Daniel 10:17

KJV

For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.

KJV (with Strong's)

For how {H1963} can {H3201} the servant {H5650} of this my lord {H113} talk {H1696} with this my lord {H113}? for as for me, straightway {H6258} there remained {H5975} no strength {H3581} in me, neither is there breath {H5397} left {H7604} in me.

Complete Jewish Bible

For how can this servant of my lord speak with my lord, when my strength and breath have failed me?"

Berean Standard Bible

How can I, your servant, speak with you, my lord? Now I have no strength, nor is any breath left in me.”

American Standard Version

For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither was there breath left in me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 10:17 vividly portrays the prophet Daniel's profound physical and spiritual collapse in the presence of a glorious divine messenger. Overwhelmed by the celestial encounter, Daniel confesses his utter inability to speak or stand, highlighting the immense chasm between human frailty and the overwhelming majesty of the divine, and underscoring humanity's inherent weakness before God's glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is spoken by Daniel during a period of intense spiritual struggle and revelation, following a prolonged fast (Daniel 10:2-3). The chapter opens with Daniel receiving a vision of a glorious, divine being (Daniel 10:5-6), whose appearance is so overwhelming that it leaves Daniel physically incapacitated. Earlier in the chapter, Daniel describes his initial reaction: "there remained no strength in me, for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength" (Daniel 10:8). He falls into a deep sleep, his face to the ground (Daniel 10:9). Despite being touched and encouraged by the messenger, who identifies Daniel as "a man greatly beloved" (Daniel 10:11, 19), Daniel still struggles to regain his composure and strength. Verse 17 is Daniel's direct response to the messenger's command to "stand upright" (Daniel 10:11) and "fear not" (Daniel 10:12), articulating the depth of his physical and vital exhaustion, making it impossible for him to converse with such a majestic figure without divine enablement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel lived during the Babylonian exile and the subsequent rise of the Persian Empire, serving in high governmental positions under various kings. The cultural backdrop of the ancient Near East often depicted encounters between humans and divine beings as awe-inspiring and terrifying, frequently resulting in profound physical reactions from the human party. Prophets and seers were understood to be intermediaries, yet even they were not exempt from the overwhelming power of the divine presence. Daniel's experience aligns with this understanding, emphasizing the vast qualitative difference between mortal humanity and immortal, holy beings. His use of "my lord" reflects the common deferential address to a superior, whether human or divine, in ancient Near Eastern society, acknowledging the messenger's authority and exalted status.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel's experience in this chapter, culminating in his confession in [Daniel 10:17](/daniel/10-17 "Daniel 10:17 - Daniel's Weakness Before the Divine"), contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Daniel and biblical theology. Foremost among these is the **Human Frailty Before Divine Glory**, vividly illustrating the natural human response to encountering the holy and powerful presence of God or His messengers. It underscores our creatureliness and dependence, echoing the sentiment found in [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Reaction to God's Glory"). Another key theme is the **Need for Divine Enablement** for spiritual communication and service; Daniel's inability to speak or stand without external help emphasizes that true spiritual engagement requires supernatural strength and empowerment from God, a concept reinforced later when the messenger touches him again, saying, "O man greatly beloved, fear not! peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong" (Daniel 10:19). Finally, Daniel's confession of weakness is not a complaint but an expression of **Humility and Reverence**, recognizing the vast chasm between himself and his "lord," which is a prerequisite for receiving divine revelation and grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** This term (H113) refers to a sovereign, controller, master, or owner, applicable to both human and divine figures. Daniel uses it twice in this verse to address the celestial messenger, acknowledging his superior authority and majesty. It signifies a relationship of submission and respect, recognizing the messenger's exalted status and Daniel's own subordinate position.
* **strength (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be firm," _kôach_ (H3581) denotes vigor, force, power, or ability. Daniel's declaration that "there remained no strength in me" indicates a complete physical and vital collapse, a profound enfeeblement that rendered him unable to perform even basic functions like standing or speaking. This is not merely tiredness but an existential depletion of all physical capacity.
* **breath (Hebrew, _nᵉshâmâh'_):** This word (H5397) signifies a puff, wind, or vital breath, often associated with divine inspiration or the very essence of life (as in God breathing life into Adam). Daniel's statement, "neither is there breath left in me," suggests a profound sense of vital depletion, as if the very life force was ebbing from him. It implies not just a lack of air, but a near-death state, an overwhelming spiritual and physical shock that threatened his very existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord?"**: Daniel poses a rhetorical question, expressing the utter impossibility of his situation. He, the humble "servant" (`ʻebed`, H5650), is in such a state of debilitation that he cannot engage in dialogue with the majestic "lord" (`ʼâdôwn`, H113), the divine messenger. This highlights the vast disparity in their beings and Daniel's profound sense of unworthiness and incapacity in the divine presence.
* **"for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me,"**: Daniel provides the immediate reason for his inability to speak. The adverb "straightway" (`ʻattâh`, H6258) emphasizes the instantaneous and overwhelming nature of his physical collapse upon encountering the divine glory. His "strength" (`kôach`, H3581) had completely vanished, leaving him utterly helpless and without physical power to stand or communicate.
* **"neither is there breath left in me."**: This clause further intensifies Daniel's description of his extreme debilitation. The absence of "breath" (`nᵉshâmâh`, H5397), which is often synonymous with the life force or spirit, indicates a near-death experience or a profound vital shock. It signifies that not only his physical strength but also his very capacity for life and vitality had been drained by the overwhelming divine presence.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 10:17 employs several literary devices to convey the prophet's profound experience. **Hyperbole** is evident in Daniel's description of his condition ("no strength," "no breath left"), which, while reflecting a genuine and extreme physical reaction, uses exaggerated language to emphasize the overwhelming nature of the divine encounter. This serves to impress upon the reader the immense power and holiness of the celestial being. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** at play, juxtaposing Daniel's extreme human frailty and physical collapse ("servant," "no strength," "no breath") with the awe-inspiring, majestic presence of the divine "lord." This contrast underscores the vast gulf between the finite and the infinite, the mortal and the immortal. Furthermore, the phrase "neither is there breath left in me" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "breath" (`nᵉshâmâh`) stands in for the very essence of life or vitality. It's not just a lack of air, but a profound draining of his life force, signifying a near-existential collapse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel's experience in Daniel 10:17 resonates deeply with a recurring biblical theme: the overwhelming nature of encountering divine holiness and the resultant human response of awe, fear, and physical prostration. This is not merely a physical reaction but a theological one, demonstrating humanity's inherent creatureliness and sinfulness in the face of God's unblemished glory. It underscores the profound truth that no human being can stand in their own strength before the Almighty. Daniel's confession of weakness is a testament to the fact that genuine spiritual encounters often strip away our self-sufficiency, leading us to a place of utter dependence on God. It reveals that communication with the divine, especially in receiving profound revelation, is not a matter of human capability but of divine grace and enablement. This vulnerability is precisely what prepares the human heart to receive God's message, as it cultivates humility and a receptive spirit.

* [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Vision and Confession of Unworthiness")
* [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Reaction to the Glorified Christ")
* [Exodus 33:20](/exodus/33-20 "Exodus 33:20 - God's Warning About Seeing His Face")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's profound physical and spiritual exhaustion in the presence of the divine messenger offers a powerful lesson for believers today. It reminds us that true encounters with God's holiness and majesty should humble us, stripping away our self-reliance and revealing our utter dependence on Him. In a world that often values strength, self-sufficiency, and human achievement, Daniel's experience calls us to embrace a posture of humility and reverence before God. When we truly grasp the infinite gap between our finite, fallen humanity and God's infinite, holy being, we realize that any spiritual strength, insight, or ability we possess is not our own but a gracious gift from Him. This passage encourages us to approach prayer, worship, and service not from a place of our own power or perceived adequacy, but from a deep awareness of our weakness, trusting that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. It challenges us to ask: Are we truly awestruck by God, or have we domesticated Him to fit our comfort? Do we rely on our own abilities, or do we humbly seek His divine enablement for every spiritual endeavor?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's physical reaction to the divine messenger challenge my understanding of God's holiness and power?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own strength rather than seeking God's enablement, especially in spiritual matters?**
* **What does it mean to approach God with genuine humility and reverence, as Daniel did, and how can I cultivate this posture in my daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Why did Daniel experience such an extreme physical reaction to the divine messenger?**

Answer: Daniel's extreme reaction—losing strength and breath—is a common biblical motif for human encounters with divine or angelic beings. It signifies the overwhelming holiness, power, and glory of the celestial realm, which is too profound for mortal, fallen humanity to endure without being utterly undone. It's not a sign of weakness in Daniel, but rather a testament to the immense power of the being he encountered. This reaction underscores the vast qualitative difference between the finite and the infinite, the created and the Creator, demonstrating that human beings cannot stand in their own strength before such majesty. Similar reactions are seen in [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Vision and Confession of Unworthiness") and [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Reaction to the Glorified Christ"), where prophets are overcome by divine glory.

**Does "no breath left in me" mean Daniel was literally dying?**

Answer: While Daniel's statement "neither is there breath left in me" (`nᵉshâmâh`, H5397) suggests a profound vital depletion, it doesn't necessarily mean he was at the point of physical death. Rather, it conveys a near-death experience or a profound existential shock, where his life force seemed to drain away. The Hebrew word `nᵉshâmâh` refers to the breath of life, the vital spirit, or even divine inspiration. Daniel felt as though the very essence of his being was being overwhelmed and extinguished by the intensity of the divine presence. This vivid description emphasizes the complete and utter physical and spiritual incapacitation he felt, making it impossible for him to function normally or communicate. It is a hyperbolic expression of extreme weakness and awe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's profound weakness and need for divine enablement in the presence of the celestial messenger find their ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Daniel, as a mere servant, could not converse with his "lord" due to his human frailty; yet, in Christ, the infinite God perfectly united Himself with finite humanity. Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word"), bridged the very chasm that left Daniel prostrate. He is both the glorious "Lord" and the humble "servant" who perfectly reveals God to humanity (compare [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Daniel needed to be touched and strengthened by an angel (Daniel 10:18-19) to receive revelation, but believers today are empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, who enables us to commune directly with God (compare [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit") and [Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit Intercedes for Us")). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, our sinfulness, which contributes to our inability to stand before God's holiness, is covered, allowing us to approach God's throne with confidence (compare [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Daniel's experience highlights the need for a mediator who can stand between God and humanity; this role is perfectly fulfilled by Jesus, the [one mediator between God and mankind](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - Christ, the One Mediator"), who empowers us to speak, stand, and serve in His strength (compare [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness")).

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

Exodus 24:10

And they saw the God of Israel: and [there was] under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in [his] clearness.

Exodus 24:11

And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

Isaiah 6:1

¶ In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Isaiah 6:5

¶ Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Judges 6:22

And when Gideon perceived that he [was] an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.

Judges 13:21

But the angel of the LORD did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he [was] an angel of the LORD.

Judges 13:23

But his wife said unto him, If the LORD were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these [things], nor would as at this time have told us [such things] as these.