Daniel 10:19

KJV

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559}, O man {H376} greatly beloved {H2532}, fear {H3372} not: peace {H7965} be unto thee, be strong {H2388}, yea, be strong {H2388}. And when he had spoken {H1696} unto me, I was strengthened {H2388}, and said {H559}, Let my lord {H113} speak {H1696}; for thou hast strengthened {H2388} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "You man so greatly loved, don't be afraid. Shalom to you; and be strong, yes, truly strong." His speaking to me strengthened me, and I said, "My lord, keep speaking; because you've given me strength."

Berean Standard Bible

“Do not be afraid, you who are highly precious,” he said. “Peace be with you! Be strong now; be very strong!” As he spoke with me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”

American Standard Version

And he said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he spake unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 10:19 captures a profound moment of divine encounter and empowerment, where an angelic messenger reassures the prophet Daniel, who is overwhelmed by a vision of future spiritual conflicts and the fate of his people. The angel addresses Daniel as "greatly beloved," commands him not to fear, imparts peace and strength through repeated exhortations, and Daniel's immediate response confirms his supernatural invigoration, enabling him to receive further divine revelation. This passage powerfully illustrates God's tender care for His servants, His provision of supernatural strength in moments of weakness, and the necessity of divine enablement for engaging with His weighty purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Daniel's final and most extensive prophetic vision, spanning chapters 10-12. Chapter 10 serves as an introduction, setting the scene for the profound revelations that follow concerning the future of Israel and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Daniel has been deeply distressed and in mourning for three weeks, fasting and seeking understanding regarding the spiritual battles he perceives. The appearance of a glorious, awe-inspiring angelic being (often identified as a Christophany or a high-ranking angel) leaves Daniel utterly prostrate, weak, and speechless. The preceding verses describe the angel's initial touch, which enables Daniel to rise to his hands and knees, followed by the angel's initial words of reassurance, culminating in the powerful affirmation and strengthening found in [Daniel 10:19](/daniel/10-19 "Daniel 10:19 - Angelic Comfort and Strength for Daniel"). This immediate context highlights Daniel's physical and spiritual vulnerability, making the angelic comfort and empowerment all the more significant as a prerequisite for receiving the subsequent complex and challenging prophecy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision occurs in the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia (approximately 536 BC), a critical period for the Jewish exiles. While Cyrus had issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, the reality was fraught with opposition and delay. The return was slow, and the rebuilding efforts faced significant resistance from local adversaries, as documented in books like Ezra and Nehemiah. Daniel, residing in Babylon, was keenly aware of these struggles and the broader geopolitical shifts. The Persian Empire was consolidating its power, and the future of God's covenant people remained uncertain from a human perspective. Culturally, encounters with divine or angelic beings were understood as overwhelming, often inducing fear and physical weakness, necessitating divine intervention to enable human interaction. The concept of "peace" (shalom) in ancient Near Eastern thought encompassed not merely the absence of conflict but holistic well-being, prosperity, and completeness, which is precisely what the angel imparts to Daniel.
* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 10:19](/daniel/10-19 "Daniel 10:19 - Angelic Comfort and Strength for Daniel") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Care**, demonstrating God's intimate knowledge of and profound affection for His faithful servants, even amidst their distress. Daniel's designation as "greatly beloved" (also seen in [Daniel 9:23](/daniel/9-23 "Daniel 9:23 - Daniel, Greatly Beloved")) highlights God's personal regard. Secondly, the passage emphasizes **Supernatural Empowerment for Divine Service**. Daniel's weakness is not a hindrance but an opportunity for God to display His power, equipping Daniel to receive and process challenging revelations. This theme recurs throughout Scripture, where God strengthens the weak to accomplish His purposes. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, as Daniel's distress is rooted in his understanding of heavenly conflicts, which the subsequent chapters of [Daniel 10](/daniel/10 "Daniel 10 - Daniel's Vision by the Tigris") will elaborate upon. The peace and strength imparted are essential for Daniel to endure and comprehend the weighty prophecies concerning the ongoing struggle between divine and demonic forces.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beloved (Hebrew, _chemdâh'_):** From H2532, meaning "delight; desire, goodly, pleasant, precious." When applied to Daniel, this word signifies that he is a "man of desires," or more accurately, "a man highly esteemed," "precious," or "delightful" in God's sight. It conveys God's profound affection and special favor for Daniel, not based on Daniel's inherent merit but on God's gracious choice and Daniel's faithful response. It's a term of endearment, affirming Daniel's unique value to God.
* **Strong (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From H2388, a primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer." The repeated command "be strong, yea, be strong" is not merely a psychological encouragement but an imperative for Daniel to receive and embody supernatural fortitude. The subsequent statement, "I was strengthened," confirms that this was an active impartation of divine power, enabling Daniel to recover his physical and mental faculties, to be fortified and made firm.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, meaning "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." This word encompasses far more than the absence of conflict. It denotes a state of comprehensive well-being, wholeness, completeness, and tranquility in every aspect of life – spiritual, physical, and emotional. The angel's declaration, "peace be unto thee," is a bestowal of this holistic well-being, calming Daniel's terror and restoring his equilibrium.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not:"** The angelic messenger initiates the profound communication by directly addressing Daniel with a title of profound affection and esteem, "O man greatly beloved." This tender address immediately establishes a tone of divine favor and intimacy, designed to counteract Daniel's overwhelming fear and weakness. The subsequent command, "fear not," is a common angelic or divine utterance in Scripture, serving to calm human terror in the face of the supernatural and prepare the recipient for a divine message.
* **"peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong."** Following the command not to fear, the angel imparts "peace" (shalom), signifying a comprehensive state of well-being, wholeness, and inner tranquility. This is not merely a wish but a divine bestowal. The repeated exhortation, "be strong, yea, be strong," emphasizes the urgency, certainty, and intensity of the divine impartation of strength. This repetition underscores that Daniel's physical and spiritual fortitude is being supernaturally restored, enabling him to withstand the intensity of the angelic presence and the coming revelation.
* **"And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened,"** This clause highlights the immediate and tangible effect of the angel's words. The divine utterance was not just auditory information but carried transformative power. Daniel's "strengthened" state confirms the efficacy of the divine word, demonstrating that the command to "be strong" was simultaneously an act of empowerment, restoring his physical vitality and mental clarity.
* **"and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me."** Daniel's response signifies his renewed capacity and willingness to engage with the angelic messenger. His address to the angel as "my lord" indicates reverence and submission. His declaration, "Let my lord speak," reveals his readiness to receive the full message, acknowledging that his restored strength was a prerequisite for this engagement. This final phrase underscores the direct causal link between the angel's empowering words and Daniel's renewed ability to hear and comprehend divine truth.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Direct Address** is prominent, as the angelic messenger speaks directly to Daniel, creating an intimate and personal tone, particularly with the endearing epithet "O man greatly beloved." This phrase itself functions as a form of **Divine Affirmation**, validating Daniel's worth and standing before God, which serves as a powerful antidote to his fear and weakness. The most striking device is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic "be strong, yea, be strong." This not only underscores the urgency and importance of the command but also functions as a performative utterance, where the very act of speaking the words imparts the strength they describe. This immediate and transformative effect is further highlighted by Daniel's subsequent declaration, "I was strengthened," demonstrating the **Efficacy of the Divine Word** – God's word carries inherent power to accomplish what it declares.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 10:19 offers profound theological insights into God's relationship with humanity, particularly His chosen servants. It reveals a God who is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of His people, knowing their weaknesses and providing supernatural comfort and strength. The divine address "greatly beloved" speaks to the concept of **divine election and favor**, emphasizing that God's love is a foundational reality for those He calls to His service. This passage also highlights the **interconnectedness of spiritual strength and the reception of divine truth**; Daniel needed to be physically and spiritually fortified to receive the weighty prophecies that followed. It underscores that God's empowerment is not merely for physical endurance but for spiritual comprehension and obedience. The peace and strength imparted are divine gifts, enabling believers to stand firm and fulfill their calling even in the face of overwhelming circumstances or terrifying revelations.

* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace is Sufficient")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 10:19 serves as a powerful reminder that even the most devout and spiritually attuned individuals, like Daniel, can experience profound weakness, fear, and overwhelm in the face of spiritual realities or challenging circumstances. Yet, in these very moments of vulnerability, God draws near, not with condemnation, but with tender affirmation and supernatural provision. We are reminded that we, too, are "greatly beloved" by God through Christ, and this foundational truth should dispel our fears. When we feel weak, discouraged, or burdened by the complexities of life or the spiritual battles around us, this verse encourages us to look to the Lord for His peace and strength. Just as Daniel was empowered to receive further revelation and fulfill his prophetic calling, we are strengthened by God's Spirit and His Word to understand His will, navigate our trials, and live out our faith effectively. This passage calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that our true strength comes not from ourselves, but from the Lord who sustains and enables us for every good work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel weak, fearful, or overwhelmed, and how might you invite God's "peace" and "strength" into those areas?**
* **How does the affirmation "greatly beloved" resonate with you, and how can resting in God's love empower you to face your challenges?**
* **What "revelations" or divine assignments might God be preparing you for that require a fresh impartation of His strength and peace?**

### FAQ
**Who is the angelic messenger speaking to Daniel, and why is Daniel so overwhelmed?**

Answer: The angelic messenger is described as a glorious, awe-inspiring figure, often interpreted by scholars as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (a Christophany) or a high-ranking angel like Gabriel, who frequently appears to Daniel. Daniel is overwhelmed due to the sheer intensity and holiness of the divine presence. Encounters with the supernatural in the Bible often induce fear, physical weakness, and a sense of unworthiness in humans, as seen with other prophets and individuals who encountered divine beings (e.g., [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Holiness"), [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Vision of Christ")). Daniel's fasting and deep spiritual engagement also likely made him acutely sensitive to the spiritual realm, intensifying his reaction.

**What is the significance of the phrase "man greatly beloved"?**

Answer: The phrase "man greatly beloved" (Hebrew: *ish chamudot*) is a unique and profound term of endearment, used only for Daniel in the Bible (also in [Daniel 9:23](/daniel/9-23 "Daniel 9:23 - Daniel's Prayer and Gabriel's Visit")). It signifies God's deep affection, high esteem, and special favor for Daniel. It's an affirmation of Daniel's preciousness in God's eyes, highlighting his desirable qualities from a divine perspective—perhaps his faithfulness, devotion, and intercessory prayers. This divine affirmation serves as a powerful source of comfort and reassurance, counteracting Daniel's fear and preparing him to receive the weighty prophetic message.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 10:19, while an Old Testament account of angelic comfort, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "man greatly beloved" foreshadows the Son, Jesus, who is the [Father's "beloved Son" in whom He is well pleased](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus"). Just as Daniel was strengthened to receive divine revelation, Christ, through His incarnation, experienced human weakness yet perfectly embodied divine strength, ultimately overcoming sin and death. The "peace" (shalom) imparted to Daniel points to the ultimate peace that Christ offers, a peace that [surpasses all understanding](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God") and is the fruit of His atoning work on the cross, reconciling humanity to God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Furthermore, the angelic command to "be strong" finds its echo in the New Covenant's call for believers to be [strong in the Lord and in the power of His might](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - The Armor of God"), empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Through Christ, we are not only "greatly beloved" but also receive the Spirit of power, love, and self-control ([2 Timothy 1:7](/2_timothy/1-7 "2 Timothy 1:7 - Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Control")), enabling us to stand firm, overcome fear, and fulfill God's purposes in a world still grappling with spiritual battles, just as Daniel was strengthened for his prophetic task.

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

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.

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Judges 6:23

And the LORD said unto him, Peace [be] unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.

Daniel 10:11

And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

Daniel 10:12

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

Daniel 9:23

At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

Isaiah 43:1

¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.