What was Jewry?

Jewry in Daniel 5:13 refers to the region or land of the Jews, often called Judah or the province of Judea during the time of the Babylonian and later Persian empires. The word “Jewry” is an older English term derived from the Latin Judaeria, which refers to the territory associated with the Jewish people. In the Hebrew context, the underlying term corresponds to Yehud (יְהוּד), meaning Judah, which was the name of both the southern kingdom of Israel and the people associated with it. The term “Jew” (from Hebrew Yehudi) is derived from this same root, and “Jewry” thus refers to the collective people or region of the Jews.

In Daniel 5:13 (KJV), when Belshazzar calls for Daniel, it is said, “Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?” This usage highlights both Daniel’s ethnic and geographic origin—he was a Jew taken from the land of Judah during the Babylonian conquest.

Biblical References

• Daniel 5:13 – The term “Jewry” is used in reference to Daniel’s background.

• Ezra 5:1; Nehemiah 1:2 – The term “Judah” is used repeatedly to refer to the region or people of the Jewish remnant after the exile.

• John 7:1 (KJV) – “Jewry” is also used in the New Testament: “After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.”

• 2 Kings 25:8-21 – The Babylonian conquest of Judah, which led to the exile of many Jews including Daniel.

These verses tie together the geography, history, and covenant identity of the Jewish people in exile and in the land.

Historical and Biblical Background

The term “Jewry” arises from the broader historical context of Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel that remained after the division of the United Monarchy following Solomon‘s reign. Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem, was the seat of the Davidic line, the temple worship, and the priestly order.

In 605–586 BC, Babylonian invasions culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and the exile of the Jewish elite to Babylon. Among these was Daniel, who became a prominent figure in the Babylonian and later Persian courts. In Daniel 5, the term “Jewry” is used by the Babylonian king Belshazzar, indicating a recognition of Daniel‘s ethnic and national identity, even in exile.

This single reference to “Jewry” in Daniel 5 underlines the broader reality of God’s people living in a foreign land, carrying their covenant identity despite being subject to pagan rulers.

Theological Implications

“Jewry” represents more than geography; it signifies the covenant people of God—descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—who were set apart for God’s purposes. Their presence in Babylon as exiles fulfilled the warnings given through prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, who called the nation to repentance.

The use of “Jewry” in Daniel also reflects God’s sovereignty over history. Though Judah had fallen and the temple had been destroyed, God‘s hand was still active in the lives of His people. Daniel, a man from “Jewry,” became God‘s instrument to declare His judgment and plans to Gentile kings.

Literary and Prophetic Significance

The Book of Daniel, including its reference to Jewry, is highly symbolic and prophetic. The term serves as a literary anchor, grounding Daniel’s visions and interpretations in the historical reality of the Jewish exile.

Daniel‘s identity as a man from “Jewry” is repeatedly highlighted to show:

• God preserves His people even in exile.

• The Jewish identity is central to God‘s unfolding plan.

• The God of Israel is not limited by geography—He reigns even in Babylon.

How This Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, is directly connected to Jewry. He was born in Bethlehem of Judah (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6) and ministered among the people of Israel, fulfilling the promises made to the patriarchs.

The identity of Jesus as the Messiah of Israel is central to the gospel. The salvation He brings, while offered to the Gentiles, is rooted in the covenant made with the people of Jewry—a promise that through Abraham’s seed all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16).

In this way, the simple reference to “Jewry” in Daniel 5 reminds us of the continuity of God’s redemptive plan from Old to New Testament, from Judah to Jesus, from exile to restoration.

Broader Biblical Themes

• Exile and Restoration: Jewry represents the people and land from which the Jews were exiled, pointing to the larger biblical theme of restoration through repentance and God’s faithfulness.

• Covenant Identity: The term emphasizes the enduring identity of God’s people, even in foreign lands.

• Messianic Lineage: Jewry connects to the Davidic line, from which Jesus descends.

• Divine Sovereignty: Even in Babylon, God raises up His servants from among the people of Jewry to accomplish His purposes.

• Witness to the Nations: Daniel’s life demonstrates how a man from Jewry could bear witness to the power and glory of God before the mightiest kings of the world.

Reflection Questions

1. What does Daniel’s identity as a man from Jewry teach us about staying faithful in a foreign or hostile culture?

2. How does understanding the exile of the Jews deepen your appreciation of God’s discipline and mercy?

3. In what ways does your Christian identity reflect a “citizenship in heaven” while living in a secular world?

4. How can the story of Daniel from Jewry inspire you to be a faithful witness in your current circumstances?

5. How does the continuity between Jewry and Jesus’ ministry reveal God’s unchanging plan of redemption?

“From the land of Judah to the courts of Babylon, God‘s purposes never falter. Jewry reminds us not only of a people and a place—but of a promise kept in Christ.”