Daniel 10:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, "O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength.

NIV: Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, "I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I feel very weak.

NASB: And behold, one who resembled a human was touching my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, 'My lord, due to the vision anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength.

CSB: Suddenly one with human likeness touched my lips. I opened my mouth and said to the one standing in front of me, "My lord, because of the vision, anguish overwhelms me and I am powerless.

NLT: Then the one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing in front of me, 'I am filled with anguish because of the vision I have seen, my lord, and I am very weak.

KJV: And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

NKJV: And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, “My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength.

This moment occurs as Daniel converses with an angel, probably Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; Luke 1:26). The visit was inspired by Daniel's earlier vision (Daniel 10:1). The shock of seeing a celestial being overwhelmed Daniel (Daniel 10:9–10). Though the angel comforted him, Daniel was further awed (Daniel 10:15) to hear that his visitor had spent three weeks in conflict with some other spiritual being (Daniel 10:12–13).

Here, Daniel receives further comfort and refreshment. His lips are touched, and he is once again able to speak. The being who touches Daniel is not clearly identified. The Hebrew phrasing being used suggests it might have been the same angel mentioned in both prior and following verses. And yet, it may have been an entirely different being. Daniel's description here simply means that this entity looked like a human being. This is not connected to his earlier prophecy about "one like a son of man" (Daniel 7:13). Nor does the mention of "my lord" imply anything in particular; the phrase is being used in respect (Daniel 12:8).

Daniel then explains that this series of experiences has left him weakened and in pain. Daniel had been in mourning for three weeks, possibly prompted by a vision of conflict he had seen (Daniel 10:1–3). Then, he was staggered by the appearance of a celestial being (Daniel 10:5–6), and yet again astonished by hearing about the spiritual conflict at work (Daniel 10:13). This explanation (Daniel 10:17) will lead to further reassurances (Daniel 10:18–19).

Daniel sees a vision of great conflict, which apparently sends him into mourning. Three weeks later, he is stunned by the appearance of a celestial being, most likely the angel Gabriel. Daniel had prayed earlier, and an angel was sent in response. But he was delayed due to a spiritual conflict, which the archangel Michael helped him overcome. Though Daniel is deeply shaken, his visitor provides strength and encouragement so that Daniel can endure the explanations which are about to be given.

The event recorded here occurred in the third year of the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia, around 536 BC. The chapter supplies background to the prophecies detailed in chapters 11 and 12. Daniel received a heavenly visitor, sent to make Daniel understand what Israel will experience in the latter days. Along with chapter 12, this covers the final prophetic vision of Daniel's book.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.