Daniel 10

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

1It was the third year that Cyrus was king of Persia. God showed a message to Daniel, who was also called Belteshazzar. The message was true, and it was about a great war. Daniel saw a vision, a picture from God, and he understood the message.

NoteThe King James Bible says "the time appointed was long." The Hebrew words mean the message was about a great war or struggle.

2In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

2Daniel says: In those days I was sad and mourning for three whole weeks.

3I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

3I ate no fine food. I had no meat and no wine. I put no oil on my skin. I waited until the three weeks were done.

NoteThe King James Bible says "pleasant bread" and "flesh." "Pleasant bread" means fine, rich food. "Flesh" simply means meat.

4And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;

4It was the twenty-fourth day of the first month. I was standing by the great river Hiddekel, the river we now call the Tigris.

5Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

5I looked up, and I saw a man standing there. He wore clothes of linen. Around his waist was a belt of fine gold from Uphaz.

6His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

6His body shone like a smooth, shiny stone. His face flashed like lightning. His eyes were like burning torches. His arms and legs shone like polished metal. His voice sounded like a huge crowd of people.

7And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

7Only I, Daniel, saw this. The men with me did not see it. But they were very afraid, and they ran away to hide.

8Therefore 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.

8So I was left alone, looking at this great sight. All my strength went away. My face turned white, and I was too weak to move.

9Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

9Then I heard him speak. As I listened, I fell into a deep sleep with my face on the ground.

10And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

10Then a hand touched me. It lifted me up so I was shaking on my hands and knees.

11And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

11He said to me, "Daniel, God loves you very much. Listen carefully to what I say to you. Stand up now, for I have been sent to you." So I stood up, still shaking.

12Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

12Then he said, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. From the very first day you tried to understand, you made yourself humble before your God. God heard your words that day. I have come because of your words.

13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia stood against me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the leading princes, came to help me. I had been left there with the kings of Persia.

14Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

14Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people. It will happen in days far ahead. The vision is about that time to come."

15And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.

15While he was saying this to me, I looked down at the ground. I could not speak at all.

NoteThe King James Bible says Daniel "became dumb." That means he could not speak. It does not mean he was foolish.

16And, 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.

16Then someone who looked like a man touched my lips. So I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to the one standing there, "My lord, this vision fills me with pain. I have no strength left.

17For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.

17How can I, your servant, even talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe."

18Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

18Then the one who looked like a man touched me again. He made me strong.

19And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

19He said, "God loves you very much. Do not be afraid. Peace to you. Be strong now. Be very strong." When he spoke, I felt strong again. I said, "Speak, my lord, for you have made me strong."

20Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

20Then he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Now I must go back and fight the prince of Persia. When I go, the prince of Greece will come.

21But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

21But first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. No one helps me in this fight except Michael, your prince."