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Daniel 1:20
ESV And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.
NIV In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
NASB As for every matter of expertise and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the soothsayer priests and conjurers who were in all his realm.
CSB In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and mediums in his entire kingdom.
NLT Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.
KJV And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

What does Daniel 1:20 mean?

Archaeological discoveries have indicated ancient Babylon was advanced beyond other cultures in literature, mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences. Daniel, his three friends, and the other captured youths would have received instruction in these disciplines (Daniel 1:1–7). Surely, Nebuchadnezzar quizzed all of them in these subjects (Daniel 1:17–19). He found Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah far superior in their knowledge than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom. That they are said to be "ten times better" is a figure of speech emphasizing their clear superiority as counselors and advisors.

Therefore, Nebuchadnezzar graduated the four Hebrew youths to positions of honor in his court. God had given Daniel and his three friends wisdom that far outstripped the worldly wisdom of the Chaldeans. Centuries earlier Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22). The Lord prepared him well to function as Israel's deliverer and leader just as He prepared Daniel in the literature, language, culture, and sciences of the Chaldeans to demonstrate the wisdom of God before Nebuchadnezzar and others.
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