Daniel
Pronounced DAN-yul
- Meaning
- "God is my judge"
- Origin
- Hebrew
Daniel means "God is my judge" in Hebrew, reflecting a life lived entirely under divine authority rather than human opinion. The prophet Daniel is renowned for his unwavering faithfulness to God even while serving in the courts of pagan empires. Taken captive to Babylon as a young man, Daniel refused to compromise his faith. He interpreted dreams for kings, received apocalyptic visions about the future of nations, and survived being thrown into a den of lions because God shut the mouths of the beasts. Daniel's commitment to prayer — praying three times daily even when it was made illegal — serves as an enduring example of spiritual discipline. His name reminds every believer that ultimately it is God's judgment, not man's, that defines our lives.
Spiritual meaning
Daniel's name proclaims that God alone is the true judge. His life of unwavering integrity in hostile environments inspires us to live faithfully regardless of cultural pressures.
Related verses (KJV)
"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."
Daniel 6:22 (KJV)
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat."
Daniel 1:8 (KJV)