King James Version

What Does Daniel 10:7 Mean?

Daniel 10:7 in the King James Version says “And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them,...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.”

Daniel 10:7 · KJV

Context

5

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: a: Heb. one man

6

His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

7

And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

8

Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. comeliness: or, vigour

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.

Read Daniel 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel alone saw the vision while his companions didn't see it but 'a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.' This selective visibility parallels Paul's Damascus road experience (Acts 9:7, 22:9)—the divine encounter affects all present but reveals itself fully only to the chosen recipient. The companions' terror without seeing demonstrates that spiritual realities produce physical/emotional effects even on those not receiving direct revelation. Reformed theology affirms both common and special grace: God's general presence affects all, while special revelation targets specific recipients for specific purposes. The companions' fleeing shows appropriate response to divine presence, even when not fully perceiving it. Daniel's isolation emphasizes his unique prophetic calling.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

By this point (c. 536 BC), Daniel had served in Babylon approximately 70 years, from teenager to old age. His companions likely included fellow Jewish exiles—possibly also governmental officials or servants. The selective nature of the vision (Daniel sees, others only sense terror) established prophetic patterns seen throughout Scripture: Moses alone approached the burning bush while shepherds tended flocks nearby; Isaiah alone saw the throne room while Jerusalem bustled around the temple; Paul alone received the Damascus revelation while companions heard sound but saw nothing. This pattern validates genuine revelation's transcendent source—not mass hallucination or natural phenomenon but sovereign divine disclosure to chosen recipients.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does selective visibility of divine revelation teach about God's sovereign choice in special revelation?
  2. How do the companions' terror without seeing demonstrate spiritual realities affect even those not receiving direct revelation?
  3. Why does God reveal Himself fully to specific individuals while others only sense His presence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
רָא֖וּ1 of 21

“alone saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֲנִ֨י2 of 21
H589

i

דָנִיֵּ֤אל3 of 21

“And I Daniel”

H1840

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

לְבַדִּי֙4 of 21
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

אֶת5 of 21
H853

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

הַמַּרְאָ֑ה6 of 21

“not the vision”

H4759

(causatively) a mirror

וְהָאֲנָשִׁים֙7 of 21

“for the men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 21
H834

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

הָי֣וּ9 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עִמִּ֔י10 of 21
H5973

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

לֹ֥א11 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

רָא֖וּ12 of 21

“alone saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת13 of 21
H853

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

הַמַּרְאָ֑ה14 of 21

“not the vision”

H4759

(causatively) a mirror

אֲבָ֗ל15 of 21

“but”

H61

nay, i.e., truly or yet

חֲרָדָ֤ה16 of 21

“quaking”

H2731

fear, anxiety

גְדֹלָה֙17 of 21

“a great”

H1419

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

נָפְלָ֣ה18 of 21

“fell”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם19 of 21
H5921

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

וַֽיִּבְרְח֖וּ20 of 21

“upon them so that they fled”

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

בְּהֵחָבֵֽא׃21 of 21

“to hide”

H2244

to secrete

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 10:7 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 10:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 9:7Acts 22:9Genesis 3:10Isaiah 2:10Hebrews 12:21Ezekiel 12:18

Test Your Knowledge

Daniel 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDaniel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Daniel 10 with CommentaryAll Daniel ChaptersComplete Daniel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes