a male whose appearance is considered pleasant, pleasing, or praiseworthy. For example:

good-looking (GW)

attractive (NET)

1:4b

gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand,

They should be intelligent and knowledgeable. They should also be quick/sharp-witted
young men who are wise, well educated, and quick to learn.
smart, educated, teachable,

In this verse part the author used three expressions that are similar in meaning.

gifted in all wisdom: The Hebrew phrase that the BSB translates as gifted in all wisdom is more literally “having insight in all wisdom.” It probably emphasizes natural ability. Other ways to translate this include:

skilful in all wisdom (RSV)

intelligent (GNT)

smart (CEV)

knowledgeable: The Hebrew expression that the BSB translates as knowledgeable is more literally “knowing knowledge.” It probably refers to someone who has learned a lot of information. Other ways to translate this include:

well-trained (GNT)

well informed (NIV)

well-educated (NET)

quick to understand: The Hebrew expression that the BSB translates as quick to understand is more literally “discerning/understanding of knowledge.” It probably refers to the ability to quickly perceive and understand something. Other ways to translate this include:

having keen insight (NET)

quick to learn (GNT)

discerning (NJB)

1:4c

and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—

and capable of serving in the royal palace.
They must be able to serve in my court.
and competent to work for me.

and qualified to serve in the king’s palace: The Hebrew phrase that the BSB translates as qualified to serve in the king’s palace indicates that these men were to be capable of serving in Nebuchadnezzar’s court. Other ways to translate this include:

suited to serve in the royal palace (NLT)

competent to serve in the king’s palace (NRSV)

able to serve in his palace (NCV)

to serve in the king’s palace: The Hebrew expression that the BSB translates as to serve in the king’s palace is literally “to stand in the king’s palace,” as in the KJV. It is an idiom that refers to serving the king in some official way. Other ways to translate this include:

to serve in the royal court (GNT)

serving in the royal palace (NJPS)

entering the king’s royal service (NET)

palace: The palace was not simply the king’s house. It included a throne room where the king met ambassadors and other official visitors. There was also a large courtyard in front of the throne room and a special hall for banquets. Living quarters and storage rooms surrounded these main parts of the palace. If such palaces are not known in your area, you may be able to use a word or phrase that describes the residence of an important person. Here is another way to translate this:

royal court (GNT)

1:4d

and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

The king ordered Ashpenaz to teach these young men the Babylonian language. He wanted them to study the books that the Babylonians had written.
Teach^(sing) them how to read and write our^(incl) language. Then have them study what our^(incl) people have written in books.”
Make/Have^(sing) them learn to read and write our^(incl) Chaldean/Chaldee language, and also make/have them study Chaldean/Chaldee literature.

and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans: The Hebrew text refers first to literature and then to language. The BSB reverses the order of the two words. This is more natural in English. Order these words in the way that is most natural in your language.

language: The Hebrew word that the BSB translates as language is literally “tongue.” Here it is probably used as a figure of speech to refer to speaking, reading, and writing in a particular language. The Babylonian language, Akkadian, used a different writing system than Hebrew did.

literature: The Hebrew word that the BSB translates as literature is literally “book.” Those who advised the king had to study and know the Babylonian texts. Other ways to translate this include:

the learning (KJV)

the writings (REB)

the Chaldeans: The Hebrew name that the BSB translates as Chaldeans can indicate different groups, depending on the context. Here it apparently refers to the people of Babylonia in general. Your language may have a special way to refer to an ethnic group of people. Translate this group name in a way that is natural in your language.

There are several possibilities for translating this name:

Use a name that refers to the Babylonian people. For example:
the Babylon people
the Babylonians (GW)
Use a name that is based on the name Chaldeans. For example, “the Chald people” or “Chaldea people.” Here is another way to translate this:
the Chaldeans (NRSV)
Include a reference to both of the names above. For example,
the Chaldeans, that is, the Babylonians
Use a pronoun referring to the Babylonians. Use the appropriate pronoun for direct or indirect speech. For example:
their language
our language (CEV)

Since Babylon was already mentioned in 1:1, translating the word Chaldeans as “Babylonians” here may be the best choice. However, if the church in your area prefers the name Chaldeans, you may want to include a footnote. The footnote should explain that these two names refer to the same people.

Parallel DAN 1:4