And 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.

DANIEL 10:11KJV
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Daniel 10:11 (KJV)

What does Daniel 10:11 mean?

Daniel 10:11 describes a heavenly messenger addressing Daniel, calling him "greatly beloved" and urging him to understand the message being given. The messenger tells Daniel to stand up because he has been sent to him, and Daniel responds by standing, though he is trembling.

The scene takes place during one of Daniel’s visions, where an angelic figure speaks directly to him. The messenger’s words highlight Daniel’s special status ("greatly beloved") and the importance of the message. Daniel’s trembling shows both his awe and fear in the presence of this supernatural visitor, setting the tone for the serious message that follows.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 10:11

  • "beloved" (חֲמוּדוֹת, ḥamudot): This word means "precious" or "greatly loved." The messenger’s use of this term emphasizes Daniel’s favored status in God’s eyes, which is a rare and significant affirmation.
  • "understand" (בִּין, bin): The messenger urges Daniel to grasp or comprehend the words being spoken, showing that understanding the message is as important as receiving it.
  • "trembling" (רָעַד, ra‘ad): Daniel’s physical reaction of trembling underlines the overwhelming nature of the encounter and the seriousness with which he receives the message.

Why Daniel 10:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Daniel is not just a passive recipient; he is addressed personally and with honor, which highlights his unique role among the exiles.
  • The emphasis on understanding ("understand the words") shows that the message is not just for Daniel to hear, but to truly grasp and consider.
  • Daniel’s trembling response connects to other biblical accounts where people react with fear or awe in the presence of heavenly beings, reinforcing the gravity of what is about to be revealed.

Where else these words appear

“trembling” Hebrew H7460 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 10:9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.
  • Psalms 104:32 He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.

“upright” Hebrew H5977 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 30:16 And they stood in their place after their manner, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood, which they received of the hand of the Levites.
  • Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.
  • Daniel 8:17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.

“beloved” Hebrew H2532 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 27:15 And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son:
  • Isaiah 2:16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
  • Daniel 11:8 And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north.

“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.