Chapter
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Verse

Daniel 8:27

ESV And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king 's business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it.
NIV I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding.
NASB Then I, Daniel, was exhausted and sick for days. Then I got up and carried on the king’s business; but I was astounded at the vision, and there was no one to explain it.
CSB I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was greatly disturbed by the vision and could not understand it.
NLT Then I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for several days. Afterward I got up and performed my duties for the king, but I was greatly troubled by the vision and could not understand it.
KJV And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.
NKJV And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king’s business. I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it.

What does Daniel 8:27 mean?

Daniel's vision (Daniel 8:1–2) included more than just stunning imagery. It also contained a certain level of explanation. That insight seems to have given Daniel a better idea of what is predicted—and this greatly disturbs him. At the same time, he cannot fully understand everything which will occur. He knows enough to recognize the terrible times ahead for Israel, but not enough to know every detail.

Among these predictions is that God's people will suffer under a terrible tyrant. This ruler will persecute the people and defile the temple such that sacrifices will have to stop (Daniel 8:9–13). Yet even that time will cease (Daniel 8:14, 26).

Everything Daniel had seen and heard overwhelmed his soul. He experienced mental anguish and physical exhaustion. It's not shocking to think a devout, faithful man, would react so strongly to this experience. Angelic encounters are intense to begin with (Matthew 28:5; Luke 1:12¬–13; 2:9–10; Acts 10:3–4). To hear an angel predict something both epic and horrific would be even more jarring. Yet Daniel did not give in to despair. Once he had recovered from the shock, he resumed his normal routines.
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