And, 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.
DANIEL 10:16KJVWhat does Daniel 10:16 mean?
Daniel 10:16 describes how someone who appeared human touched Daniel’s lips, enabling Daniel to speak. Daniel then tells this figure that the vision he saw has overwhelmed him with sorrow and left him without strength.
In this scene, Daniel is speaking to a heavenly being after seeing a troubling vision. Daniel is so affected by what he has witnessed that he cannot speak until his lips are touched. He explains that the vision has deeply disturbed him, draining his energy and leaving him feeling powerless.
The Hebrew behind Daniel 10:16
- "similitude" (דְּמוּת, dᵊmût): This word means "likeness" or "appearance." It emphasizes that the figure who touches Daniel seems human, though he may be an angelic or supernatural being.
- "touched" (נָגַע, nagaʿ): This verb means "to touch." The act of touching Daniel’s lips is significant because it enables Daniel to speak, showing a transfer of strength or ability.
- "sorrows" (מַחֲלוֹת, maḥălôt): This word refers to pain, anguish, or sorrow. Daniel uses it to describe the deep emotional and physical distress caused by the vision.
- "strength" (כֹּחַ, koach): This word means "power" or "strength." Daniel’s statement that he has "retained no strength" highlights just how overwhelming the vision was for him.
Why Daniel 10:16 matters
- Daniel 10:16 shows how overwhelming spiritual experiences can leave even faithful people feeling weak and unable to respond without divine help.
- The verse highlights the role of angelic or heavenly messengers in strengthening and enabling people to communicate in moments of great distress.
- This moment sets the stage for the rest of Daniel’s conversation with the heavenly figure, showing Daniel’s humility and need for help before receiving further explanation.