Gabriel Explains the Vision to Daniel
Daniel 8:15-27
Dan.8.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בראתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- החזון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואבקשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- בינה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והנה: ADV
- עמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לנגדי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUF,1,com,sg
- כמראה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Dan.7:15-16 (thematic): Daniel experiences distress over a vision and seeks explanation—he approaches one of the attendants to ask the meaning, paralleling Dan 8:15’s ‘I sought for understanding.’
- Dan.7:13 (verbal): The later vision’s phrase ‘one like a son of man’ (a human figure) echoes Dan 8:15’s description of a figure ‘as the appearance of a man’—shared imagery of a human-like heavenly figure.
- Dan.9:21-23 (thematic): While Daniel is praying an angel (Gabriel) comes to give insight and understanding—paralleling Dan 8 where an interpreting figure stands before Daniel to explain the vision.
- Dan.10:5-12 (verbal): A strikingly similar theophanic scene: Daniel sees a dazzling man ‘clothed in linen’/glorious appearance, reacts in fear/weakness, and then receives explanation from a heavenly messenger—closely parallels the vision and angelic encounter in Dan 8:15–16.
- Rev.1:12-17 (allusion): John’s vision of ‘one like a son of man’ among lampstands and his falling prostrate at the figure’s appearance echo Daniel’s human-like vision and the prophet’s astonished response, drawing on Danielic imagery.
Alternative generated candidates
- As I, Daniel, saw the vision I sought understanding; and behold, there stood before me a figure like a human being.
- And it came to pass, when I, Daniel, saw the vision and sought to understand it, behold, one having the appearance of a man stood before me.
Dan.8.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואשמע: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בין: PREP
- אולי: ADV
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גבריאל: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- הבן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- להלז: VERB,hiph,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- המראה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Dan.8.17 (structural): Immediate continuation: the angel (Gabriel) directly addresses Daniel to explain the vision, repeating the function named in 8:16 ('make this man to understand').
- Dan.9.21-23 (verbal): Gabriel appears again to Daniel to give understanding about a vision/prayer; language and role (he comes to give insight and comprehension) closely parallel 8:16.
- Dan.7.15-16 (thematic): Daniel seeks interpretation of a troubling vision and approaches an attendant/angelic figure who provides explanation—same motif of a prophet requesting and receiving an angelic interpreter.
- Luke 1:19 (quotation): Gabriel identifies himself and his mission ('I am Gabriel... sent to speak to you'), linking the named angel in Daniel with the messenger role he performs in Luke's annunciation narratives.
- Rev.1:1 (thematic): Revelation is communicated via an angelic intermediary to a prophet (John), reflecting the broader biblical pattern of angels serving as mediators of divine visions and explanations.
Alternative generated candidates
- I heard the voice of a man calling, and it cried, "Gabriel, make this vision clear to him."
- And I heard the voice of a man calling between the banks of the Ulai; and it called, saying, "Gabriel, make this vision known and explain it to him."
Dan.8.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אצל: PREP
- עמדי: PREP+1cs
- ובבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נבעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- ואפלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- הבן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- לעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- החזון: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Dan.10.14 (verbal): An angel explains a vision's temporal scope: 'the vision pertains to many days'—paralleling 8:17's statement that the vision is for the time of the end.
- Dan.2.28-29 (thematic): Both passages frame dreams/visions as divinely given revelations about future kingdoms and 'the end,' and involve interpreting eschatological imagery.
- Ezek.2.1 (verbal): The prophet is addressed as 'son of man' (בן־אדם)—the same vocative formula used in Dan 8:17 when the messenger speaks to Daniel.
- Dan.10.8-9 (verbal): Daniel's physical collapse and trembling at a heavenly encounter ('no strength left,' falls on his face) closely parallels his reaction in 8:17 when the figure approaches and he falls on his face.
- Dan.7.13-14 (thematic): Both passages are eschatological: 'one like a son of man' and the granting of everlasting dominion in 7:13–14 resonates with Daniel being told the vision concerns the time of the end.
Alternative generated candidates
- He came to where I stood; and when he came I was alarmed and fell prostrate. He said to me, "O son of man, the vision concerns the time of the end."
- And he came near where I stood; and when he came I was terrified and fell upon my face. He said to me, "O son of man, understand: for the vision is for the time of the end."
Dan.8.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובדברו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss3ms
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- נרדמתי: VERB,niphal,perf,1,_,sg
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויגע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ויעמידני: CONJ+VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,sg+PRON,1,_,sg
- על: PREP
- עמדי: PREP+1cs
Parallels
- Dan.10:8-10 (verbal): Very close verbal parallel: Daniel is overcome during a vision, falls prostrate/face down, and an angelic figure touches him and sets him upright (hand/touch imagery and wording echo 8:18).
- Dan.8:27 (thematic): Immediate literary follow-up in the same vision cycle: Daniel describes being exhausted/ill after the vision (8:27), linking the physical collapse in 8:18 to the aftermath and its effects on the seer.
- 1 Kings 19:5-7 (thematic): Elijah falls asleep/exhausted under the broom tree and an angel touches him, telling him to arise and eat; both accounts portray a prophet overcome by divine encounter and revived by an angelic touch.
- Ezekiel 2:1 (verbal): Divine/angelic speech followed by a command to 'stand on your feet' (Heb. 'stand/raise up'), paralleling the motif and language of being set upright after a visionary experience.
Alternative generated candidates
- While he spoke with me I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground; but he touched me and set me on my feet.
- While he spoke with me I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground; then he touched me and set me upright upon my feet.
Dan.8.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- מודיעך: VERB,hiphil,impf,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- באחרית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,const
- הזעם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- למועד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Dan.8.17 (verbal): Same angelic explanation telling Daniel that the vision concerns the 'time of the end' (similar phrase and immediate interpretive context).
- Dan.8.26 (structural): Closure of the same vision: the angel instructs Daniel to shut up the vision because it pertains to many days, paralleling the directive that the revelation concerns a distant/appointed time.
- Dan.11.40 (thematic): Uses the phrase 'at the time of the end' to describe final hostilities between kings—parallels the temporal frame ('latter time') for eschatological conflict in 8:19.
- Dan.12.1 (thematic): Speaks of a 'time of trouble' at the end and God's intervention (Michael rising), echoing the idea of a culminating period of wrath/tribulation in 8:19.
- Rev.6.17 (allusion): Speaks of 'the great day of his wrath'—a New Testament apocalyptic phrasing that parallels Daniel's 'latter time of indignation' motif concerning divine judgment at the appointed time.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said, "Behold, I will make you understand what shall be in the latter time of the anger, for it is for the appointed time of the end."
- And he said, "Behold, I will make you know what shall be in the latter time of the indignation; for it is for the appointed time of the end.
Dan.8.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- האיל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ראית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הקרנים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- מדי: PREP
- ופרס: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Dan.8:3 (verbal): Same vision introduces the ram with two horns — the immediate verbal parallel describing the animal you saw.
- Dan.8:4 (verbal): Continues the ram’s actions (charging and conquering), elaborating the imagery of the two-horned ram identified as Medo-Persia.
- Dan.8:21 (structural): Contrasts the ram (Medo-Persia) with the male goat (Greece); verse 21 explicitly identifies the goat, completing the vision’s pair of empires.
- Dan.7:5 (thematic): Daniel’s earlier vision depicts a bear raised on one side (commonly interpreted as the Medo-Persian empire), thematically paralleling the same imperial power represented by the two-horned ram.
- Dan.11:2 (thematic): Gives historical detail about successive Persian kings, providing a historical-theological parallel to the identification of Medo-Persia in Dan 8:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- The ram that you saw with the two horns—those are the kings of Media and Persia.
- The ram which you saw with the two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.
Dan.8.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והצפיר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- השעיר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והקרן: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הגדולה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בין: PREP
- עיניו: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הראשון: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Daniel 8:5 (verbal): Earlier verse in the same vision that describes the 'goat' charging and defeating the ram — the immediate narrative context for identifying the shaggy goat as the king of Greece.
- Daniel 8:22 (thematic): Continues the interpretation that the large horn represents a first king and that four kingdoms will arise from his nation — connects the 'first king' with the subsequent division into four powers.
- Daniel 7:6 (thematic): In Daniel's earlier beast vision Greece is symbolized by a four-headed, swift leopard — a parallel symbolic portrayal of Alexander's swift conquests and the later fourfold division of his empire.
- Daniel 11:3 (allusion): Speaks of a 'mighty king' who rules with great dominion but whose kingdom is later broken and divided — commonly understood as a parallel prophecy of Alexander the Great and the fragmentation of his realm.
- 1 Maccabees 1:1-10 (allusion): Historical account in the deuterocanonical literature describing Alexander the Great's conquests and the subsequent division of his kingdom among his generals, providing historical background to Daniel's identification of the Greek king.
Alternative generated candidates
- The shaggy male goat is the kingdom of Greece, and the large horn between its eyes is the first king.
- And the rough goat is the king of Greece; and the great horn that is between its eyes is the first king.
Dan.8.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והנשברת: VERB,nif,ptc,3,f,sg,def
- ותעמדנה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- תחתיה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- מלכיות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מגוי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יעמדנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- בכחו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3ms
Parallels
- Dan.11.4 (verbal): Explicitly states the king's realm will be broken and divided toward the four winds—directly parallels Dan 8:22's breaking of the kingdom into four.
- Dan.7.6 (thematic): The leopard with four heads represents one realm dividing into four; thematically echoes the four successor kingdoms of Dan 8:22.
- Dan.2.41-43 (structural): The statue's feet of iron and clay depict a kingdom divided into parts—structurally parallels the splitting of a single empire into multiple successor states.
- Dan.7.23-24 (thematic): Speaks of a fourth kingdom and the rise of successive kings (horns), relating to the motif of a dominant kingdom being succeeded and divided into several rulers as in Dan 8:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the horn is broken, four will stand up in its place—four kingdoms shall arise from that nation, though not with its power.
- Then, when the horn is broken, four stand up in its place—four kingdoms shall arise from that nation, though not with its strength.
Dan.8.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובאחרית: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלכותם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- כהתם: CONJ
- הפשעים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- יעמד: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומבין: CONJ+VERB,qal,ptc,-,m,sg
- חידות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Dan.7:8 (verbal): The 'little horn' imagery in 7:8 (a horn with human eyes and a boastful mouth) parallels the fierce, articulate king of 8:23—both portray an arrogant, perceptive ruler arising from the beasts/kingdoms.
- Dan.7:23-25 (thematic): These verses describe the fourth beast's horn that speaks arrogantly, persecutes the saints, and alters times and law—closely matching the end‑time, violent, shrewd king depicted in 8:23.
- Dan.8:25 (structural): Immediate continuation in the same vision: 8:25 expands on the king of 8:23, describing his craft, destruction of the mighty, and opposition to the Prince—showing this verse and 8:23 form a single prophetic portrait.
- Dan.11:36 (thematic): This chapter's description of a king who does according to his will and exalts himself above gods echoes the self‑asserting, dominant character of the king in 8:23.
- 2 Thess.2:3-4 (allusion): The New Testament 'man of lawlessness' who exalts himself and opposes God parallels the Danielic motif of an end‑time ruler who arrogantly claims authority and persecutes the faithful, reflecting early Christian reading of Daniel.
Alternative generated candidates
- And at the latter end of their rule, when the transgressors have filled up their sins, a king will arise: bold-faced and skilled in intrigue.
- And in the latter time of their kingdom, when transgressions have reached their fullness, a king of fierce countenance and skilled in intrigue shall arise.
Dan.8.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועצם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,pref:wa
- כחו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF:3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- בכחו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3ms
- ונפלאות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ישחית: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- והצליח: VERB,hiphil,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ועשה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- והשחית: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עצומים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ועם: CONJ+PREP
- קדשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Dan.7.24-25 (thematic): The little horn in Daniel 7 persecutes and “wears out” the holy ones—parallel theme of a blasphemous power that destroys the saints and prospers by cunning.
- Dan.11.36-39 (allusion): A boastful, god‑defying king who acts with remarkable success and persecutes the worshippers of the true God, echoing the destructive, prospering ruler of 8:24.
- Rev.13.5-7 (verbal): The beast is granted authority for a fixed time and makes war on the saints; language of granted power and persecution echoes Daniel’s image of a mighty, destructive ruler not acting by his own ultimate authority.
- 2 Thess.2.8-9 (thematic): The lawless one appears with great power and false signs and is opposed to God’s people—paralleling Daniel’s description of wondrous destruction and persecution of the holy people.
- Isa.10.5-7 (thematic): Assyria portrayed as God’s instrument who destroys nations though not acting on his own ultimate will—resonates with Daniel’s note that the ruler’s strength is ‘not by his own power’ and brings destructive success.
Alternative generated candidates
- He will have great strength, yet not by his own power; he will work astounding deeds and succeed—by cunning he will destroy the mighty and the holy people.
- His power shall be great, yet not by his own strength; he shall work astonishing deeds and bring them to pass. He shall destroy mighty men and the holy people.
Dan.8.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- שכלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- והצליח: VERB,hiphil,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מרמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ובלבבו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- יגדיל: VERB,hif,impf,3,m,sg
- ובשלוה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- ישחית: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יעמד: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- ובאפס: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Dan.7:8 (verbal): The 'little horn' imagery, boasting and deceptive speech parallels 8:25's description of cunning, deceit prospering, and self-exaltation.
- Dan.7:25 (thematic): Speaks of a persecuting ruler who speaks great things and oppresses the saints—echoes 8:25's note that he will 'destroy many' and stand against the Prince of princes.
- Dan.11:36 (thematic): Describes a king who exalts himself and acts according to his own will, paralleling 8:25's emphasis on pride, self-magnification, and destructive rule.
- 2 Thess.2:3-4 (allusion): The 'man of lawlessness' who exalts himself above God and opposes the Lord parallels 8:25's image of standing against the 'Prince of princes' and arrogant self-exaltation.
- Dan.2:34-35 (structural): The divine removal of the ruler by a power 'not by human hands' echoes 8:25's ending that he 'shall be broken without human hand,' linking both passages structurally and theologically.
Alternative generated candidates
- Through his shrewdness he will prosper by deceit; in his heart he will magnify himself, and by a pretense of peace he will destroy many. He will stand against the Prince of princes, yet he shall be broken—and not by human hand.
- By his skill he shall prosper through deceit; he shall magnify himself in his heart and by a false peace destroy many. He shall stand against the Prince of princes, but shall be broken—without human hand.
Dan.8.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומראה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הערב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והבקר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נאמר: VERB,niphal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- סתם: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- החזון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- לימים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Dan.8.17 (verbal): Same episode: angelic interpreter links 'the vision' to the time of the end—shared vocabulary about the vision's meaning and timing.
- Dan.12.4 (quotation): Directly parallels the command to 'shut up' or seal the revelation until the end; both passages instruct that the vision be closed for future days.
- Dan.12.9 (quotation): Echoes the language of closing/sealing the words until the time of the end—reinforces delay and concealment of Daniel's revelations.
- Hab.2.3 (thematic): Declares that the vision awaits its appointed time and may tarry, yet is sure—parallels Daniel's note that the vision is true though reserved for many days.
- Rev.10.4 (allusion): John is told to seal up the things spoken by the seven thunders—New Testament parallel to the motif of divine revelations being sealed until a future disclosure.
Alternative generated candidates
- As for the vision of the evenings and the mornings, what has been said is true; now seal the vision, for it is for many days to come.
- The vision of the evening and the morning that has been declared is true. As for you, seal up the vision, for it is for many days.
Dan.8.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- דניאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נהייתי: VERB,nip,perf,1,m,sg
- ונחליתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואקום: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- ואעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מלאכת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואשתומם: VERB,hitp,perf,1,c,sg
- על: PREP
- המראה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- מבין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Dan.7.28 (structural): Closely parallels the closing formula of the Daniel narratives: the prophet’s personal reaction (distress/astonishment), secrecy about the vision, and the remark that it was not understood.
- Dan.10.8-9 (verbal): Describes Daniel’s physical collapse and prostration in response to a heavenly vision—echoes 8:27’s note that Daniel became ill/overcome after seeing the vision.
- Hab.3.16 (thematic): Prophetic reaction language (trembling, faintness, physical distress) mirrors the bodily and emotional impact of receiving a troubling vision.
- Rev.1.17-18 (thematic): John falls at the presence of a vision and is addressed/strengthened to carry on—parallels the motif of a visionary’s incapacitation followed by restoration to duty.
- Acts 9.8-9 (thematic): Saul’s temporary incapacitation (three days of being unable to see/eat) after a revelatory encounter parallels Daniel’s period of illness/inability immediately after the vision before resuming his duties.
Alternative generated candidates
- I, Daniel, was overcome and sick for days. Then I rose and attended the king's business, yet I was astonished at the vision, and no one understood it.
- And I, Daniel, became sick and weak for some days; then I rose and attended the king's business. I was astonished at the vision, and none understood it.
When I, Daniel, had seen the vision and sought to understand it, behold, one having the appearance of a man stood before me.
I heard a man’s voice calling from between the banks of Ulai; and it cried, “Gabriel, explain this vision to him.”
He came near to where I stood. When he came I was terrified and fell upon my face; he said to me, “O son of man, for the vision is for the time of the end.”
While he was speaking with me I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground, and he touched me and set me on my feet. And he said, “Behold, I will show you what will take place at the close of the indignation; for the time appointed is the end.”
“The ram that you saw with the two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia.
The shaggy goat is the kingdom of Greece, and the great horn between its eyes is the first king. And when the horn is broken, four shall arise in its place—four kingdoms will spring from it, though not with its power.
In the latter time of their kingdom, when transgressions have reached their fullness, a bold-faced king shall rise—one skilled in intrigue and in solving riddles.
His power shall be mighty, yet not by his own strength; he shall work astonishing deeds of destruction and succeed in his undertakings, and he shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
By his guile he shall prosper; craft and deceit shall be in his hand. He shall exalt himself in his heart and, by a show of peace, shall destroy many. He shall stand up against the Prince of princes, yet he shall be broken without human hand. And as for the vision of the evenings and mornings that has been spoken, it is true—therefore seal up the vision, for it is for many days to come.
I, Daniel, became exhausted and sick for some days; then I rose and did the king’s business. Yet I was astounded at the vision, and no one understood it.