Daniel 10:18

KJV

Then there came again and touched me [one] like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then there came again {H3254} and touched {H5060} me one like the appearance {H4758} of a man {H120}, and he strengthened {H2388} me,

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, again someone who looked human touched me and revived me.

Berean Standard Bible

Again the one with the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me.

American Standard Version

Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 10:18 records a pivotal moment in the prophet Daniel's profound vision, where, overwhelmed by the immensity of a divine encounter, he receives a second, distinct supernatural touch from an angelic being. This touch is specifically designed to restore his physical and spiritual strength, enabling him to stand and receive the crucial prophetic revelation that follows, highlighting God's compassionate provision for His servants in their moments of extreme frailty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 10:18 is situated within Daniel's third and final major vision, which commences in [Daniel 10:1](/daniel/10-1 "Daniel's Third Vision Begins"). The chapter opens with Daniel in a state of deep mourning and fasting for three weeks, indicating profound spiritual distress and a heightened sensitivity to divine revelation. Prior to this verse, a glorious angelic being, described as having a radiant appearance, had appeared to Daniel, causing him to fall into a deep sleep and lose all his strength ([Daniel 10:9](/daniel/10-9 "Daniel's Weakness Before the Angel")). An initial touch in [Daniel 10:10](/daniel/10-10 "The First Touch and Daniel's Trembling") lifted him to his hands and knees, followed by a message in [Daniel 10:11](/daniel/10-11 "The Angel's Words of Comfort") declaring him "greatly beloved." Despite these initial interactions, Daniel remained weak, speechless, and prostrate, unable to fully engage with the messenger. Verse 18 marks a crucial, repeated intervention, a second touch, explicitly for the purpose of strengthening Daniel so he could stand and comprehend the weighty prophetic message about the future spiritual conflicts and the end times, which unfolds in [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Prophecy of Future Conflicts").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's visions occur during the period of the Babylonian and Persian empires, specifically in the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia ([Daniel 10:1](/daniel/10-1 "Daniel 10:1 - Time of the Vision")). This places Daniel as an elderly statesman, still living in exile, long after the initial deportation of the Jews to Babylon. The cultural backdrop is one where powerful empires dominated the geopolitical landscape, and the Jewish people were a subjugated minority, yearning for restoration. In this context, divine revelations, often mediated by angelic beings, provided comfort, warning, and insight into God's sovereign plan amidst human history. The concept of human frailty in the face of divine glory was well-understood in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where encounters with the divine were often depicted as overwhelming and potentially dangerous. Daniel's physical collapse and need for strengthening would have resonated with the common understanding of such encounters, emphasizing the immense gap between the human and the divine.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 10:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Strengthening and Compassion**. God does not abandon His servants in their weakness but actively intervenes to empower them for His purposes, as seen in Daniel's repeated need for and reception of strength. Secondly, the passage highlights the **Ministry of Angels**, portraying them as active agents in God's service, ministering to humans, particularly in times of spiritual or physical distress. The "one like the appearance of a man" is a heavenly messenger, sent to assist Daniel and enable him to stand. Thirdly, this strengthening is a crucial **Preparation for Revelation**. Daniel needed to be physically and mentally capable of receiving and comprehending the weighty prophetic truths that were yet to be revealed, particularly concerning the future conflicts and the end times described in [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Prophecy of Future Conflicts and End Times"). Finally, Daniel's long period of fasting and prayer ([Daniel 10:3](/daniel/10-3 "Daniel's Three Weeks of Mourning and Fasting")) underscores the theme of **Perseverance in Prayer and Spiritual Warfare**. Even when answers seem delayed or spiritual battles intense, God provides the necessary strength to endure until His purposes are fulfilled, demonstrating that the spiritual realm is intensely active and impacts human events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **again (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** From H3254, meaning "to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)." In this context, it signifies a repetition of the action. This is not the first time Daniel has been touched or addressed by the angelic being in this chapter, emphasizing the persistent and necessary nature of divine intervention to sustain Daniel.
* **touched (Hebrew, _nâgaʻ'_):** From H5060, meaning "properly, to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose); by implication, to reach... violently, to strike." This word denotes a direct, impactful physical contact, not a casual brush. The touch is deliberate and purposeful, designed to impart something to Daniel, rather than merely making contact.
* **strengthened (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From H2388, meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate." This is the core outcome of the touch. It signifies an impartation of resilience, vigor, and resolve, enabling Daniel to stand, speak, and endure the profound revelation that is about to unfold.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then there came again":** This phrase connects the action of verse 18 directly to the previous interactions in Daniel 10, particularly the initial touch in [Daniel 10:10](/daniel/10-10 "The First Touch") and the subsequent message. The word "again" (from H3254, _yâçaph'_) emphasizes the repeated, persistent, and necessary nature of the divine messenger's intervention. Daniel's weakness was so profound that a single touch was insufficient; a renewed impartation of strength was required.
* **"and touched me [one] like the appearance of a man":** This describes the agent of strengthening. The being is angelic, but its form is described as "like the appearance of a man" (from H4758, _marʼeh'_ and H120, _ʼâdâm'_), indicating a discernible, perhaps even relatable, form, yet still divine or heavenly in origin. The touch (from H5060, _nâgaʻ'_) is a direct, physical, and purposeful act. It is not a mere symbolic gesture but a tangible impartation of divine energy or power to Daniel's physical being.
* **"and he strengthened me":** This clause reveals the immediate and intended effect of the touch. The angelic being's touch directly imparted strength (from H2388, _châzaq'_) to Daniel, restoring his physical and perhaps emotional and spiritual faculties. This strengthening was essential, not merely for comfort, but to enable Daniel to stand and receive the profound and weighty prophetic message that was about to be delivered, as evidenced by his subsequent ability to speak in [Daniel 10:19](/daniel/10-19 "Daniel's Restored Speech").

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, with the angelic being touching Daniel multiple times (first in [Daniel 10:10](/daniel/10-10 "The Angel's First Touch"), then again in [Daniel 10:18](/daniel/10-18 "The Second Touch")), emphasizing the profound weakness of Daniel and the persistent, compassionate nature of divine intervention. This repetition underscores the necessity of supernatural empowerment for human beings to endure divine encounters. **Symbolism** is also at play, as the "touch" itself becomes a powerful symbol of divine impartation—not just physical contact, but the transfer of strength, resolve, and enablement from the spiritual realm to the human. The "appearance of a man" offers a degree of **Anthropomorphism** or **Theophany/Angelophany**, making the divine messenger somewhat comprehensible and approachable to Daniel, despite its overwhelming glory. Finally, the strengthening serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, preparing Daniel for the arduous task of receiving and understanding the complex and often disturbing prophetic revelations that follow in [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - Prophecy of Kings and Conflicts"), indicating that divine enablement is prerequisite for divine service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 10:18 profoundly illustrates God's compassionate care for His servants, demonstrating that divine revelation and service often require supernatural enablement. Daniel's extreme weakness in the presence of the angelic being underscores the vast chasm between human frailty and divine glory, yet God, in His mercy, bridges this gap by providing the necessary strength. This act of strengthening is not merely for Daniel's comfort but is instrumental for his prophetic mission, highlighting that God equips those He calls. It teaches us that moments of deep spiritual or physical exhaustion are often precisely when God's power is most clearly manifested, enabling us to persevere and fulfill His purposes.

* [Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "God Gives Power to the Faint")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "God's Power in Weakness")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's experience in Daniel 10:18 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating the challenges of life and ministry today. We, too, can find ourselves overwhelmed by circumstances, spiritual battles, or the sheer weight of God's call. Like Daniel, we may feel physically, emotionally, or spiritually drained to the point of collapse. This verse reminds us that our weakness does not disqualify us from God's service; rather, it creates an opportunity for His power to be made perfect in us. When we reach the end of our own strength, God's compassionate touch can infuse us with renewed vigor, enabling us to stand, speak, and fulfill the tasks He has set before us. It challenges us to acknowledge our limitations, to humble ourselves before God, and to rely not on our own might or power, but on His Spirit to empower us for every good work, trusting that He will provide the strength needed to endure and to receive His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel most weak or overwhelmed, physically, emotionally, or spiritually?**
* **How does Daniel's experience of being strengthened by a divine touch encourage you to seek God's power in your own moments of frailty?**
* **What specific "revelation" or "task" might God be preparing you for, and how might your current weakness be a prerequisite for His strengthening?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater reliance on God's strength, rather than your own, in your daily walk and service?**

### FAQ

**Who was "one like the appearance of a man" who touched Daniel?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly name him, biblical scholars generally interpret "one like the appearance of a man" as a high-ranking angelic being, possibly Gabriel, who is often God's messenger to Daniel ([Daniel 8:16](/daniel/8-16 "Gabriel Interprets the Vision") and [Daniel 9:21](/daniel/9-21 "Gabriel Appears to Daniel")). Some theological traditions also consider the possibility of a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, given the glorious description of the being in [Daniel 10:5-6](/daniel/10-5-6 "Description of the Angelic Being"), which bears similarities to descriptions of Christ in the New Testament (e.g., [Revelation 1:13-16](/revelation/1-13-16 "Vision of the Son of Man in Revelation")). Regardless of the precise identity, the being is clearly a divine messenger sent directly from God to minister to Daniel.

**Why did Daniel need to be strengthened again, after already being touched in Daniel 10:10?**

Answer: Daniel's initial encounter with the glorious angelic being was so overwhelming that he completely lost his strength and fell into a deep sleep ([Daniel 10:9](/daniel/10-9 "Daniel's Weakness")). The first touch in [Daniel 10:10](/daniel/10-10 "The First Touch") merely lifted him to his hands and knees, and he remained trembling and speechless. His human frailty was immense in the face of such divine glory. The "again" in [Daniel 10:18](/daniel/10-18 "The Second Touch") indicates that a further, more profound impartation of strength was necessary to enable him to fully stand upright and be capable of receiving and comprehending the extensive and weighty prophetic message that the angel was about to deliver, as he was still unable to speak or stand on his own. This highlights the depth of Daniel's spiritual and physical exhaustion and the persistent compassion of God in sustaining His servant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 10:18 describes an angelic touch empowering a prophet, it beautifully foreshadows the ultimate divine strengthening found in Jesus Christ. Just as the "one like the appearance of a man" ministered to Daniel in his weakness, so too does Christ, the true Son of Man, continually minister strength to His people. He himself experienced profound human weakness, yet was strengthened by the Father (e.g., in Gethsemane, [Luke 22:43](/luke/22-43 "An Angel Strengthens Jesus in Gethsemane")). Through His atoning work, Christ became the source of all spiritual strength, enabling believers to overcome sin, endure trials, and fulfill their divine calling. The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends, is the ultimate "strengthener," empowering believers "with power through his Spirit in your inner being" ([Ephesians 3:16](/ephesians/3-16 "Strengthened by the Spirit")). Where Daniel received a temporary, physical strengthening for a specific prophetic task, believers in Christ receive an abiding, spiritual strength that enables them to live victoriously, proclaim the Gospel, and persevere until the end, knowing that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "All Things Through Christ")). His touch, through His Spirit, transforms our weakness into a vessel for His perfect power.

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 10:16

And, behold, [one] like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

Isaiah 35:3

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

Isaiah 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

Daniel 8:18

Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.

Luke 22:43

And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Colossians 1:11

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

1 Samuel 23:15

And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David [was] in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.