Skip to content
ScriptureDepth

ScriptureDepth's study of Daniel 10

Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come for your words’ sake.

Daniel 10:12

The angel speaks to Daniel, reassuring him that his prayers were heard from the first day he humbled himself before God in his mourning.

What Daniel 10 is about

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, Daniel mourned for three weeks (vv. 1-2). He refrained from pleasant food, meat, and wine during this time. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, he was by the river Hiddekel when he had a vision (vv. 3-4). Daniel saw a man in linen with a stunning appearance who brought an overwhelming sense of dread (vv. 5-10). When he encountered this figure, Daniel lost his strength and fell to the ground (vv. 7-9). The messenger reassured him, saying he was a beloved man and had come in response to Daniel's prayer (vv. 11-12). He explained that spiritual warfare delayed his arrival, but he would reveal what would happen in the latter days (vv. 13-14). The messenger touched Daniel to provide strength and encouraged him to listen (vv. 15-19). He also mentioned ongoing conflict with the princes of Persia and Greece (vv. 20-21).

The chapter leaves the reader considering the ongoing spiritual conflict and the assurance of divine involvement in future events.

Read the full chapter text ↓

Daniel 10 at a glance

  1. Daniel 10:1–2Daniel's Mourning and Revelation
  2. Daniel 10:3–4The Vision by the River
  3. Daniel 10:5–10Daniel's Response to the Vision
  4. Daniel 10:11–14The Messenger's Assurance
  5. Daniel 10:15–19Strengthening and Understanding
  6. Daniel 10:20–21Ongoing Spiritual Conflict

Key verse: Daniel 10:12

Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.

Chapter text

Read Daniel 10 (WEB)

Daniel's Mourning and Revelation Daniel 10:1–2

Verse 1. In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare. He understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. Verse 2. In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks.

The Vision by the River Daniel 10:3–4

Verse 3. I ate no pleasant bread. No meat or wine came into my mouth. I didn’t anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled. Verse 4. In the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel,

Daniel's Response to the Vision Daniel 10:5–10

Verse 5. I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold, there was a man clothed in linen, whose thighs were adorned with pure gold of Uphaz. Verse 6. His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches. His arms and his feet were like burnished brass. The voice of his words was like the voice of a multitude. Verse 7. I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men who were with me didn’t see the vision; but a great quaking fell on them, and they fled to hide themselves. Verse 8. So I was left alone, and saw this great vision. No strength remained in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

Verse 9. Yet I heard the voice of his words. When I heard the voice of his words, then I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground. Verse 10. Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands.

The Messenger's Assurance Daniel 10:11–14

Verse 11. He said to me, Daniel, you greatly beloved man, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright; for I have been sent to you, now. When he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling. Verse 12. Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come for your words’ sake. Verse 13. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me because I remained there with the kings of Persia.

Verse 14. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days.”

Strengthening and Understanding Daniel 10:15–19

Verse 15. When he had spoken these words to me, I set my face toward the ground, and was mute. Verse 16. Behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to him who stood before me, “My lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows have overtaken me, and I retain no strength. Verse 17. For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? For as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me. There was no breath left in me.” Verse 18. Then one like the appearance of a man touched me again, and he strengthened me.

Verse 19. He said, “Greatly beloved man, don’t be afraid. Peace be to you. Be strong. Yes, be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me.”

Ongoing Spiritual Conflict Daniel 10:20–21

Verse 20. Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. When I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. Verse 21. But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth. There is no one who holds with me against these, but Michael your prince.

World English Bible (public domain)

Go deeper

Ask the AI about Daniel 10

Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture. Ask unlimited questions and keep study notes on every chapter. 7 days free, no card.

Main themes in Daniel 10

Spiritual warfare

In this chapter, spiritual warfare is a central theme, marked by the conflict between celestial beings. In vv. 12-13, the messenger reveals, 'the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days,' indicating opposition faced during the delivery of God's message. The chapter progresses with the mention of Michael's intervention, emphasizing the ongoing nature of this struggle.

Perseverance in prayer

Daniel's commitment to prayer is evident in his three weeks of mourning and fasting as noted in vv. 2-3. He refrained from 'pleasant bread' and 'meat or wine' to seek understanding from God. This dedication to prayer leads to the arrival of a heavenly messenger, demonstrating that steadfastness in communication with God can yield significant responses from the divine.

Divine revelation

Divine revelation is central to Daniel 10, as shown in vv. 1-4, where Daniel receives a significant vision. The phrase 'a thing was revealed to Daniel' indicates an unveiling of truth meant for him. The messenger further clarifies in v. 14, saying, 'I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days,' thus ensuring that the revelation pertains to future events and God's plan.

Heavenly intervention

Heavenly intervention is a key aspect of Daniel 10, particularly seen in v. 12 where the messenger states, 'I have come for your words’ sake.' This indicates that the response to Daniel's prayers was initiated by divine action. Additionally, in v. 13, Michael's arrival signifies significant assistance from the heavenly realm amidst intense spiritual conflict.

Chapter outline

How Daniel 10 unfolds

  1. Daniel 10:1–2 Daniel's Mourning and Revelation

    In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation comes to Daniel, called Belteshazzar, who understands it as a true vision of great warfare. During this time, Daniel mourns for three weeks.

  2. Daniel 10:3–4 The Vision by the River

    On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while by the Hiddekel River, Daniel abstains from pleasant food and does not anoint himself until three weeks are completed.

  3. Daniel 10:5–10 Daniel's Response to the Vision

    Daniel lifts up his eyes and sees a man clothed in linen, whose appearance overwhelms him. He alone sees the vision while the men with him flee in fear, leaving him without strength.

  4. Daniel 10:11–14 The Messenger's Assurance

    The figure reassures Daniel, calling him a 'greatly beloved man,' and explains that his prayers were heard from the first day he sought understanding (vv. 11-13).

  5. Daniel 10:15–19 Strengthening and Understanding

    After being touched and strengthened, Daniel expresses his inability to speak due to his distress from the vision, which leads to further reassurance (vv. 15-19).

  6. Daniel 10:20–21 Ongoing Spiritual Conflict

    The being speaks to Daniel, stating he will return to fight with the prince of Persia and that the prince of Greece will come. He mentions Michael as Daniel’s prince, revealing ongoing spiritual conflict.

Key verses

  • Daniel 10:12The angel speaks to Daniel, reassuring him that his prayers were heard from the first day he humbled himself before God in his mourning.

Get a short devotional by email, one passage and one question a day.

One short email each morning, with the free study guide. Unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. We use your address only to send this email.

Study questions

Questions for studying Daniel 10

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v3, what does Daniel choose not to eat during his mourning period?
  2. observeIn v6, what physical features are described about the man in linen?
  3. interpretThe phrase 'prince of the kingdom of Persia' in v13: what does this suggest about spiritual opposition?
  4. interpretIn v20, why does the heavenly being mention the 'prince of Greece'?
  5. applyWhen have you felt overwhelmed like Daniel in v8, losing all strength?

For Bible groups

Study Daniel 10 with your group

A free one-page handout with the overview, key verse, outline and discussion questions, ready to print for everyone at the table.

Cross-references

Passages that echo Daniel 10

Related chapters

Chapters that connect with Daniel 10

Elsewhere on ScriptureDepth

Where to go from here

Daniel 10: frequently asked questions

What is Daniel 10 about?+
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, Daniel mourned for three weeks (vv. 1-2).
What is the key verse in Daniel 10?+
Daniel 10:12: “Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come for your words’ sake.”
What are the main themes of Daniel 10?+
The main themes of Daniel 10 are Spiritual warfare, Perseverance in prayer, Divine revelation, Heavenly intervention.

Studying Daniel with a print Bible beside you? See our study Bible guides.

Study Notes