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Meaning of Daniel in the Bible

Author:: The Lord Will Editorial Team
Reviewed by:: Ugo Candido, Engineer
Last updated:: May 20, 2026
Category:: Biblical Names

Language: Hebrew

Meaning

“God is my judge”

Daniel was a young Hebrew nobleman carried into Babylonian exile under Nebuchadnezzar, where he rose to prominence through God-given wisdom and unwavering integrity. Refusing to defile himself with the king's food, Daniel and his companions demonstrated from the start that loyalty to God supersedes political pressure. He interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's disturbing dreams, revealing the rise and fall of world empires and God's ultimate kingdom (Daniel 2). Under Belshazzar, he decoded the ominous writing on the wall the very night Babylon fell (Daniel 5). Even when a royal decree outlawed prayer, Daniel knelt three times daily toward Jerusalem — and survived the lion's den unharmed. His apocalyptic visions in chapters 7–12 reveal the Ancient of Days, the Son of Man, and the end of ages. Daniel's life testifies that God honors those who honor Him, that no earthly throne outlasts God's sovereignty, and that faithful prayer changes history.

Scripture References for Daniel

2 key passages featuring this name

Daniel 1:6

“Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:”

Daniel 6:22

“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”

Devotional Note

Daniel's secret was not extraordinary talent but extraordinary faithfulness in ordinary moments — daily prayer, careful integrity, quiet courage. He did not wait for a crisis to decide whose side he was on; that decision was already made. In a world that constantly pressures believers to blend in, Daniel invites us to open our windows toward God and pray anyway. The same Spirit who shut the mouths of lions is alive in you. Whatever Babylon you navigate today, God remains your judge — and your defender.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Daniel mean in Hebrew?

Daniel comes from two Hebrew components: 'Dan' (דָּן), meaning 'to judge,' and 'El' (אֵל), meaning 'God.' Together, Daniel means 'God is my judge.' This name reflects a profound theological conviction — that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone, not to earthly kings or empires. For Daniel himself, this meaning was lived out dramatically: he stood before some of the most powerful monarchs in history, yet acknowledged only God as his supreme authority. The name appears both for the famous Babylonian prophet and for a son of David mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:1.

Why is Daniel important in the Bible?

Daniel is one of Scripture's greatest models of faith under foreign domination. Taken captive as a teenager, he served in the Babylonian and later Persian courts for over seventy years without compromising his devotion to God. He proved that godly wisdom surpasses pagan learning, that prayer is worth any cost, and that God rules over all human kingdoms. His prophetic visions, particularly the 'Son of Man coming on clouds of glory' (Daniel 7:13), are foundational to New Testament eschatology — Jesus explicitly identified Himself with this figure. Daniel's book is quoted throughout Revelation and shaped how the early church understood history and hope.

Related Biblical Names

Esther

“Star”

Miriam

“Beloved”

The Name Daniel in God’s Word

Names in Scripture carry deep significance. Daniel — meaning “God is my judge” — reflects a truth about identity, purpose, and God’s design. Meditate on these passages to understand what this name reveals about God’s character and His people.