Daniel 10:14

KJV

Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision [is] for [many] days.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now I am come {H935} to make thee understand {H995} what shall befall {H7136} thy people {H5971} in the latter {H319} days {H3117}: for yet the vision {H2377} is for many days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the acharit-hayamim; for there is still another vision which will relate to those days."

Berean Standard Bible

Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision concerns those days.”

American Standard Version

Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 10:14 serves as a pivotal statement by a heavenly messenger, revealing the divine purpose behind his arduous journey to Daniel: to impart understanding regarding future events that will profoundly impact Daniel's people, Israel. This prophecy is explicitly stated to concern "the latter days," indicating a distant, eschatological timeframe, and emphasizing that the vision's full realization spans many generations, underscoring God's meticulous and long-term sovereign plan for history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Daniel's final and most extensive vision, following a period of intense mourning and fasting for three weeks, as detailed in [Daniel 10:2-3](/daniel/10-2-3 "Daniel's Three Weeks of Mourning and Fasting"). Daniel has just encountered a glorious, awe-inspiring figure, whose presence left him utterly bereft of strength and isolated from his companions ([Daniel 10:7-9](/daniel/10-7-9 "Daniel's Reaction to the Divine Vision")). The messenger, after reassuring Daniel and explaining the intense spiritual warfare that delayed his arrival—a battle against the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" aided by Michael ([Daniel 10:13](/daniel/10-13 "The Prince of Persia and Michael's Aid"))—now articulates the specific, urgent reason for his presence. Verse 14 thus acts as a crucial introductory statement, setting the stage for the detailed prophetic revelations concerning the future of Israel and the nations that unfold in [Daniel 11-12](/daniel/11-12 "Detailed Prophecies of Kings and End Times").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel received this vision during the early years of the Persian Empire, likely in the third year of Cyrus's reign (c. 536 BC), a time when many Jews had returned to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel but faced significant challenges in rebuilding the temple and their national identity. Daniel, still in Babylon, would have been an elderly man, deeply concerned for the future of his people, who were still largely under foreign dominion. The concept of "the latter days" (Hebrew: _'acharit hayyamim'_) held significant cultural and theological weight for the Jewish people. It referred to a future period of God's decisive intervention in history, often associated with the culmination of His covenant promises, the restoration of Israel, and the establishment of His kingdom. Daniel's concern and the messenger's revelation speak directly to the hopes and anxieties of a people longing for divine vindication and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 10:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over history and His willingness to disclose His future plans to His chosen servants. The messenger's explicit purpose "to make thee understand" highlights the importance of comprehending God's unfolding purposes, even when they involve complex and distant events. Secondly, the phrase "latter days" introduces and reinforces the theme of **Eschatology**, particularly concerning the destiny of Israel. This vision, unlike some earlier ones, explicitly focuses on the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan for His covenant people, leading into the detailed prophecies of [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Prophecy of Kings and Conflicts") and [Daniel 12](/daniel/12 "Prophecy of the End Times and Resurrection"). Lastly, though not directly stated in this verse, the preceding context of spiritual warfare ([Daniel 10:13](/daniel/10-13 "Spiritual Conflict")) subtly reinforces the theme of **Cosmic Conflict**, revealing that behind earthly events lie unseen spiritual battles, and God's messengers are actively engaged in bringing His will to pass.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **understand (Hebrew, _bîyn'_ - H995):** This word carries the meaning "to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand." It implies a deep, discerning comprehension, not merely superficial knowledge. The angelic messenger's mission is not just to relay information, but to enable Daniel to grasp the intricate details and implications of the future events, allowing him to distinguish between various aspects of the prophecy.
* **latter (Hebrew, _ʼachărîyth'_ - H319):** Derived from a root meaning "after," this term signifies "the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity." When combined with "days," it denotes a distant, ultimate period. In prophetic contexts, it consistently points to the eschatological future, often referring to the culmination of God's plan for Israel and the world, far beyond Daniel's immediate historical horizon.
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_ - H3117):** While literally meaning "a day (as the warm hours)," this word is frequently used figuratively to denote "a space of time defined by an associated term." In the phrase "latter days" and "many days," it emphasizes an extended duration, signifying that the vision's fulfillment is not imminent but will unfold over a prolonged period, stretching into the distant future.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now I am come to make thee understand":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine messenger's primary purpose. His arrival, despite the intense spiritual opposition mentioned in the previous verse, is solely for the purpose of imparting understanding to Daniel. This highlights God's desire for His servants to comprehend His will and future plans, empowering them with knowledge.
* **"what shall befall thy people in the latter days":** This specifies the content of the understanding to be imparted: events concerning "thy people," meaning Israel. The phrase "in the latter days" is crucial, indicating that the prophecy's scope extends far beyond Daniel's lifetime, reaching into a distant, climactic period of history. It signals an eschatological focus, pointing to the ultimate destiny and experiences of the Jewish nation.
* **"for yet the vision is for many days":** This concluding clause reinforces the extended timeline of the prophecy. "Many days" confirms that the events foretold are not for the immediate future but will unfold over a significant duration, emphasizing the long-term nature of God's prophetic calendar and His sovereign orchestration of history across generations.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 10:14 effectively employs **Divine Discourse**, as a heavenly messenger directly communicates God's intentions and future plans to Daniel. This direct address lends authority and urgency to the message, emphasizing its divine origin and significance. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as it explicitly states that the vision concerns events "in the latter days" and "for many days," thereby preparing the reader for the detailed, long-range prophecies that follow in [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Prophecy of Kings and Conflicts") and [Daniel 12](/daniel/12 "Prophecy of the End Times and Resurrection"). This technique builds anticipation and underscores the vast scope of God's historical plan. Furthermore, the very act of revelation itself functions as a literary device, highlighting the theme of **Prophetic Unveiling**, where hidden truths about the future are made known through divine intervention, affirming God's omniscience and control over time.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 10:14 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over history and His consistent practice of revealing His plans to His chosen servants. The emphasis on "the latter days" connects this passage to the broader biblical narrative of eschatology, where God's ultimate purposes for His people and the world are brought to fruition. It underscores that God has a meticulously designed timeline, and even seemingly chaotic earthly events are part of His grand, unfolding design. This divine revelation serves not only to inform but also to prepare and comfort Daniel and, by extension, all who read these prophecies, assuring them that God's ultimate victory is certain, despite the trials and tribulations that may precede it. The detailed nature of the subsequent prophecies in Daniel underscores God's intimate involvement in the affairs of nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, Israel, through all ages.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "God Reveals His Secret to His Servants")
* [Isaiah 2:2](/isaiah/2-2 "The Mountain of the Lord in the Latter Days")
* [Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Peter's Sermon on the Last Days")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 10:14 reminds us that God operates on a timeline far grander than our own, with plans that span centuries and culminate in "the latter days." This should instill in us a profound sense of trust in His sovereignty, even when current circumstances seem bleak or confusing. Just as God sent a messenger to Daniel to provide understanding, He provides us with His Word, the Bible, to illuminate His purposes and equip us for the times we live in. We are called not to fear the future, but to seek understanding of God's will, to live faithfully in the present, and to patiently await the full unfolding of His redemptive plan. This verse encourages us to cultivate a long-term perspective, recognizing that our lives are part of a much larger divine narrative, and that God is meticulously working all things together for His ultimate glory and the good of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "the latter days" in Daniel 10:14 influence your perspective on current world events?**
* **What does God's willingness to "make thee understand" about the future reveal about His character and His relationship with His people?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's long-term plan, even when the immediate future is uncertain?**

### FAQ
**What does "the latter days" specifically refer to in Daniel 10:14?**

Answer: In Daniel 10:14, "the latter days" (Hebrew: _'acharit hayyamim'_) refers to a distant, eschatological period, specifically concerning the culmination of God's prophetic program for Israel. While the phrase can have various nuanced meanings in different biblical contexts, here it points to the time leading up to and including the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises, the establishment of His kingdom, and the final destiny of the Jewish people. It encompasses events that would occur far beyond Daniel's lifetime, including the rise and fall of empires, the tribulation of Israel, and ultimately, their restoration and the coming of the Messiah. This concept is found throughout the Old Testament, often predicting a future time of divine judgment and salvation, as seen in passages like [Genesis 49:1](/genesis/49-1 "Jacob's Prophecy for the Last Days") and [Numbers 24:14](/numbers/24-14 "Balaam's Prophecy of the Latter Days").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 10:14, with its focus on "the latter days" and the unfolding of God's plan for Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "many days" of prophecy, stretching from Daniel's time, culminate in the coming of the Messiah, who is the central figure of God's redemptive history. It is through Christ that God's ultimate purposes for His people and for all creation are brought to fruition. The New Testament reveals that we are living in these "last days" or "latter days," inaugurated by Christ's first advent ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God Spoke Through His Son in These Last Days")). The understanding that the angelic messenger came to impart to Daniel regarding the future of his people ultimately points to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, which began with Christ's earthly ministry and will be fully realized at His glorious second coming ([Acts 3:20-21](/acts/3-20-21 "Christ Must Remain in Heaven Until the Restoration")). Jesus is the ultimate revealer of God's truth, the one who perfectly understands and executes the divine will, and through Him, the vision for "many days" finds its glorious resolution, as every eye will see Him and the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Every Eye Will See Him")).

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 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 2:28

But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Daniel 12:9

And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

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.

Deuteronomy 4:30

When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, [even] in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

Genesis 49:1

¶ And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you [that] which shall befall you in the last days.