King James Version

What Does Daniel 10:13 Mean?

Daniel 10:13 in the King James Version says “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, ca... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 10:13 · KJV


Context

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

14

Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

15

And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse provides rare biblical insight into spiritual warfare's cosmic dimensions. The phrase "the prince of the Persian kingdom" refers to a demonic power exercising spiritual influence over the Persian Empire. The term "prince" (sar, שַׂר) indicates a ruling authority, here referring to an angelic or demonic being rather than human ruler. This reveals that earthly kingdoms have corresponding spiritual powers—fallen angels—that oppose God's purposes and influence national policies and cultures.

The statement "withstood me one and twenty days" indicates genuine spiritual conflict delayed the angel's mission to Daniel. The verb amad (עָמַד, "withstood") means "to stand against" or "oppose," suggesting active resistance and conflict. This wasn't mere disagreement but warfare hindering God's messenger from accomplishing his mission. The specific duration—twenty-one days—corresponds exactly to Daniel's fasting period (10:2-3), suggesting his persistent prayer influenced the conflict's outcome.

"But Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me" reveals angelic hierarchies and specializations. Michael is identified as "one of the chief princes" (achar hasar harishonim, אַחַר הַשָּׂרִים הָרִאשֹׁנִים), indicating highest rank among angelic beings. Michael specifically serves as Israel's protector (Daniel 12:1, Jude 9, Revelation 12:7). His intervention enabled the messenger angel to break through demonic opposition and reach Daniel. This demonstrates that spiritual warfare involves both human prayer and angelic assistance, working in concert to accomplish God's purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This spiritual warfare occurred during Cyrus's third year (536 BC), when Persian policies directly affected Jewish restoration. The "prince of Persia" likely opposed efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, explaining fierce opposition Jewish returnees faced (Ezra 4). Spiritual powers influencing earthly rulers created political obstacles to God's restoration purposes. Daniel's intercession, combined with Michael's angelic intervention, influenced the spiritual realm in ways that affected earthly politics.

This passage shaped Jewish and Christian understanding of spiritual warfare, revealing that political and historical events involve cosmic conflict between good and evil spiritual powers. Early church fathers cited this passage when explaining persecution's spiritual roots—earthly opposition to the gospel reflects demonic resistance to God's kingdom advancing. This encourages perseverance in prayer and evangelism despite fierce opposition, recognizing that visible resistance often stems from invisible spiritual warfare.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding demonic influence over nations and cultures change your perspective on political events and cultural trends?
  2. What role does persistent, earnest prayer play in influencing outcomes of spiritual warfare affecting nations and people groups?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
הַשָּׂרִ֥ים1 of 21

But the prince

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

מַלְכ֣וּת2 of 21

of the kingdom

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

פָרָֽס׃3 of 21

of Persia

H6539

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

עֹמֵ֤ד4 of 21

withstood

H5975

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

לְנֶגְדִּי֙5 of 21
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

עֶשְׂרִ֣ים6 of 21

and twenty

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אַחַ֛ד7 of 21

me one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

י֔וֹם8 of 21

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְהִנֵּ֣ה9 of 21
H2009

lo!

מִֽיכָאֵ֗ל10 of 21

but lo Michael

H4317

mikael, the name of an archangel and of nine israelites

אַחַ֛ד11 of 21

me one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

הַשָּׂרִ֥ים12 of 21

But the prince

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הָרִאשֹׁנִ֖ים13 of 21

of the chief

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

בָּ֣א14 of 21

came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְעָזְרֵ֑נִי15 of 21

to help

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

וַאֲנִי֙16 of 21
H589

i

נוֹתַ֣רְתִּי17 of 21

me and I remained

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

שָׁ֔ם18 of 21
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֵ֖צֶל19 of 21

there with

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

מַלְכֵ֥י20 of 21

the kings

H4428

a king

פָרָֽס׃21 of 21

of Persia

H6539

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


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 10:13 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 10:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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