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

DANIEL 9:22KJV
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Daniel 9:22 (KJV)

What does Daniel 9:22 mean?

Daniel 9:22 describes how an angel comes to Daniel, speaks with him, and explains that he has arrived to give Daniel wisdom and understanding. The verse shows that Daniel is being given special insight in response to his earlier prayers and concerns.

In this scene, the angel Gabriel addresses Daniel directly after Daniel has been praying and seeking answers about his people’s future. Gabriel’s arrival marks a turning point, as he is sent specifically to help Daniel grasp the meaning of the visions and the events concerning Israel. The verse highlights the importance of divine communication and the value placed on understanding.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 9:22

  • The word “informed” comes from בִּין (bin), which means to make someone understand or to give insight. Here, it emphasizes that Gabriel is not just delivering a message but is actively helping Daniel comprehend it.
  • The word “skill” is from שָׂכַל (sakal), which often refers to wisdom or the ability to act wisely. Gabriel’s purpose is to give Daniel not just information, but the skill to interpret and respond wisely.
  • The word “understanding” comes from בִּינָה (binah), which means discernment or insight. This highlights that Daniel is being given deep, thoughtful understanding, not just surface knowledge.

Why Daniel 9:22 matters

  • Daniel 9:22 clarifies that God responds to sincere prayer not just with answers, but with the ability to understand those answers, showing that understanding is a gift in itself.
  • The verse emphasizes the role of angels as messengers who help people grasp God’s plans, not just deliver news.
  • This moment sets up the explanation of the seventy weeks prophecy that follows, making it clear that what Daniel is about to hear is meant to be understood, not hidden or mysterious.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“understanding” Hebrew H998 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
  • Job 39:17 Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
  • Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

“skill” Hebrew H7919 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Psalms 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
  • Proverbs 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.