King James Version

What Does Daniel 9:20 Mean?

Daniel 9:20 in the King James Version says “And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplic... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;

Daniel 9:20 · KJV


Context

18

O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. which: Heb. whereupon thy name is called present: Heb. cause to fall

19

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

20

And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;

21

Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. swiftly: Heb. with weariness, or, flight

22

And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. to: Heb. to make thee skilful of


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
While Daniel prays, God sends response: 'And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God.' This sets context for Gabriel's arrival (v. 21). The phrase 'whiles I was speaking' indicates God answered before Daniel finished praying (cf. Isaiah 65:24). The confession includes personal ('my sin') and corporate ('sin of my people') dimensions. His intercession for 'the holy mountain' (temple mount/Jerusalem) shows covenant concern for God's reputation and dwelling place.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish prayer practice included confession, repentance, and supplication. Daniel's prayer (v. 4-19) exemplifies corporate confession where righteous individuals identify with their people's sin. The 'holy mountain' refers to Mount Zion/Jerusalem where the temple stood (now destroyed). Ancient Near Eastern religion closely linked gods with specific locations; Daniel's concern for God's dwelling place among His people reflects covenant theology where God's presence among Israel demonstrated His choice of them as His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's example of identifying with his people's sin model corporate responsibility rather than self-righteous distancing?
  2. What does God's response before prayer concludes teach about His eagerness to answer those who earnestly seek Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְע֨וֹד1 of 18
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אֲנִ֤י2 of 18
H589

i

מְדַבֵּר֙3 of 18

And whiles I was speaking

H1696

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

וּמִתְפַּלֵּ֔ל4 of 18

and praying

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

וּמִתְוַדֶּה֙5 of 18

and confessing

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

וְחַטַּ֖את6 of 18

and the sin

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

וְחַטַּ֖את7 of 18

and the sin

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

עַמִּ֣י8 of 18

of my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל9 of 18

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּמַפִּ֣יל10 of 18

and presenting

H5307

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

תְּחִנָּתִ֗י11 of 18

my supplication

H8467

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

לִפְנֵי֙12 of 18

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֣ה13 of 18

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהָֽי׃14 of 18

my God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עַ֖ל15 of 18
H5921

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

הַר16 of 18

mountain

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

קֹ֥דֶשׁ17 of 18

for the holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֱלֹהָֽי׃18 of 18

my God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of


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 9:20 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 9:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study