King James Version

What Does Daniel 8:15 Mean?

Daniel 8:15 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood b...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 8:15 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

17

So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel's response to the vision—"I Daniel, sought for the meaning" (Hebrew: avaqesh binah, אֲבַקֵּשׁ בִינָה, "I sought understanding")—demonstrates proper response to divine revelation. Daniel didn't merely experience the vision passively; he actively pursued understanding. This models how believers should approach Scripture—not passively reading but earnestly seeking comprehension through study, meditation, and prayer.

"Behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man" describes Gabriel's appearance (verse 16 identifies him). Angels often appear in human form to communicate with humans (Genesis 18, 19; Judges 13). The phrase "appearance of a man" suggests glory beyond humanity—recognizable form but transcendent nature. Gabriel's arrival initiates interpretation, showing that understanding divine revelation requires divine aid. Human wisdom alone cannot penetrate God's word; the same Spirit who inspires Scripture must illuminate it (1 Corinthians 2:10-14).

This models Christ, the ultimate revelation of God who took human form to communicate divine truth. As Gabriel helped Daniel understand, Christ reveals the Father perfectly (John 14:9). The incarnation demonstrates that God condescends to human comprehension—eternal truth clothed in accessible form. Just as Daniel needed angelic interpretation, we need the Spirit's illumination to understand Scripture's fullness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gabriel ("God's mighty one" or "hero of God") appears four times in Scripture: twice in Daniel (8:16, 9:21) and twice in Luke announcing John the Baptist's and Jesus's births (Luke 1:19, 26). As an archangel, Gabriel stands in God's presence and delivers His most significant messages. His appearance to Daniel connects Old Testament prophecy with New Testament fulfillment—the same angel who explained prophetic visions to Daniel announced Christ's incarnation, linking Daniel's prophecies to their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's active pursuit of understanding model the diligence we should bring to studying Scripture?
  2. What does the necessity of angelic interpretation teach us about our dependence on divine aid—the Holy Spirit—to understand God's word?
  3. In what ways does Gabriel's role connecting Daniel's prophecies to Christ's birth demonstrate Scripture's unified testimony to Jesus?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 13
H1961

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

בִּרְאֹתִ֛י2 of 13

“had seen”

H7200

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

אֲנִ֥י3 of 13
H589

i

דָנִיֵּ֖אל4 of 13

“And it came to pass when I even I Daniel”

H1840

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

אֶת5 of 13
H853

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

הֶחָז֑וֹן6 of 13

“the vision”

H2377

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

וָאֲבַקְשָׁ֣ה7 of 13

“and sought”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

בִינָ֔ה8 of 13

“for the meaning”

H998

understanding

וְהִנֵּ֛ה9 of 13
H2009

lo!

עֹמֵ֥ד10 of 13

“then behold there stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לְנֶגְדִּ֖י11 of 13
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

כְּמַרְאֵה12 of 13

“before me as 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),

גָֽבֶר׃13 of 13

“of a man”

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

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 8:15 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 8:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 10:161 Peter 1:10-11Daniel 10:18Revelation 1:13Daniel 7:13Matthew 24:30

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