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.

DANIEL 10:1KJV
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Daniel 10:1 (KJV)

What does Daniel 10:1 mean?

Daniel 10:1 describes how, in the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, Daniel received a true revelation about the future, which would take a long time to be fulfilled. Daniel, also called Belteshazzar, understood the message and the vision that was shown to him.

This verse sets the scene for a new vision Daniel receives while living under Persian rule, after Babylon’s fall. The verse emphasizes that the message is trustworthy and concerns a distant future, highlighting Daniel’s ability to comprehend both the message and its meaning. The mention of both his Hebrew and Babylonian names reminds readers of Daniel’s identity and the foreign setting.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 10:1

  • The word for "thing" is דָּבָר (davar), which can mean "word," "matter," or "event." Here, it refers to the revelation or message Daniel receives, showing it is something significant, not just a casual word.
  • "True" is אֱמֶת (emet), stressing that the revelation is reliable and not misleading, which reassures the reader about its trustworthiness.
  • The phrase "the time appointed was long" uses צָבָא (tsava, "appointed") and גָּדוֹל (gadol, "long" or "great"), suggesting the vision concerns a great or extended period, not something happening soon.
  • The word for "vision" is מַרְאֶה (mareh), which often means a supernatural or prophetic sight, underlining that Daniel is seeing something beyond ordinary experience.

Why Daniel 10:1 matters

  • Daniel 10:1 clarifies that the vision Daniel receives is not just for his own time but stretches far into the future, setting up the context for the detailed prophecies that follow.
  • The verse highlights Daniel’s unique role as someone who not only receives but also understands divine revelations, marking him as a trusted figure in interpreting God’s messages.
  • By mentioning both Daniel’s Hebrew and Babylonian names, the verse reminds readers of his faithfulness and identity in a foreign land, connecting this vision to his earlier experiences in the book.

Where else these words appear

“Belteshazzar” Hebrew H1095 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 1:7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

“Cyrus” Hebrew H3566 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 36:22 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
  • Ezra 1:7 Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods;
  • Ezra 4:5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

“Persia” Hebrew H6539 · used in 24 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 36:20 And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:
  • Ezra 4:3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
  • Esther 1:19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.

“Daniel” Hebrew H1840 · used in 28 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:1 Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:
  • Daniel 1:9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
  • Daniel 9:2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.