The Bible, King James version, Book 27: Daniel — Reading Notes

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Authors: Anonymous Digital Source: Project Gutenberg Gutenberg Release Year: 2005 First Publication Year: Not confirmed

Key Word: Bible. Daniel Target Reader: Readers of public-domain and historical texts

Book Edition: Project Gutenberg digital edition Book Language: en

Edition facts

Words 14,738

Reading time 65 min

Text sections 2

This digital edition of The Bible, King James version, Book 27: Daniel — Reading Notes is described by source-level measurements including 14,738 words, 1 hr 5 min estimated reading time, and 2 detected text sections.

The text analysis averages about 32.1 words per sentence, while the detected sections provide another way to judge how the source is divided.

Project Gutenberg metadata also associates the work with “Bible. Daniel,” connecting these edition facts with the source record’s subject description.

Source: Project Gutenberg record #8027

An editorial note on the King James Version of Daniel, focusing on its shifts between courtly narrative and apocalyptic vision, the use of first-person testimony, and the rhythmic pacing of its prose.

Editorial Edition Score 4.5/5

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Edition quality

File: pg8027

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This eBook was produced by David Widger with the help of Derek Andrew's text from January 1992 and the work of Bryan Taylor in November 2002.

27:001:001 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.

27:001:002 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

27:001:003 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;

27:001:004 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

27:001:005 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

27:001:006 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

27:001:007 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

27:001:008 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

27:001:009 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

27:001:010 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.

27:001:011 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,

27:001:012 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.

27:001:013 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.

27:001:014 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

27:001:015 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.

27:001:016 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse.

27:001:017 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

27:001:018 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

27:001:019 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

27:001:020 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

27:001:021 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

27:002:001 And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.

27:002:002 Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.

27:002:003 And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.

27:002:004 Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.

27:002:005 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.

27:002:006 But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.

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The Book of Daniel in the King James Version alternates between two distinct modes: a third-person court narrative and a first-person apocalyptic account. The opening chapters (1–6) proceed with a measured, almost legalistic cadence, as in the repeated phrase “the king spake” and the precise listing of Daniel’s companions and their renamed identities. This formal rhythm breaks abruptly in chapter 7, where Daniel’s own voice intrudes: “I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body.” The shift is not merely grammatical but structural—the narrative pace quickens, and the language becomes more visceral, with beasts “diverse from all others” and horns that “speak very great things.”

Courtly Precision and Repetition

The first six chapters rely on formulaic structures that reinforce the authority of the Babylonian court. Phrases such as “the king appointed them a daily provision” and “the prince of the eunuchs gave names” recur with slight variation, creating a sense of ritual. The text lingers on administrative details—the three-year training period, the ten-day test of pulse and water—and the dialogue is often indirect, reported through intermediaries. This repetitive, almost bureaucratic style contrasts with the compressed action of later chapters, where a single verse can span years or kingdoms.

First-Person Disruption in the Visions

Beginning in chapter 7, the narrator shifts to first-person, and the prose becomes more fragmented. Daniel reports his own emotional state: “my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me.” The syntax mirrors his distress, with clauses piling up without conjunctions. The visions themselves are described through a series of abrupt, sensory details—a ram with two horns, a goat “touching not the ground,” a horn with “eyes and a mouth.” The interpretive passages, however, revert to a more measured tone, as if the text itself is struggling to contain the apocalyptic imagery within a rational framework.

Pacing Through Temporal Markers

The narrative’s pace is governed by explicit time references: “In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim,” “at the end of ten days,” “in the third year of king Belshazzar.” These markers anchor the supernatural events in a chronological grid, but they also create a staccato rhythm, especially when combined with the phrase “and it came to pass.” In the visions, time becomes elastic: the four beasts represent successive kingdoms, and the phrase “a time and times and the dividing of time” introduces a cryptic, non-linear measure. This tension between precise dating and symbolic duration gives the book its distinctive, uneven pulse.

Readers may find it useful to track the shift in pronouns and verb tenses as a guide to the book’s structure. The court chapters reward attention to repetition and legal phrasing, while the apocalyptic sections demand a different kind of reading—one that accepts fragmentation and emotional intensity. The King James Version’s rhythm, with its characteristic use of “and” and its preference for parataxis, amplifies both the order of the court and the chaos of the visions.

There's something about Daniel's shift from courtly intrigue to those vast, fevered visions that stays with me long after closing the book. It feels less like reading and more like overhearing a man’s trembling testimony. I find myself returning to the quieter, steadier wisdom of The Bible, King James version, Book 20: Proverbs — A Closer Reading afterward, as if needing to catch my breath in calmer, older company.

Benjamin Baker

3 weeks ago

4 out of 5 (1 User reviews )

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Lauren Meghan Cook - 1 month ago

This edition of Daniel is a must-have for anyone studying prophetic literature. The KJV text is presented cleanly, and the chapter and verse navigation is flawless. I especially appreciated the introduction that provides historical context, making the visions and dreams more accessible. Whether you're a scholar or a casual reader, this digital version is convenient and accurate, allowing for deep reflection on one of the Bible's most fascinating books.

Lauren Cooper - 1 month ago

While the KJV is a classic, this digital version offers no extra value. The lack of any commentary or study aids makes it tricky for modern readers to grasp the historical and cultural nuances. The font size is not adjustable, which is a strain on the eyes. If you're looking for in-depth understanding, look elsewhere; this is just the bare text with minimal user experience.

James Bryan Cox - 2 weeks ago

The KJV Daniel is a solid, traditional translation that remains faithful to the original. The digital format is easy to use, and I found the jump-to-chapter feature handy. However, I wish there were footnotes or explanatory notes to clarify some of the more obscure symbols and prophecies. Still, for a straightforward text, it serves its purpose well.