Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. New Living Translation Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. English Standard Version And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. Berean Standard Bible In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. King James Bible And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. New King James Version And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. New American Standard Bible As for every matter of expertise and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the soothsayer priests and conjurers who were in all his realm. NASB 1995 As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm. NASB 1977 And as for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm. Legacy Standard Bible And as for every matter of wisdom in understanding which the king sought from them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his kingdom. Amplified Bible In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the [learned] magicians and enchanters (Magi) in his whole realm. Christian Standard Bible In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and mediums in his entire kingdom. Holman Christian Standard Bible In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them 10 times better than all the diviner-priests and mediums in his entire kingdom. American Standard Version And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his realm. Contemporary English Version From then on, whenever the king asked for advice, he found their wisdom was ten times better than that of any of his other advisors and magicians. English Revised Version And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his realm. GOD'S WORD® Translation Whenever the king asked them about things that required wisdom and insight, he found that they knew ten times more than all the magicians and psychics in his whole kingdom. Good News Translation No matter what question the king asked or what problem he raised, these four knew ten times more than any fortuneteller or magician in his whole kingdom. International Standard Version In every matter of wisdom or understanding that the king discussed with them, he found them ten times superior to all the astrologers and enchanters in his entire palace. NET Bible In every matter of wisdom and insight the king asked them about, he found them to be ten times better than any of the magicians and astrologers that were in his entire empire. New Heart English Bible In every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters who were in all his realm. Webster's Bible Translation And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times superior to all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. World English Bible In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters who were in all his realm. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand [in] any matter of wisdom [and] understanding that the king has sought of them, he finds them ten hands above all the enchanters, the conjurers, who [are] in all his kingdom. Young's Literal Translation and in any matter of wisdom and understanding that the king hath sought of them, he findeth them ten hands above all the scribes, the enchanters, who are in all his kingdom. Smith's Literal Translation And every word of the wisdom of understanding which the king sought from them, and he will find them ten hands over all the sacred scribes, the enchanters which were in all his kingdom. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the diviners, and wise men, that were in all his kingdom. Catholic Public Domain Version And in every concept of wisdom and understanding, about which the king consulted with them, he found them to be ten times better than all the seers and astrologers put together, who were in his entire kingdom. New American Bible In any question of wisdom or understanding which the king put to them, he found them ten times better than any of the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom. New Revised Standard Version In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd in all matters of wisdom and understanding that the king inquired of them he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in his whole realm. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And every word of wisdom and of understanding that the King asked them, he found them excelling ten times more than any Sorcerer and Enchanter that was in his kingdom OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his realm. Brenton Septuagint Translation And in every matter of wisdom and knowledge wherein the king questioned them, he found them ten times wiser than all the enchanters and sorcerers that were in all his kingdom. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Daniel's Wisdom…19And the king spoke with them, and among all the young men he found no one equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the king’s service. 20In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. 21And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.… Cross References Genesis 41:38-39 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?” / Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 1 Kings 4:29-31 And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. / Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. 1 Kings 10:23-24 So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. 2 Chronicles 9:22-23 So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. Isaiah 28:29 This also comes from the LORD of Hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom. Jeremiah 10:7 Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You. Ezekiel 28:3 Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you! Matthew 12:42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. Luke 2:47 And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers. Luke 21:15 For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Acts 6:10 but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. Acts 7:10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. 1 Corinthians 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Treasury of Scripture And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. in all. 1 Kings 4:29-34 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore… 1 Kings 10:1-3,23,24 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions… Psalm 119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. wisdom and understanding. Genesis 31:7 And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. Numbers 14:22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Nehemiah 4:12 And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you. the magicians. Daniel 2:2-11,21-13 Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king… Daniel 4:7,8 Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof… Daniel 5:7,8,17 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom… Jump to Previous Arts Astrologers Better Business Conjurers Consulted Enchanters Enquired Findeth Found Good Inquired Judicious Kingdom Magicians Matter Matters Needing Questioned Questions Realm Scribes Secret Sense Sought Superior Ten Times Understanding Users Wisdom Wonder-WorkersJump to Next Arts Astrologers Better Business Conjurers Consulted Enchanters Enquired Findeth Found Good Inquired Judicious Kingdom Magicians Matter Matters Needing Questioned Questions Realm Scribes Secret Sense Sought Superior Ten Times Understanding Users Wisdom Wonder-WorkersDaniel 1 1. Jehoiakim's captivity.3. Ashpenaz takes Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 8. They refusing the king's portion do prosper with pulse and water. 17. Their proficiency in wisdom. In every matter of wisdom and understanding This phrase highlights the comprehensive nature of Daniel and his friends' abilities. Wisdom and understanding were highly valued in ancient Near Eastern cultures, particularly in royal courts. The Hebrew terms for wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah) and understanding (בִּינָה, binah) often denote not only intellectual acumen but also practical skills and moral insight. This echoes the biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God (Proverbs 2:6). about which the king consulted them he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom Persons / Places / Events 1. Daniel and His FriendsDaniel, along with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were young Jewish men taken into Babylonian captivity. They were chosen to serve in King Nebuchadnezzar's court due to their intelligence and potential. 2. King Nebuchadnezzar The ruler of Babylon who sought to assimilate the best and brightest from the conquered nations into his service. 3. Babylon The empire that conquered Judah and took many of its people, including Daniel and his friends, into exile. 4. Magicians and Enchanters These were the wise men and advisors in the Babylonian court, skilled in various arts and sciences, including astrology and divination. 5. Wisdom and Understanding The qualities that Daniel and his friends exhibited, surpassing the native Babylonian advisors. Teaching Points Divine Wisdom Surpasses Human KnowledgeDaniel and his friends were found ten times better than the magicians and enchanters because their wisdom was from God. Believers should seek wisdom from God, which surpasses worldly knowledge. Faithfulness in Exile Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel and his friends remained faithful to God. Christians are called to maintain their faith and integrity, even in challenging environments. God's Favor in Secular Settings God can elevate His people in secular settings, as seen with Daniel and his friends. Believers should strive to be excellent in their work, trusting God to use them for His purposes. The Power of a Godly Testimony Daniel and his friends' wisdom and understanding were a testimony to the power of God. Our lives should reflect God's wisdom, drawing others to Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Daniel 1:20?2. How can we seek God's wisdom like Daniel in challenging situations today? 3. What does Daniel 1:20 teach about God's provision of knowledge and understanding? 4. How does Daniel's wisdom compare to Solomon's in 1 Kings 3:12-13? 5. In what ways can we apply Daniel's example of faithfulness in our lives? 6. How can we discern and apply God's wisdom in our daily decisions? 7. How does Daniel 1:20 demonstrate God's wisdom surpassing human knowledge? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Daniel 1:20? 9. How does Daniel 1:20 challenge modern views on wisdom and understanding? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 1? 11. How do the details of King Ahab's military campaigns in 1 Kings 20 align or conflict with other biblical passages about his reign? 12. How does Daniel interpret dreams and visions in Babylon? 13. How could four young captives learn and excel in “all wisdom and knowledge” (Daniel 1:17) beyond experienced Babylonian scholars? 14. Is there external evidence outside the Bible confirming Israel's victories over Aram recorded in 1 Kings 20? What Does Daniel 1:20 Mean In every matter of wisdom and understanding- Daniel 1:20 opens with a sweeping statement: “In every matter of wisdom and understanding….” Nothing was outside the scope of the king’s examination. - This breadth shows that God equips His servants comprehensively, echoing Proverbs 2:6, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding,” and James 1:5, where believers are invited to ask God for wisdom. - The phrase also reminds us of Joseph before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:38-39), where godly wisdom again proves superior. - Practical takeaway: When God grants wisdom, it is relevant to “every matter,” not just religious topics—something echoed later when Daniel interprets dreams (Daniel 2:20-23). About which the king consulted them - Nebuchadnezzar’s “consulting” suggests a rigorous interview process (Daniel 1:18-19). This was no casual Q&A; it was the imperial test of Babylon’s finest. - The king’s dependence on their answers parallels how nations sought Solomon’s counsel (1 Kings 4:34). Even pagan rulers instinctively turn to those who exhibit true insight. - God positions His people where leaders will “consult” them, fulfilling Proverbs 22:29: “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings.” - Expectation for believers: Excellence invites influence, giving opportunities to bear witness to God’s truth. He found them ten times better - “Ten times” speaks of an unmistakable margin, highlighting God’s favor (Daniel 1:17) rather than mere human aptitude. - Similar language of abundance appears in Ephesians 3:20, where God “is able to do immeasurably more” than we ask or imagine. - Biblical pattern: when God empowers, the difference is evident—think of Elijah’s fire-consuming altar (1 Kings 18:36-39) or Jesus’ “153 large fish” (John 21:11). - Life application: Our aim is not to be marginally better but markedly different because the Spirit of God dwells in us (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). Than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom - The contrast pits God-given wisdom against occult practices. Babylon was famed for its magicians (Isaiah 47:12-13), yet even they were eclipsed. - This recalls Exodus 7:11-12, where Pharaoh’s sorcerers were outdone by Moses, and Acts 8:9-13, where Simon the sorcerer believed after witnessing superior divine power. - Scripture consistently exposes occultism as powerless next to the living God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Daniel’s superiority is another public refutation. - Believers today still face worldly “experts,” yet 1 John 4:4 reminds us, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” summary Daniel 1:20 illustrates that in every sphere—academic, practical, spiritual—God granted Daniel and his friends such surpassing wisdom that even a pagan emperor acknowledged it. Their excellence sprang from divine gifting, not Babylonian schooling, setting a pattern: when God’s people rely on Him, their competence outshines worldly alternatives, testifying to the supremacy of the Lord who “gives wisdom” and positions His servants before kings. Verse 20. - And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. The Septuagint rendering here has a considerable addition, which really means, as it seems to us, the coalescence of two readings. It reads thus: "And in all learning (λόγῳ, a literal rendering of דָבָר, dabhar, 'a word' or 'thing'), and knowledge and education (παιδείᾳ) whatsoever the king asked of them, he found them ten times wiser than all the wise and learned men in all his kingdom." Thus far the verse is a rendering, almost slavishly close, of the Massoretic text; while the translator has recognized that the sentence is incomplete as it stands, and has inserted σοφωτέρους, and translated עַל (al) by ὑπὲρ. But the translation proceeds, "And the king honoured them, and appointed them rulers." This seems to have been due to a various reading. The sentence here translated was probably, in an old recension of the text, all that stood here, and some scribe, finding it, inserted it here to complete the sentence. The translation, however, proceeds yet further, "And constituted (ἀνεδείξεν) them wiser than all those of his in affairs in all his land and in his kingdom." This sentence has all the appearance of an attempt to render into Greek a piece of Hebrew that the translator imperfectly understood. As we find that ἀναδείκνυμι, represents occasionally הודע, and as the Syriac vav and the old Hebrew ע were almost identical in shape, יֹדע (yod'a,) might be read as ידוה evidently the translator has read חכמים (hacmeem) instead of חַרְטֻמִים (hartummeem), and has transferred the 'al col from before hartummeem to before the next word, which seems to have read, not 'ashshapheem, but hartzo, the relative seems to have been omitted, and the second col, "all." This great variety of reading suggests suspicions of the verse altogether, which the content of the verse rather strengthens. Theodotion is in strict agreement with the Massoretic text. The Peshitta also is at one with it in this, but these are late compared with the Septuagint. It has been tea,sued that the Book of Daniel is a story modelled on the history of Joseph, and the presence of harlummeem here is regarded as a proof of this quasi Egyptian origin (see Genesis 41:8; Exodus 7:11, etc.). One thing is clear, that the word - whatever it was - was unknown in Alexandria, where this translation was made; hartummeern, as occurring in the Pentateuch, the earliest part of the Old Testament translated, was certain to be known: how did the word here happen not to be known? We can understand the phenomenon if some word, probably of Babylonian origin, and unknown in Egypt and Palestine, occupied the place and was modified into a more intelligible shape by being turned into hartummeem. As the verse stands, hartummeem is grammatically placed in apposition to the following word, 'ashshapheem, as there is no conjunction to unite the two words. It is acknowledged by Professor Bevan that the latter word has an Assyrian origin; it is not inconceivable that hartummeem is really the explanatory word, though the arrangement of the words is decidedly against this view. It is to be observed here that 'ashshapheem has been naturalized in Eastern Aramaic, but has not found a lodgment in Western, save in Daniel. We cannot help feeling a little suspicion of the authenticity of this verse. This phrase, "ten times better," has all the look of that exaggeration which became the prevailing vice of later Judaism. As we have indicated, the variations in regard to the precise reading deepen this suspicion. If, however, the reference here is really to Daniel's revelation to the king of his dream, then the statement in the text is less objectionable. This was such a marvellous feat, and one that so put Daniel boys all the wise men of Babylon, that the language of the verse before us is rather rhetorical than exaggerated.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew In everyוְכֹ֗ל (wə·ḵōl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every matter דְּבַר֙ (də·ḇar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause of wisdom חָכְמַ֣ת (ḥā·ḵə·maṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 2451: Wisdom and understanding בִּינָ֔ה (bî·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 998: An understanding about which אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the king הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king consulted בִּקֵּ֥שׁ (biq·qêš) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after them, מֵהֶ֖ם (mê·hem) Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They he found them וַֽיִּמְצָאֵ֞ם (way·yim·ṣā·’êm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present ten עֶ֣שֶׂר (‘e·śer) Number - feminine singular construct Strong's 6235: Ten times יָד֗וֹת (yā·ḏō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 3027: A hand better than עַ֤ל (‘al) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the magicians הָֽאַשָּׁפִ֔ים (hā·’aš·šā·p̄îm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 825: A conjurer, necromancer and enchanters הַֽחַרְטֻמִּים֙ (ha·ḥar·ṭum·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2748: An engraver, writer in his entire בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every kingdom. מַלְכוּתֽוֹ׃ (mal·ḵū·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4438: Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom Links Daniel 1:20 NIVDaniel 1:20 NLT Daniel 1:20 ESV Daniel 1:20 NASB Daniel 1:20 KJV Daniel 1:20 BibleApps.com Daniel 1:20 Biblia Paralela Daniel 1:20 Chinese Bible Daniel 1:20 French Bible Daniel 1:20 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Daniel 1:20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding (Dan. 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