King James Version

What Does Daniel 10:18 Mean?

Daniel 10:18 in the King James Version says “Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,”

Daniel 10:18 · KJV

Context

16

And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

17

For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. the: or, this servant of my lord

18

Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

19

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

20

Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A third strengthening comes: 'Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.' The repeated need for strengthening emphasizes sustained revelation's requirements—not one-time empowerment but continual grace. Each wave of revelation requires renewed enabling. This pattern teaches that Christian life and ministry similarly require continual divine grace—not self-sustained effort but repeated infusions of divine strength. Paul's 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness' (2 Corinthians 12:9) reflects this principle. The 'one like the appearance of a man' may be the same figure as v.16 or indicate angelic form accommodated to human perception. The strengthening enables Daniel to continue receiving and eventually recording the revelation for God's people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The three-fold pattern (strengthening in v.10, 16, 18) parallels biblical use of threefold repetition emphasizing completeness or intensification: Seraphim's 'Holy, holy, holy' (Isaiah 6:3), Peter's three-fold restoration (John 21:15-17), Paul's three-fold plea (2 Corinthians 12:8). God's repeated strengthening of Daniel demonstrates patience, thoroughness, and commitment to enabling His servant. Ancient peoples might have interpreted such repeated weakness as unfitness for ministry; biblical revelation reframes it as precisely the context for divine power's display. The repeated strengthening validated the vision's magnitude—requiring extraordinary divine grace to receive—and modeled for believers that ongoing ministry requires ongoing grace, not self-sufficiency.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the need for repeated strengthening teach about Christian life requiring continual grace rather than self-sufficiency?
  2. How does weakness becoming the context for divine strength challenge worldly ideas about fitness for ministry?
  3. Why doesn't God grant permanent strengthening but requires repeated divine touch?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיֹּ֧סֶף1 of 6

“Then there came again”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

וַיִּגַּע2 of 6

“and touched”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בִּ֛י3 of 6
H0
כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה4 of 6

“me one like the appearance”

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),

אָדָ֖ם5 of 6

“of a man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וַֽיְחַזְּקֵֽנִי׃6 of 6

“and he strengthened”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

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 10:18 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 10:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 10:16Isaiah 35:3-4Daniel 8:18Luke 22:43Daniel 10:102 Corinthians 12:9-10

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