Old Testament
Daniel 1:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Daniel remained in service there all the way until the 1st year of King Cyrus.
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And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
What Daniel 1:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Daniel was a young man taken from his homeland to serve in a foreign court. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained faithful to his beliefs and values. His dedication and wisdom earned him a respected position. He served through various kings, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Daniel's story shows us the importance of staying true to ourselves, even in difficult circumstances. His life reminds us that our choices can have lasting impacts, not just for ourselves but for those around us. By remaining committed to our principles, we can navigate life's challenges with integrity and purpose. Daniel's journey continued until the first year of King Cyrus, highlighting his long-term influence and the significance of perseverance in our lives. His legacy encourages us to be steadfast in our commitments, regardless of the environment we find ourselves in. Daniel's experience teaches us that faithfulness can lead to opportunities and recognition, even in the most unlikely situations.
How to apply Daniel 1:21 to your life
Consider how you can remain true to your values in challenging situations. Reflect on the importance of perseverance in your own life. Like Daniel, strive to make choices that reflect your beliefs, even when faced with adversity. Your commitment can inspire others and create a lasting impact in your community. Stay resilient and focused on your goals, no matter the obstacles you encounter. “Be steadfast in your commitments.”
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
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Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
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Daniel

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Daniel 1:21
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Daniel
- Author
- Daniel the prophet
- Written
- Around 530 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Exiled Jews and future generations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Daniel 1:21 teach about perseverance?
Daniel 1:21 illustrates the theme of perseverance by showing how Daniel remained in service through various kings until the first year of King Cyrus. His ability to adapt and stay committed to his values in a foreign court highlights the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. This verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our commitments, demonstrating that perseverance can lead to long-term influence and respect.
How can I apply Daniel's example to my life?
You can apply Daniel's example by staying true to your values and beliefs, even when faced with difficult circumstances. Like Daniel, strive to make choices that reflect your integrity and wisdom. This might mean standing firm in your principles at work or in personal relationships. By doing so, you not only honor your commitments but also inspire those around you to do the same.
Why is Daniel's story significant in the Bible?
Daniel's story is significant because it illustrates key themes such as faithfulness, integrity, and adaptability. His experiences in a foreign court serve as a powerful example of how to navigate life's challenges while staying true to one's beliefs. Daniel's legacy encourages readers to maintain their principles and demonstrates that faithfulness can have a lasting impact on both personal and communal levels.
What lessons can we learn from Daniel's service to King Cyrus?
From Daniel's service to King Cyrus, we learn the importance of adaptability and resilience. Despite the changes in leadership and the challenges he faced, Daniel remained committed to his role and his values. This teaches us that being adaptable while holding onto our principles can lead to opportunities for influence and respect, even in unfamiliar or challenging situations.
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