King James Version

What Does Daniel 10:1 Mean?

Daniel 10:1 in the King James Version says “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the ...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. long: Heb. great”

Daniel 10:1 · KJV

Context

1

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. long: Heb. great

2

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. full: Heb. weeks of days

3

I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. pleasant: Heb. bread of desires

Read Daniel 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 10 introduces Daniel's final and longest vision: "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar." Dating to 536 BC, this occurs after the first return of Jewish exiles under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1-2). Daniel, now about 85 years old, remained in Persia rather than returning to Jerusalem, continuing governmental service while maintaining prophetic ministry. The mention of both names—Hebrew (Daniel, "God is my judge") and Babylonian (Belteshazzar)—emphasizes his dual identity: covenant faithful yet politically engaged.

"The thing was true, but the time appointed was long" warns that the vision concerns distant future events. "True" (Hebrew: emet, אֱמֶת) emphasizes absolute reliability; "time appointed was long" (Hebrew: tsaba gadol, צָבָא גָדוֹל, literally "great warfare/conflict") indicates prolonged struggle. This vision spans from Persian period through Greek, culminating in Antiochus Epiphanes and beyond. The scope overwhelms—Daniel sees centuries of conflict affecting God's people.

"He understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision" indicates Daniel grasped its meaning through divine illumination. Unlike chapter 8 where understanding came gradually, here Daniel receives comprehensive comprehension. This teaches that God gives understanding proportional to need—sometimes immediately, sometimes progressively. The Holy Spirit's illumination ministry enables believers to understand Scripture according to God's timing and their spiritual maturity. Full understanding awaits glorification, but God provides sufficient light for present faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Cyrus's decree (Ezra 1:1-4) permitted Jewish return in 538 BC. By 536 BC (this vision's date), about 50,000 had returned under Zerubbabel and Joshua. Daniel, elderly and influential in Persian court, remained in Persia, possibly training younger Jews for government service or unable to travel. His continued presence demonstrates that not all faithful Jews returned immediately—some maintained diaspora influence. Daniel's prayers for Jerusalem (9:3-19) show his heart aligned with homeland despite physical distance, modeling faithfulness in exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Daniel's dual Hebrew-Babylonian identity teach us about maintaining covenant faithfulness while engaging secular culture?
  2. How should knowing that God's purposes often involve 'long' fulfillment periods shape our expectations and perseverance?
  3. In what ways does Daniel's remaining in Persia rather than returning to Jerusalem demonstrate that faithful service can occur in multiple contexts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
בִּשְׁנַ֣ת1 of 22

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שָׁל֗וֹשׁ2 of 22

“In the third”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

לְכ֙וֹרֶשׁ֙3 of 22

“of Cyrus”

H3566

koresh (or cyrus), the persian king

מֶ֣לֶךְ4 of 22

“king”

H4428

a king

פָּרַ֔ס5 of 22

“of Persia”

H6539

paras (i.e., persia), an eastern country, including its inhabitants

הַדָּבָ֔ר6 of 22

“a thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

נִגְלָ֣ה7 of 22

“was revealed”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

לְדָֽנִיֵּ֔אל8 of 22

“unto Daniel”

H1840

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

אֲשֶׁר9 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִקְרָ֥א10 of 22

“was called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמ֖וֹ11 of 22

“whose name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּ֑ר12 of 22

“Belteshazzar”

H1095

belteshatstsar, the babylonian name of daniel

וֶאֱמֶ֤ת13 of 22

“was true”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

הַדָּבָ֔ר14 of 22

“a thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וְצָבָ֣א15 of 22

“but the time appointed”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

גָד֔וֹל16 of 22

“was long”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וּבִין֙17 of 22

“and he understood”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

אֶת18 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדָּבָ֔ר19 of 22

“a thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וּבִ֥ינָה20 of 22

“and had understanding”

H998

understanding

ל֖וֹ21 of 22
H0
בַּמַּרְאֶֽה׃22 of 22

“of the vision”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Daniel 10:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Daniel 10:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 1:21Daniel 8:26Daniel 6:28Daniel 1:7Daniel 1:17Daniel 9:22-23

Places in This Verse

PersiaRegion · Modern: Tell Hagmatana · 34.81°N, 48.52°E27 verses across 5 books
View all places in Daniel 10 →

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