The name Daniel signifies "God (El) is my judge." Although the most famous Daniel is the protagonist of the Book of Daniel, renowned for his ability to interpret dreams and receive apocalyptic visions, the Bible also briefly mentions three other individuals with this name:

 

In the Book of Ezekiel (14:14, 14:20, and 28:3), there is reference to a legendary Daniel celebrated for his wisdom and righteousness. Ezekiel mentions him alongside Noah and Job, implying their righteousness. The author of the Book of Daniel appears to have drawn inspiration from this legendary figure, known for his wisdom, to create the central character of his narrative.

 

The Book of Ezra (8:2) introduces a priest named Daniel who accompanied Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem.

 

The First Book of Chronicles (3:1) records a son of David named Daniel.

 

Additionally, Daniel (Dn'il or Danel) is also a figure in the Aqhat legend from Ugarit, known for his righteousness and wisdom as a follower of the god El. Although it's unlikely that Ezekiel knew of the much older Canaanite legend, there seems to be some connection between the two. The authors of the Book of Daniel may have drawn from Ezekiel's mention of Daniel, rather than the Ugaritic legend, for their protagonist.

 

The Book of Daniel comprises tales set in the Babylonian and Persian courts during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, along with visionary passages depicting the distant future. These tales, believed to have been written between the 3rd and early 2nd centuries BCE, were later expanded with the addition of visions between 167 and 164 BCE.

 

The narrative begins with Daniel and his companions being taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar, where they resist the king's offerings to avoid defilement. Daniel's ability to interpret dreams and visions leads to his prominence in the courts of Babylon and Persia, where he challenges pagan practices and demonstrates unwavering faith in God.

 

The Book of Daniel also contains additional tales in Greek texts, including the story of Susanna, where Daniel exposes the falsehoods of corrupt elders, and Bel and the Dragon, featuring Daniel's encounters with pagan priests and a giant serpent.

 

Regarding Daniel's fate, the last mention in the Book of Daniel places him in the third year of Cyrus. Rabbinic sources suggest he was alive during the reign of Ahasuerus but was later killed by Haman, Ahasuerus's prime minister. Various traditions claim different locations for Daniel's tomb, with Susa in Iran being the most famous, serving as a pilgrimage site.

 

In Christian tradition, Daniel is referenced in the New Testament and commemorated in various liturgical calendars, including the Coptic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, where he is celebrated alongside the Three Young Men. The Roman Catholic Church honors St. Daniel on July 21st, while the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod commemorates Daniel and the Three Young Men on December 17th.