Their original Hebrew names
One of the most amazing examples of biblical faith is found in the story of Daniel and his three companions: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three men are well known to many people, but did you know these are not their actual names? They were given Babylonian pagan names when they were exiled from Jerusalem to encourage them to forget their roots. Originally, they were known as Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.
God is Within Each Name
The original Hebrew names of these three men all have something important in common. Like the name “Daniel,” these names all contain a piece of the holy names of the one God of Israel: either Elohim or Yahweh.
- Daniel דָנִיֵּאל : “God (el) has judged (dan)”
- Hananiah חֲנַנְיָה : “The Lord (yah) has been gracious (hanan)”
- Mishael מִישָׁאֵל : “Who is like (misha) God (el)?”
- Azariah עֲזַרְיָה : “The Lord (yah) has helped (azar)”
Uncover the authentic bedrock of Scripture
These three brave Jewish men boldly refused idolatry and willingly allowed the wicked King Nebuchadnezzar to throw them into a superheated furnace. Miraculously they survived! When we explore the meaning of their real names in the original Hebrew, we get a better understanding of the source of their mind-boggling courage: their rock-solid faith in God. Enroll today in our live online Biblical Hebrew course and uncover the authentic bedrock of Scripture.