King James Version

What Does Daniel 10:21 Mean?

Daniel 10:21 in the King James Version says “But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these thin... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. holdeth: Heb. strengtheneth himself

Daniel 10:21 · KJV


Context

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.

21

But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. holdeth: Heb. strengtheneth himself


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The angel concludes: 'But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.' The 'scripture of truth' (כְּתָב אֱמֶת/ketav emet) indicates a heavenly record of determined future events—God's sovereign decree written in His eternal counsel. This teaches divine foreknowledge and predestination: history unfolds according to God's predetermined plan. Michael, called 'your prince,' is Israel's angelic guardian (12:1, Jude 9, Revelation 12:7)—showing God assigns angelic protection to His people. The phrase 'none that holdeth with me...but Michael' indicates few allies in spiritual warfare against powerful demonic forces—most angels have other assignments; only Michael specifically aids this messenger. This reveals both spiritual warfare's reality and angelic organization under God's command.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Michael the archangel appears in Daniel (10:13, 21; 12:1), Jude 9 (disputing with Satan over Moses's body), and Revelation 12:7 (leading heavenly armies against the dragon). Jewish tradition recognized Michael as Israel's heavenly defender. The concept of 'books' or 'records' in heaven appears throughout Scripture: book of life (Exodus 32:32, Revelation 20:12), books of works (Revelation 20:12), scroll with seven seals (Revelation 5-6). These images teach that history isn't random but unfolds according to divine decree. God knows and has determined (while including human free agency mysteriously) all events. The 'scripture of truth' being revealed to Daniel shows God graciously discloses portions of His eternal counsel to prophets for His people's benefit—not exhaustive knowledge but sufficient revelation for faithful living.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the 'scripture of truth' (heavenly record of future events) teach about divine sovereignty and foreknowledge?
  2. How does Michael's designation as 'your prince' demonstrate God's particular care for His chosen people?
  3. Why does God reveal portions of His eternal counsel to prophets while keeping other aspects hidden?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֲבָל֙1 of 17

But

H61

nay, i.e., truly or yet

אַגִּ֣יד2 of 17

I will shew

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְךָ֔3 of 17
H0
אֶת4 of 17
H853

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

הָרָשׁ֥וּם5 of 17

thee that which is noted

H7559

to record

בִּכְתָ֖ב6 of 17

in the scripture

H3791

something written, i.e., a writing, record or book

אֱמֶ֑ת7 of 17

of truth

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

וְאֵ֨ין8 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אֶחָ֜ד9 of 17

and there is none

H259

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

מִתְחַזֵּ֤ק10 of 17

that holdeth

H2388

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

עִמִּי֙11 of 17
H5973

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

עַל12 of 17
H5921

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

אֵ֔לֶּה13 of 17
H428

these or those

כִּ֥י14 of 17
H3588

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

אִם15 of 17
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מִיכָאֵ֖ל16 of 17

with me in these things but Michael

H4317

mikael, the name of an archangel and of nine israelites

שַׂרְכֶֽם׃17 of 17

your prince

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)


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 10:21 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 10:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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