דָּנִיֵּאל

Danijel, the Hebrew prophet

Definition

The name דָּנִיֵּאל (Dânîyêʼl) refers to the prophet Daniel, a central figure in the Book of Daniel. It means 'God is my judge,' a meaning highlighted in the narrative when Daniel's righteous character and divine wisdom repeatedly serve as God's judgment against the corrupt practices of the Babylonian and Persian courts (e.g., Daniel 5:27-28). In the biblical text, the name appears in both Hebrew and Aramaic sections, consistently identifying the exiled Judean who rises to prominence as an interpreter of dreams and visions. The book presents Daniel in two primary roles: a court administrator and advisor (Daniel 1-6) and a recipient of apocalyptic visions concerning future kingdoms and God's ultimate sovereignty (Daniel 7-12).

Biblical Usage

The name is used exclusively in the Book of Daniel, appearing 43 times. It is used in both narrative contexts, referring to Daniel as a character in the court stories (e.g., Daniel 1:6, 2:13), and in the visionary contexts, where he is the recipient of divine revelations (e.g., Daniel 7:1, 8:1). A significant pattern is its use in the third person in narratives and the first person ('I, Daniel') in the apocalyptic visions from chapter 7 onward, marking a shift in literary style and perspective.

Etymology

The name is a compound of two elements: דָּן (dân), from the verb meaning 'to judge,' and אֵל (ʼêl), meaning 'God.' Thus, it translates to 'God is my judge.' The form in the Book of Daniel is the Aramaic cognate corresponding to the Hebrew name דָּנִיֵּאל (H1840), which also appears in other books (e.g., Ezekiel 14:14, 20) referring to a legendary righteous figure, possibly the same person.

Semantic Range

Daniel's name and life embody the theme of God's sovereignty over human empires and His role as the ultimate judge. His experiences in exile demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant people even in a foreign land. The apocalyptic visions given to Daniel are foundational for biblical eschatology, revealing God's plan for history and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom (Daniel 2:44, 7:13-14). Understanding the name 'God is my judge' underscores the book's core message: human authorities are temporary, but God's judgment and kingdom are eternal.

In the ancient Near East, names were often theophoric, containing the name of a deity, and expressed a statement about the god's character or a parent's hope. 'Daniel' asserts the supremacy of the God of Israel (El) as the true judge, a bold claim in the polytheistic Babylonian culture where Daniel lived. His Hebrew name was retained in the court, unlike his friends who received Babylonian names (Daniel 1:7), possibly indicating his distinctive, unwavering identity.

דָּנִיֵּאל (Dânîyêʼl, H1840) — The Hebrew form of the same name, used outside the Book of Daniel (e.g., Ezekiel 14:14).

Word Details

Scripture References