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Daniel 1:14

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Daniel 1:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten days.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
Daniel 1:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Daniel 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11Then said Daniel to the steward whom the prince of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
12Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
13Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the youths that eat of the king`s dainties; and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.
14So he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
15And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths that did eat of the king`s dainties.
16So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.
17Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“So he consented to them in all this matter, etc.] Or, “hearkened to them”f53; being convinced that it was a very reasonable request, and the matter was fairly put; and especially as he saw, if it succeeded to their wish, it would be to his profit; since the meat and drink of these four persons would be his perquisite, and fetch him money; pulse and water being to be obtained at an easy rate: and proved them ten days; tried the experiment, by giving them pulse and water only during this time, in order to see how it would agree with them; and whether any visible alteration could be discerned in their countenances, so as to bring him or his master into suspicion and danger.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“So he consented to them in this matter - Hebrew, “he heard them in this thing.” The experiment was such, since it was to be for so short a time, that he ran little risk in the matter, as at the end of the ten days he supposed that it would be easy to change their mode of diet if the trial was unsuccessful. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification