King James Version

What Does Daniel 10:11 Mean?

Daniel 10:11 in the King James Version says “And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: fo... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. greatly: Heb. of desires upright: Heb. upon thy standing

Daniel 10:11 · KJV


Context

9

Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.

10

And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. set: Heb. moved

11

And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. greatly: Heb. of desires upright: Heb. upon thy standing

12

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

13

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. chief: or, first


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The angel addresses Daniel: 'O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent.' The designation 'man greatly beloved' (Hebrew אִישׁ חֲמֻדוֹת/ish chamudot, man of preciousness/delight) emphasizes God's particular affection for Daniel. This provides assurance amid the overwhelming encounter—fear not, you are beloved. The command to 'understand' emphasizes the message's importance; to 'stand upright' indicates the need for full attention and dignity. The phrase 'for unto thee am I now sent' establishes the angel's purpose: divine messenger bringing specific revelation for Daniel. This pattern—address, reassurance, command to attend, announcement of purpose—structures angelic communications throughout Scripture. The emphasis on understanding indicates the coming message requires careful attention and spiritual discernment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Daniel's designation as 'greatly beloved' reflects his lifetime of faithful service despite exile, political dangers, and personal cost. His prayer life (chapter 6's three-times-daily prayer despite death threats), fasting (10:2-3), and commitment to God's law (chapter 1's dietary faithfulness) demonstrated consistent devotion. God's special affection for faithful servants appears throughout Scripture: Abraham 'friend of God' (2 Chronicles 20:7, James 2:23), David 'man after God's heart' (1 Samuel 13:14), John 'disciple Jesus loved' (John 13:23). These designations don't indicate favoritism but God's delight in faithful relationship. For exiled Jews and persecuted Christians, Daniel's example encouraged: faithfulness amid hostility gains divine favor; God notices and values His servants' devotion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Daniel's designation as 'greatly beloved' teach about God's particular affection for faithful servants?
  2. How does reassurance of God's love strengthen us for receiving difficult messages or hard tasks?
  3. What characterized Daniel's life that gained him this designation, and how can we cultivate similar faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 25

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֡י2 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּנִיֵּ֣אל3 of 25

unto me O Daniel

H1840

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

אִישׁ4 of 25

a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חֲ֠מֻדוֹת5 of 25
H2530

to delight in

הָבֵ֨ן6 of 25

understand

H995

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

הַדָּבָ֥ר7 of 25

the words

H1697

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

אֲשֶׁר֩8 of 25
H834

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

אָנֹכִ֨י9 of 25
H595

i

וּבְדַבְּר֥וֹ10 of 25

And when he had spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙11 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עָמַ֥דְתִּי12 of 25

unto me I stood

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַל13 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עָמְדֶ֔ךָ14 of 25

upright

H5977

a spot (as being fixed)

כִּ֥י15 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עַתָּ֖ה16 of 25
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

שֻׁלַּ֣חְתִּי17 of 25

for unto thee am I now sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֑יךָ18 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וּבְדַבְּר֥וֹ19 of 25

And when he had spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עִמִּ֛י20 of 25
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֶת21 of 25
H853

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

הַדָּבָ֥ר22 of 25

the words

H1697

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

הַזֶּ֖ה23 of 25
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

עָמַ֥דְתִּי24 of 25

unto me I stood

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

מַרְעִֽיד׃25 of 25

trembling

H7460

to shudder (more or less violently)


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 10:11 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 10:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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