Nepedia
Back to Discover
Fluent Reader
📖

Daniel (biblical figure)

philosophy religion Maturity 11-13 religion Next article →

This article covers sensitive topics: religion. Parents can manage visibility in Parental Controls.

Daniel is a famous figure from the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible. He was a noble Jewish youth from Jerusalem who was taken to Babylon.

Daniel refuse kingsfood
Daniel refuse kingsfood

The king, Nebuchadnezzar II, kept him in his court. Daniel served many kings with loyalty and great skill. He stayed true to the God of Israel during his time in captivity. His name means "God is my judge." Many people find his story interesting because of his wisdom and faith.

Daniel's Answer to the King, by Briton Riviere, GMIII MCAG 1937 123-001
Daniel's Answer to the King, by Briton Riviere, GMIII MCAG 1937 123-001

Daniel's life involved many amazing events and visions. He and three friends were chosen for their intellect and beauty.

Chester Beatty T 414 fol 94v Danyal and Nebuchadnezzar
Chester Beatty T 414 fol 94v Danyal and Nebuchadnezzar

They were given new Babylonian names, like Belteshazzar. Daniel and his friends refused the king's food to stay pure. This choice helped them receive wisdom from God. Daniel became famous for interpreting dreams for the kings. One famous story tells of Daniel being saved from a den of lions by an angel. He also had many visions about the future of the world.

Prophet Daniel
Prophet Daniel

Scholars have many different ideas about the history of Daniel. Some conservative scholars believe he was a real person from the 6th century BCE. Most other scholars think the character was based on older legends. They believe the book might be a way to talk about the king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The stories in the first part of the book may date to the 3rd or 2nd centuries BCE. The visions in the second part were likely added later, between 167 and 164 BCE.

Guido Reni - Susannah and the Elders NG196
Guido Reni - Susannah and the Elders NG196

Different religions view Daniel in their own special ways. In Christianity, he is considered a prophet. Muslim sources also describe him as a prophet. In Judaism, he is not called a prophet. Instead, rabbis saw him as a very distinguished and holy man. He was known for his great piety and good deeds. He followed the Law even when surrounded by enemies.

Daniel refuse kingsfood
Daniel refuse kingsfood

People still remember Daniel through many traditions today. Six different cities claim to have his tomb. These cities are Babylon, Kirkuk, Muqdadiyah, Susa, Malamir, and Samarkand.

The most famous site is in Susa, located in southern Iran. This place is known as Shush-e Daniyal. It is a popular site for people to make special journeys. Many stories and beautiful artworks have been made about his life over the centuries.

377 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:BLW Stained Glass - Scene from the Story of Daniel.jpg
BLW Stained Glass - Scene from the Story...
File:Daniel refuse kingsfood.jpg
Daniel refuse kingsfood.jpg
File:Guido Reni - Susannah and the Elders NG196.jpg
Guido Reni - Susannah and the Elders NG196.jpg
File:TombofDaniel 20211107 kasra.jpg
TombofDaniel 20211107 kasra.jpg
File:Daniel's Answer to the King, by Briton Riviere, GMIII MCAG 1937 123-001.jpg
Daniel's Answer to the King, by Briton...
File:Prophet Daniel.jpg
Prophet Daniel.jpg
File:Chester_Beatty_T_414_fol_94v_Danyal_and_Nebuchadnezzar.jpg
Chester_Beatty_T_414_fol_94v_Danyal_and_Ne...
More to explore

🔬 Go deeper

More advanced topics to explore

🪜 Step back

Simpler topics to build understanding

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.