Chapter Overview
Summary
The vision by the Tigris river and the angelic messenger. Both Greek versions follow the MT closely. The description of the heavenly being in 10:5-6 is echoed in Revelation 1:13-15.
Notable Variants
Minor differences in the description of the angelic figure. The OG and Theodotion agree that the 'prince of Persia' resisted the angel for 21 days. Michael's role is preserved in all versions.
Structural Notes
All three versions have 21 verses.
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a word was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar. The word was true, and it concerned a great conflict. He understood the word and had comprehension of the vision.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three weeks of days.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
I ate no rich food; no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I did not anoint myself with oil until the three full weeks had passed.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was beside the great river — that is, the Tigris.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
I raised my eyes and looked, and there was a man clothed in linen, with a belt of pure gold from Uphaz around his waist.
Masoretic (WLC)
אִישׁ אֶחָד לָבוּשׁ בַּדִּים
a man clothed in linen
Septuagint (LXX)
ἀνὴρ εἷς ἐνδεδυμένος βαδδιν / βύσσινα
OG: 'a man clothed in linen' / Th: 'a man clothed in baddin'
Theodotion transliterates the Hebrew baddin (linen); OG translates it as byssina (fine linen). The description parallels the angelic figure of Ezekiel 9:2-3.
His body was like beryl, his face like the flash of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the roar of a multitude.
Masoretic (WLC)
כְּעֵין הַתַּרְשִׁישׁ
like the appearance of Tarshish-stone
Septuagint (LXX)
ὡσεὶ θαρσις (Th) / ὡσεὶ ὑάκινθος (OG)
OG: 'like hyacinth/sapphire' / Th: 'like Tarshish'
Tarshish-stone is usually identified as chrysolite or beryl. The OG substitutes hyakinthos (hyacinth/sapphire), a more familiar gem. This description is echoed in Revelation 1:15 (feet like burnished bronze).
I, Daniel, alone saw the vision. The men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great terror fell upon them and they fled into hiding.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my vigor drained away completely, and I could not summon any strength.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep stupor, face down on the ground.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
Then a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
He said to me: Daniel, you who are treasured — attend to the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you. When he spoke this word to me, I stood up, trembling.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
He said to me: Do not be afraid, Daniel. From the very first day you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come because of your words.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
The prince of the kingdom of Persia stood opposing me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there beside the kings of Persia.
Masoretic (WLC)
שַׂר מַלְכוּת פָּרָס
the prince of the kingdom of Persia
Septuagint (LXX)
ὁ ἄρχων βασιλείας Περσῶν
the ruler of the kingdom of Persia
All versions preserve the concept of angelic 'princes' over nations — a cosmic geography where supernatural beings govern earthly kingdoms. Michael is identified as Israel's prince.
I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision concerns days yet to come.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
When he spoke these words to me, I turned my face to the ground and was struck speechless.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
Then one in the likeness of a human being touched my lips. I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to the one standing before me: My lord, because of the vision anguish has overwhelmed me, and I have no strength left.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
How can this servant of my lord speak with my lord? As for me, no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
Again one with a human appearance touched me and strengthened me.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
He said: Do not be afraid, treasured one. Peace to you — be strong, yes, be strong! As he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said: Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
Then he said: Do you know why I have come to you? Now I must return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I leave, the prince of Greece will come.
Masoretic (WLC)
שַׂר יָוָן
the prince of Greece
Septuagint (LXX)
ὁ ἄρχων τῶν Ἑλλήνων
the ruler of the Greeks
Both Greek versions render Yavan as Hellēnōn. The angelic conflict extends to Greece's guardian angel.
But first I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. There is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael, your prince.
Masoretic (WLC)
מִיכָאֵל שַׂרְכֶם
Michael, your prince
Septuagint (LXX)
Μιχαηλ ὁ ἄρχων ὑμῶν
Michael, your ruler
All versions agree on Michael's role as Israel's angelic patron. The concept is foundational for later angelology.