Daniel 10:1

KJV

¶ In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the third {H7969} year {H8141} of Cyrus {H3566} king {H4428} of Persia {H6539} a thing {H1697} was revealed {H1540} unto Daniel {H1840}, whose name {H8034} was called {H7121} Belteshazzar {H1095}; and the thing {H1697} was true {H571}, but the time appointed {H6635} was long {H1419}: and he understood {H995} the thing {H1697}, and had understanding {H998} of the vision {H4758}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the third year of Koresh king of Persia, a word was revealed to Dani'el, also called Belt'shatzar. The word was certain: a great war. He understood the word, having gained understanding in the vision.

Berean Standard Bible

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, and it concerned a great conflict. And the understanding of the message was given to him in a vision.

American Standard Version

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 10:1 serves as the crucial introduction to Daniel's final and most extensive prophetic vision, spanning chapters 10-12. This verse precisely dates the revelation to the third year of Cyrus's reign, identifies Daniel by both his Hebrew and Babylonian names, asserts the absolute truthfulness of the forthcoming prophecy, and highlights its distant future fulfillment. It also underscores Daniel's divinely granted capacity to comprehend the profound and complex divine message he received.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 10:1 immediately follows Daniel's intense prayer and the subsequent angelic visitation in [Daniel 9](/daniel/9 "Daniel 9 - Daniel's Prayer and Gabriel's Prophecy"), where he received a prophecy concerning the seventy weeks. This verse marks a shift to a new, distinct, and highly detailed vision that will occupy the remainder of the book. While previous visions in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts") and [Daniel 8](/daniel/8 "Daniel 8 - Daniel's Vision of the Ram and Goat") focused on successive world empires, the vision introduced in [Daniel 10](/daniel/10 "Daniel 10 - Daniel's Vision by the Tigris") through [Daniel 12](/daniel/12 "Daniel 12 - The Time of the End") delves into the specific conflicts between the "king of the North" and the "king of the South," culminating in the ultimate eschatological events, including the resurrection and the end times. This introductory verse sets the solemn and weighty tone for the profound disclosures that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "third year of Cyrus king of Persia" places this vision around 536 BC, approximately two years after Cyrus's decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem (as recorded in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for the Return to Jerusalem")). While many Jews had already begun their journey back to Judah under Zerubbabel, Daniel, now an old man, remained in Babylon, likely still serving in a governmental capacity. His continued presence in the foreign court underscores his enduring faithfulness and God's sovereign purpose in keeping him there to receive these final, crucial revelations. The mention of his Babylonian name, "Belteshazzar," a name given to him at the beginning of his exile ([Daniel 1:7](/daniel/1-7 "Daniel 1:7 - Daniel's Babylonian Name")), serves as a poignant reminder of his long history in pagan lands and his unwavering identity as God's servant despite his surroundings.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation**, emphasizing that God actively discloses His will and future plans to His chosen servants, not through human speculation but through direct divine impartation. Secondly, the declaration that "the thing [was] true" underscores the **Truth and Certainty of Prophecy**, affirming the absolute reliability and veracity of God's word, regardless of its complexity or the distant nature of its fulfillment. Thirdly, the phrase "the time appointed [was] long" points to the **Long-Term Prophecy and Eschatology**, indicating that the vision concerns events far into the future, particularly those related to the end times, the fate of Israel, and the ultimate conflict between good and evil, a theme that culminates in passages like [Daniel 12:4](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - Sealing the Book Until the End"). Finally, Daniel's ability to grasp the message ("he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision") emphasizes the theme of **Understanding and Discernment**, showcasing God's empowerment of His servants to comprehend profound spiritual truths, a recurring motif throughout Daniel's prophetic experiences.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) From the root meaning "to speak," this multifaceted Hebrew word refers to a "word," "matter," "event," or "decree." In this context, it denotes the comprehensive prophetic message or divine communication that is about to be revealed to Daniel, encompassing both spoken words and the events they describe. Its repeated use ("a thing was revealed," "the thing was true," "he understood the thing") emphasizes the singular, weighty nature of this particular divine disclosure.
* **revealed (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** (H1540) A primitive root meaning "to denude," "uncover," or "disclose." Figuratively, it signifies making known what was previously hidden or secret. Here, it highlights the divine origin of the message; it was not Daniel's own insight but a direct unveiling by God, emphasizing God's initiative in communicating His sovereign plan.
* **long (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** (H1419) Meaning "great" in any sense, this word is used here in conjunction with "time appointed" (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_ H6635, meaning a "mass of persons," "army," or "appointed time/service"). The phrase "the time appointed was long" (literally, "the appointed time was great" or "a great host/duration") signifies that the events prophesied would span a very extended period, extending far into the future and culminating in the eschatological age. This specific usage underscores the extensive scope and distant fulfillment of the vision.
* **vision (Hebrew, _marʼeh'_):** (H4758) Derived from the verb "to see," this noun refers to an "appearance," "sight," or "vision" (mental or real). It specifies the mode of revelation Daniel received, indicating a divinely granted perception of future events, often involving symbolic imagery or direct communication from an angelic messenger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia":** This opening clause precisely dates the vision to approximately 536 BC, establishing a specific historical anchor for the prophecy. It places the event after the initial return of the exiles but while Daniel was still alive and active in Babylon, highlighting God's continued engagement with His servant even in his advanced age.
* **"a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar":** This identifies the recipient of the divine message as Daniel, emphasizing that the content was not of human origin but a direct revelation from God. The inclusion of his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar, serves as a literary device reminding the reader of Daniel's long history in exile and his dual identity, rooted in both his heritage and his foreign context.
* **"and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] long":** This crucial phrase affirms two key aspects of the prophecy: its absolute veracity and its distant fulfillment. "The thing was true" assures the reader of the divine reliability and certainty of the message, while "the time appointed was long" indicates that the events described would unfold over an extended period, pointing towards future generations and ultimately the eschatological climax.
* **"and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision":** This final clause highlights Daniel's spiritual acumen and divine empowerment. It signifies that Daniel, through God's grace, was able to grasp the meaning and implications of the complex divine message, distinguishing him as a prophet uniquely gifted with discernment. The repetition of "understood" (from different but related Hebrew roots, _bîyn_ H995 and _bîynâh_ H998) emphasizes the depth of his comprehension.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 10:1 employs several literary devices to set the stage for the profound prophecy that follows. The use of **Repetition** is evident in the repeated mention of "thing" (`dâbâr`), which underscores the singular importance and comprehensive nature of the revelation. This repetition emphasizes that the entire prophetic message, not just a part of it, is the subject of divine disclosure and human comprehension. **Foreshadowing** is present in the phrase "the time appointed [was] long," which hints at the extensive temporal scope of the vision, preparing the reader for prophecies that stretch far into the future, culminating in the end times. The very act of a "thing was revealed" serves as a form of **Divine Disclosure**, highlighting God's active role as the primary communicator and the ultimate source of truth. Furthermore, the inclusion of Daniel's Babylonian name, **Belteshazzar**, acts as a subtle **Allusion** to his earlier experiences in the book, reminding the reader of his consistent character and God's faithfulness throughout his long life in exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 10:1 grounds the subsequent prophecies in the absolute truth and sovereign timing of God. It underscores the theological principle that God is not silent but actively reveals His purposes to humanity, particularly to His faithful servants. This revelation is not arbitrary but is always "true," reflecting God's unchanging character and the certainty of His word. The emphasis on the "long" appointed time for fulfillment teaches believers about God's patience and His panoramic view of history, which unfolds according to His perfect schedule, often far beyond human immediate comprehension. This divine perspective calls for a deep trust in God's ultimate plan, even when its details are complex or its culmination seems distant.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [2 Peter 1:19](/2_peter/1-19 "2 Peter 1:19 - The Prophetic Word Made More Sure")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 10:1 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Daniel received a vision whose fulfillment was "long," we are reminded that God's plans often unfold over generations, requiring patience and steadfast faith. We may not see the immediate culmination of every divine promise or prophecy, but we are called to trust in the absolute truthfulness of God's word. Daniel's diligent pursuit of understanding and his subsequent comprehension of the vision challenge us to engage deeply with Scripture, seeking discernment through prayer and study, knowing that God desires for us to grasp His truths. This verse encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that our present circumstances are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative that is moving towards a certain future. It provides immense comfort in the reliability of God's promises and warnings, urging us to align our lives with His sovereign will, confident that His word will surely come to pass.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's example of seeking and receiving understanding encourage your own approach to studying God's Word?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more patience, trusting in God's "long" appointed time for His plans to unfold?**
* **How does the certainty that God's "thing [was] true" impact your confidence in His promises and your response to His commands today?**

### FAQ
**Why is Daniel still in Babylon in the third year of Cyrus, after the decree for return?**

Answer: While Cyrus's decree in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree and the First Return") allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem, not all of them immediately did so. Many, like Daniel, had established lives and positions in Babylon over decades. Daniel, by this time, was likely in his late 80s or early 90s, having served multiple Babylonian and Persian kings. His continued presence in Babylon highlights his enduring influence and God's sovereign purpose in keeping him there to receive these final, crucial revelations concerning the future of Israel and the world. His life demonstrates faithfulness and service even in a foreign land, long after many of his countrymen had departed.

**What is the significance of the phrase "the time appointed was long"?**

Answer: This phrase, "the time appointed was long" (Hebrew: `tsâbâʼ` `gâdôwl`), is highly significant. It literally means "the appointed time was great" or "a great host/duration." It indicates that the vision Daniel received concerns events that would not be fulfilled in the immediate future but would span a very extended period, stretching far into the distant future. This points to the eschatological nature of the prophecies in [Daniel 10-12](/daniel/10 "Daniel 10 - Daniel's Vision by the Tigris") and emphasizes that God's redemptive plan unfolds over vast stretches of history, culminating in the end times. It assures the reader that the prophecies are not for Daniel's immediate generation but for future generations, leading to the ultimate conclusion of human history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 10:1, in its declaration of a "true" word revealed for a "long" appointed time, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate revelation and fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The "thing" revealed to Daniel, though complex and distant, ultimately points to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, which finds its climax and consummation in Christ. While God "at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets," as [Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God Spoke Through Prophets") states, He has "in these last days spoken to us by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Spoke Through His Son")). The truthfulness of Daniel's vision is ultimately guaranteed by the One who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, the Life")). The "long" appointed time for the vision's fulfillment encompasses the entire inter-advent period, from Christ's first coming, which initiated the "last days," to His glorious second coming, which will bring all prophecy to its final, visible completion. Jesus Himself is the "Alpha and the Omega," the beginning and the end of God's historical plan ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega")). Thus, Daniel's final vision, introduced in this verse, is part of the grand narrative of God's sovereign rule, culminating in the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, which will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Kingdom That Will Never Be Destroyed")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 6:28

So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Daniel 1:21

And Daniel continued [even] unto the first year of king Cyrus.

Daniel 8:26

And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told [is] true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it [shall be] for many days.

Daniel 1:7

Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

Daniel 1:17

¶ As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Daniel 5:17

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

Daniel 12:4

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.