King James Version

What Does Daniel 9:23 Mean?

Daniel 9:23 in the King James Version says “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly belov...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. commandment: Heb. word greatly: Heb. a man of desires”

Daniel 9:23 · KJV

Context

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

23

At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. commandment: Heb. word greatly: Heb. a man of desires

24

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. finish: or, restrain make an: or, seal up prophecy: Heb. prophet

25

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. be built: Heb. return and be built wall: or, breach, or, ditch troublous: Heb. strait of

Read Daniel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gabriel reveals God's regard for Daniel: 'At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.' The phrase 'at the beginning' shows God initiated response immediately when Daniel began praying. Gabriel's mission—'I am come to shew thee'—indicates divine commitment to giving understanding. The declaration 'thou art greatly beloved' (Hebrew: chamudot, precious, treasured) expresses divine affection. This motivates attentive consideration: 'therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.' Being loved by God includes receiving revelation of His purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gabriel appears only in Daniel (8:16; 9:21) and Luke's nativity accounts (1:19, 26), suggesting special role in messianic revelation. The angel's immediate dispatch 'at the beginning' of prayer shows divine responsiveness. Ancient Near Eastern religion portrayed gods as distant, requiring ritual manipulation. Biblical theology presents God who actively seeks relationship with His people, sending angelic messengers with revelation. The timing fulfilled God's promise that before they call, He answers (Isaiah 65:24).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's immediate response 'at the beginning' of prayer demonstrate His eagerness to communicate with those who seek Him?
  2. What does being 'greatly beloved' teach about election rooted in divine affection rather than human merit?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
בִּתְחִלַּ֨ת1 of 14

“At the beginning”

H8462

a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)

תַּחֲנוּנֶ֜יךָ2 of 14

“of thy supplications”

H8469

earnest prayer

יָצָ֣א3 of 14

“came forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בַּדָּבָ֔ר4 of 14

“the commandment”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וַאֲנִי֙5 of 14
H589

i

בָּ֣אתִי6 of 14

“and I am come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְהַגִּ֔יד7 of 14

“to shew”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

כִּ֥י8 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חֲמוּד֖וֹת9 of 14
H2530

to delight in

אָ֑תָּה10 of 14
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְהָבֵ֖ן11 of 14

“and consider”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

בַּדָּבָ֔ר12 of 14

“the commandment”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וְהָבֵ֖ן13 of 14

“and consider”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

בַּמַּרְאֶֽה׃14 of 14

“the vision”

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),

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 9:23 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 9:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 10:19Daniel 10:11-12Matthew 24:15Luke 1:28Song of Solomon 7:10Ezekiel 26:12

Test Your Knowledge

Daniel 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDaniel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Daniel 9 with CommentaryAll Daniel ChaptersComplete Daniel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes