Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

DANIEL 10:5KJV
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Daniel 10:5 (KJV)

What does Daniel 10:5 mean?

Daniel 10:5 describes Daniel seeing a striking figure: a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. This vision marks the beginning of a significant encounter, signaling that Daniel is about to receive an important message or revelation.

Daniel, the main character, is the one speaking here. He is by the Tigris River, and after a period of mourning and fasting, he looks up and sees this impressive figure. The detailed description of the man's clothing and the gold belt sets him apart as someone of great importance or heavenly origin, preparing the reader for the message that follows.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 10:5

  • "linen" (בַּדִּים, badim): This word often refers to fine, pure linen, a material associated with priests or heavenly beings, highlighting the figure's purity and special status.
  • "girded" (אֲזוּרִים, azurim): This means to be tightly bound or wrapped, suggesting the figure's readiness or authority.
  • "gold" (כֶּתֶם, kethem): The word points to refined, high-quality gold, emphasizing the richness and value of the figure's appearance.
  • "Uphaz" (אוּפָז, Uphaz): This place name is rare and somewhat mysterious, but it is associated with sources of the finest gold, underlining the exceptional nature of the vision.

Why Daniel 10:5 matters

  • Daniel 10:5 sets the stage for a dramatic vision, making it clear that what Daniel is about to witness is extraordinary and not an everyday event.
  • The description of the man's clothing and gold belt connects this figure to other biblical appearances of heavenly messengers, helping readers recognize the seriousness of the message Daniel will receive.
  • The verse's details help distinguish this vision from Daniel's earlier dreams, showing a shift from symbolic imagery to a direct, personal encounter.

Where else these words appear

“Uphaz” Hebrew H210 · used in 2 verses

  • Jeremiah 10:9 Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men.

“gold” Hebrew H3800 · used in 9 verses

  • Job 28:16 It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
  • Job 31:24 If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;
  • Song of Solomon 5:11 His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.

“linen” Hebrew H906 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
  • 1 Samuel 2:18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
  • Ezekiel 9:11 And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.

“girded” Hebrew H2296 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
  • 2 Samuel 3:31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.
  • Psalms 109:19 Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.