Book of Daniel — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 12 · Written by: Daniel · Approximate date: c. 605–535 BC · Theme: Jehovah's Sovereignty over All Kingdoms

Summary of the Book of Daniel

Daniel blends remarkable narrative accounts and prophetic visions to show that Jehovah is sovereign over all human empires and history. Daniel 2:44 foretells Jehovah's Kingdom that will crush all rival governments and stand forever.

The book of Daniel is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 12 chapters. It was written by Daniel approximately c. 605–535 BC. The central theme running throughout Daniel is jehovah's sovereignty over all kingdoms — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Daniel

  • Dan 2:44
  • Dan 3:17–18
  • Dan 6:26

Notable Passages in Daniel

Daniel 2:44

The prophecy that 'the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed' is foundational to JW understanding of Jehovah's Kingdom as the only lasting government.

Daniel 3:17–18

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's declaration 'even if he does not' deliver us exemplifies absolute integrity before Jehovah regardless of consequences — the 'even if not' faith.

Daniel 6:26

Darius' proclamation that Daniel's God 'is the living God and he endures forever' shows how faithful integrity can move even pagan rulers to acknowledge Jehovah's sovereignty.

Study Questions for Daniel

As you read the book of Daniel, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. How did Daniel and his three companions (chapters 1–6) demonstrate that it is possible to maintain integrity under intense pressure from a hostile world power?
  2. What does Daniel 2:44 — Jehovah setting up a kingdom that will never be destroyed — teach about the certainty of Jehovah's Kingdom?
  3. How did the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (chapter 3) exemplify the 'even if not' faith that Jehovah's Witnesses may need during persecution?
  4. What does the prophecy of the Gentile Times (Daniel 4) and the great image in Daniel 2 reveal about the succession of world powers and Jehovah's timetable?
  5. How does Daniel's faithful prayer practice — praying three times daily regardless of the royal decree (chapter 6) — teach the importance of consistent, regular worship?

How to Study Daniel with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 12 chapters of Daniel in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Daniel as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Daniel

The book of Daniel is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Journey through all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
  • Major Prophets in 90 Days — Read Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel in 90 days. (90 days, 183 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

Continue Reading the Hebrew Scriptures

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