The Book of Daniel was written during the life of Daniel in the sixth century BC in Babylon. The two sections are also intended for different audiences, which could explain the difference in language. Most scholars agree Daniel is the author of all twelve chapters, and the differences of style, language, and theme are due to the shift of the Babylonian narratives (seen in chapters 1-6) to the visions Daniel experienced about events to come (chapters 7-12). However, this shows a lack of belief in the power of prophecy – that the events of Antiochus IV could have been foreseen in a vision hundreds of years before happening. But some minority views, including those outside of the Christian faith, believe the final six chapter were written by a Jew during the time when Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Jewish temple with an abomination of desolation. Most theologians do agree that Daniel wrote the entirety of the book. The chapters experience a shift in the language used, tone, and style, which contributes to this debate. Although most scholars consistently agree that Daniel, an Israelite captive in Babylon during the sixth century BC, wrote the first six chapters of the Book of Daniel, some scholars debate as to who authored the final six.

Daniel bible study