Daniel 1:16

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Daniel 1:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.
Daniel 1:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Daniel 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, etc.] To himself, as the Syriac version adds; he took and carried it to his own family, and made use of it himself; and the portion of four such young gentlemen, maintained at the king’s expense, and who had their provision from his table, must be, especially in the course of three years, of great advantage to this man and his family; for this was continued, as the word signifies, and may be rendered, “and Melzar was taking away etc.”f54; so he did from time to time; and thus, by serving the Lord’s people, he served himself: and the wine that they should drink; which he also took for his own use: and gave them pulse; to eat, and water to…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat ... - Doubtless permanently. The experiment had been satisfactory, and it was inferred that if the course of temperance could be practiced for ten days without unhappy results, there would be safety in suffering it to be continued. We may remark on this: I. That the experiment was a most important one, not only for the object then immediately in view, but for furnishing lessons of permanent instruction adapted to future times. It was worth one such trial, and it was desirable to have one such illustration of the effect of temperance recorded. There are so strong propensities in our nature to indulgence; there are so many temptations set before…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Dan 1:11 Daniel 1:17”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification