King James Version

What Does Daniel 8:1 Mean?

Daniel 8:1 in the King James Version says “In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appea...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.”

Daniel 8:1 · KJV

Context

1

In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.

2

And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.

3

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. the other: Heb. the second

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase "in the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar" provides precise chronological context, dating this vision to approximately 551 BC, two years after Daniel's first vision in chapter 7. The Hebrew phrase nir'ah elai (נִרְאָה אֵלַי, "appeared unto me") emphasizes the supernatural, divine origin of this revelation—not Daniel's imagination but God's sovereign disclosure of future events.

This second vision ("after that which appeared unto me at the first") builds upon and clarifies the earlier prophecy, demonstrating progressive revelation's principle. God doesn't reveal everything at once but unfolds His purposes gradually, requiring patient study and comparison of Scripture with Scripture. Daniel's privileged position as recipient of divine visions marks him as a true prophet, authenticated by fulfilled predictions.

Theologically, this verse establishes that God sovereignly controls history's unfolding. He reveals future kingdoms and conflicts not to satisfy curiosity but to strengthen His people's faith through trials. The vision comes during Babylon's reign yet predicts successive empires, demonstrating God's transcendence over all earthly powers. This points to Christ, the ultimate Prophet who perfectly reveals the Father's will and brings all prophecy to fulfillment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Belshazzar ruled as co-regent with his father Nabonidus from approximately 553-539 BC. While Nabonidus campaigned in Arabia, Belshazzar governed Babylon, explaining why Daniel could only be made 'third ruler' (5:16)—after Nabonidus and Belshazzar. The third year of Belshazzar's reign occurred during a relatively peaceful period before Cyrus the Persian's rapid conquests.

This vision came about thirteen years after Nebuchadnezzar's death (562 BC) and eight years before Babylon's fall (539 BC). Daniel, now in his seventies, had witnessed Babylon's zenith under Nebuchadnezzar and was about to see its collapse under Belshazzar. His prophetic role continued across multiple administrations, demonstrating God's faithfulness to preserve His servants through changing political circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's pattern of progressive revelation—giving Daniel multiple visions over time—encourage patient, systematic Bible study?
  2. What does Daniel's reception of visions during political decline teach us about God's sovereignty over seemingly chaotic historical transitions?
  3. How should the fulfilled prophecies in Daniel strengthen our confidence in yet-unfulfilled biblical predictions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
בִּשְׁנַ֣ת1 of 14

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שָׁל֔וֹשׁ2 of 14

“In the third”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

לְמַלְכ֖וּת3 of 14

“of the reign”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

בֵּלְאשַׁצַּ֣ר4 of 14

“Belshazzar”

H1112

belshatstsar, a babylonian king

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ5 of 14

“of king”

H4428

a king

חָז֞וֹן6 of 14

“a vision”

H2377

a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle

הַנִּרְאָ֥ה7 of 14

“appeared”

H7200

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

אֵלַי֙8 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲנִ֣י9 of 14
H589

i

דָנִיֵּ֔אל10 of 14

“unto me even unto me Daniel”

H1840

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

אַחֲרֵ֛י11 of 14

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַנִּרְאָ֥ה12 of 14

“appeared”

H7200

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

אֵלַ֖י13 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בַּתְּחִלָּֽה׃14 of 14

“unto me at the first”

H8462

a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)

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 8:1 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 8:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 8:15Daniel 10:7Daniel 10:2Daniel 9:2Daniel 11:4Daniel 7:28

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