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Daniel 1:10
ESV and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.”
NIV but the official told Daniel, 'I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.'
NASB The commander of the officials said to Daniel, 'I am afraid of my lord the king, who has allotted your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking gaunt in comparison to the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the king.'
CSB yet he said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and drink. What if he sees your faces looking thinner than the other young men your age? You would endanger my life with the king."
NLT But he responded, 'I am afraid of my lord the king, who has ordered that you eat this food and wine. If you become pale and thin compared to the other youths your age, I am afraid the king will have me beheaded.'
KJV And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.

What does Daniel 1:10 mean?

Ashpenaz (Daniel 1:3) hesitated to grant Daniel's request (Daniel 1:8), because he was responsible for preparing these young men for service to king Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:4–5). Kings during Daniel's era held absolute, unlimited power over their subjects. Anything, especially disobedience, could lead to death. Later in this book we learn how Nebuchadnezzar punished Daniel's three friends for refusing to worship his idol (Daniel 3). The king might execute Ashpenaz if a trainee deviated from their reeducation plan and ended up in worse shape than other captives.

Yet Scripture indicates Ashpenaz had a loving respect for Daniel (Daniel 1:9). Daniel realizes his conviction creates risks for others, so he proposes a test. He does not bargain or compromise or suggest he will accept the king's food. Daniel only asks his captors to see what happens and act as they see fit (Daniel 1:12–13).
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