Daniel 10:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength.

NIV: So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless.

NASB: So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my complexion turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength.

CSB: I was left alone, looking at this great vision. No strength was left in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless.

NLT: So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak.

KJV: Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

NKJV: Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength.

The vision of the dazzling man (Daniel 10:4–6) affected Daniel greatly. He didn't run away and hide as the other men did (Daniel 10:7), despite being the only one who could see the celestial figure. It is often the case that seeing a real live angel inspires intense fear (Daniel 8:18; Matthew 28:5; Luke 1:12–13; 2:9–10; Acts 10:3–4). This physical response demonstrates that Daniel was certainly fearful.

At the time of this encounter, Daniel had been mourning for three weeks, perhaps in response to his vision of a great conflict (Daniel 10:1–3). That included not eating luxurious foods or using cosmetic oils. Yet, according to this verse, Daniel's fear caused him to lose his "radiant appearance." That likely refers to the natural color of his healthy face. In other words, Daniel went pale and his intense emotions were visible to others.

Daniel's reaction here is the result of merely seeing this being, who is probably the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; Luke 1:26), some think is a preincarnate Christ, and others think is a different angelic being. When the being speaks with a roaring voice, Daniel seems to pass out cold (Daniel 10:9) and needs to be revived (Daniel 10:9–11).

Daniel 10:1–9 sets the date of Daniel's final vision as the third year of the reign of Cyrus of Persia. Daniel sees a vision of a tremendous war or battle. Seemingly in response to that vision, Daniel mourns for weeks, until he is confronted by a celestial being. Daniel appears to faint, at first, but will be quickly roused (Daniel 10:10–11) so the being, or perhaps a different being, can explain what is happening.

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.