In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.

DANIEL 8:1KJV
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Daniel 8:1 (KJV)

What does Daniel 8:1 mean?

Daniel 8:1 says that during the third year of King Belshazzar’s rule, Daniel received another vision, following a previous one he had already experienced. The verse sets the time and context for what Daniel is about to describe, making clear this is a personal account of a new vision.

Daniel himself is speaking, writing in the first person to introduce a new vision he received while serving in the Babylonian court. The mention of King Belshazzar’s third year helps place this vision historically, showing it happened before the fall of Babylon. Daniel points out that this vision came after an earlier one, preparing the reader for a series of revelations and connecting the events in this chapter to what he has already shared.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 8:1

  • "vision" (חָזוֹן, ḥāzôn): This word means a supernatural sight or revelation, often used in the Hebrew Bible for prophetic experiences. Here, it emphasizes that Daniel is about to describe something he believes was shown to him by God, not just a dream or ordinary thought.
  • "appeared" (רָאָה, rā’â): This verb means "to see" or "to appear." Its use here underlines that Daniel is not just imagining but actually perceiving something significant, giving weight to the experience as a real event in his life.
  • "after" (אַחַר, ’aḥar): This word signals sequence, showing that Daniel is linking this new vision to a previous one, which helps the reader understand that the visions are connected and part of a larger message.

Why Daniel 8:1 matters

  • Daniel 8:1 clarifies the historical setting, showing that this vision happened while Babylon was still in power, which affects how readers understand the events that follow.
  • The verse highlights that Daniel’s visions are not random but come in a sequence, suggesting a developing story or message that builds on earlier revelations.
  • By stating that Daniel himself received and recorded the vision, the verse emphasizes the personal and eyewitness nature of the account, lending it a sense of authenticity and immediacy.

Where else these words appear

“first” Hebrew H8462 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 13:3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;
  • Ruth 1:22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.
  • Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

“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 9:22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

“vision” Hebrew H2377 · used in 34 verses

  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • Ezekiel 7:26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.
  • Daniel 8:26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.

“reign” Hebrew H4438 · used in 82 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.
  • Esther 5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.