King James Version

What Does Daniel 8:13 Mean?

Daniel 8:13 in the King James Version says “Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the visio...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? that: or, the numberer of secrets, or, the wonderful numberer: Heb. Palmoni of: or, making desolate”

Daniel 8:13 · KJV

Context

11

Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away , and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. to: or, against by him: or, from him

12

And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered. an host: or, the host was given over for the transgression against the daily sacrifice

13

Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? that: or, the numberer of secrets, or, the wonderful numberer: Heb. Palmoni of: or, making desolate

14

And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days ; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. days: Heb. evening morning cleansed: Heb. justified

15

And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel hears angelic dialogue—"one saint" (holy one) asking "another saint" how long these desecrations will last. The Hebrew qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ, "saint" or "holy one") refers to angels, revealing celestial interest in earthly persecution of God's people. Angels don't know all things; they learn through observation and inquiry. Their question demonstrates that even heavenly beings wonder at God's timing in allowing evil to prosper temporarily.

The question concerns "the vision...the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot." This comprehensive query encompasses: the vision's duration, cessation of worship, the abomination ("transgression of desolation"), temple desecration, and persecution of God's people. The phrase "trodden under foot" emphasizes humiliation and contempt—not merely conquering but degrading what is sacred to God.

Theologically, this verse reveals that persecution puzzles even angels. Why does God allow His name to be profaned, His sanctuary polluted, His people oppressed? The answer (verse 14) shows divine sovereignty setting limits on evil's duration. God permits temporary testing to purify His people, but He doesn't allow indefinite oppression. This foreshadows Christ's teaching that tribulation has divinely appointed limits (Mark 13:20), and points to His return when all oppression finally ends.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Angelic involvement in Israel's affairs appears throughout Daniel (9:21, 10:13, 10:21, 12:1). Michael the archangel particularly defends Israel. This dialogue reveals the unseen spiritual dimension behind earthly events—angels observe, inquire, and engage in cosmic conflict affecting God's people. The question's specificity about worship cessation and sanctuary defilement shows that angels care deeply about God's glory and His people's welfare. Their inquiry teaches that heaven mourns earth's injustice, even when divine purposes temporarily permit evil to prosper.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does angelic puzzlement about persecution's duration teach us about trusting God's timing even when His purposes seem unclear?
  2. How should knowing that angels observe our faithfulness during trials encourage perseverance when God's deliverance seems delayed?
  3. In what ways does God's setting specific limits on evil's duration (verse 14) demonstrate His sovereignty even when He permits temporary persecution?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וָאֶשְׁמְעָ֥ה1 of 19

“Then I heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶחָ֨ד2 of 19

“and another”

H259

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

קָד֜וֹשׁ3 of 19

“saint”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

הַֽמְדַבֵּ֗ר4 of 19

“saint which spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וַיֹּאמֶר֩5 of 19

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶחָ֨ד6 of 19

“and another”

H259

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

קָד֜וֹשׁ7 of 19

“saint”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

לַפַּֽלְמוֹנִ֣י8 of 19

“unto that certain”

H6422

a certain one, i.e., so-and-so

הַֽמְדַבֵּ֗ר9 of 19

“saint which spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עַד10 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מָתַ֞י11 of 19
H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

הֶחָז֤וֹן12 of 19

“How long shall be the vision”

H2377

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

הַתָּמִיד֙13 of 19

“concerning the daily”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

וְהַפֶּ֣שַׁע14 of 19

“sacrifice and the transgression”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

שֹׁמֵ֔ם15 of 19

“of desolation”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

תֵּ֛ת16 of 19

“to give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

וְקֹ֥דֶשׁ17 of 19

“both the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְצָבָ֖א18 of 19

“and the host”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

מִרְמָֽס׃19 of 19

“to be trodden under foot”

H4823

abasement (the act or the thing)

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 8:13 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 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 11:2Daniel 9:27Revelation 6:10Luke 21:24Daniel 4:13Daniel 11:31

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