Thematic Bible: Abstinence from


Thematic Bible



Now {Daniel resolved} that he would not defile himself with the fine food of the king, and with {the wine that he drank}, and [so] he requested from the commander of the court officials [permission so] that he would not defile himself. Verse ConceptsAbstinenceConformityAlcoholCivil authoritiesDefilement, Ceremonial CausesGood Decision Making ExamplesDecisivenessLuxurySelf DenialSelf DisciplineSelf IndulgenceTemptation, ResistingForbidden FoodDefilementEating Meatpork

I had not eaten [any] choice food, and meat and wine did not enter my mouth, and {I did not use any ointment} {until the end of three whole weeks}. Verse ConceptsAbstinenceAnointing With OilLipsMeatOintmentSelf DenialTen Or More DaysNot Drinking WineAnointing OneselfSavourinessEating Meat

And the king assigned to them {his daily portion} from the fine food of the king, and from {the wine that he drank}, and [instructed that] {they were to be educated for three years}. And at the end [of] their [training], {they were to be stationed} {before} the king. Verse ConceptsThree YearsProviding WinePeople TeachingOnce A DayForbidden FoodRich FoodServing KingsDividing FoodAssignmentEducation

{So} the guard {continued to withhold} their fine food and the wine of their drink, and he gave them vegetables. Verse ConceptsVegetables


There were no restrictions on the drinking, for the king had instructed every official of his palace to do as each one pleased. Verse ConceptsAbstinenceAlcohol ConsumptionUnlimitednessNo Compulsion