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 10:1KJVWhat 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.