Daniel 10:20

KJV

Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} he, Knowest {H3045} thou wherefore I come {H935} unto thee? and now will I return {H7725} to fight {H3898} with the prince {H8269} of Persia {H6539}: and when I am gone forth {H3318}, lo, the prince {H8269} of Grecia {H3120} shall come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said, "Do you know why I came to you? Although now I must return to fight the prince of Persia; and when I leave, the prince of Greece will come;

Berean Standard Bible

“Do you know why I have come to you?” he said. “I must return at once to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I have gone forth, behold, the prince of Greece will come.

American Standard Version

Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I am come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I go forth, lo, the prince of Greece shall come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 10:20 offers a profound glimpse into the cosmic spiritual conflict that undergirds human history and geopolitical shifts. In this pivotal moment of revelation, an angelic messenger, having just delivered a long-awaited prophetic word to Daniel, discloses his imminent return to continue a fierce spiritual battle against the "prince of Persia." Simultaneously, he foretells the subsequent emergence of another powerful spiritual adversary, the "prince of Grecia," signaling the divinely orchestrated transition of world empires and emphasizing the unseen forces at play behind earthly kingdoms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Daniel's final and most extensive vision, spanning chapters 10-12. Daniel 10 sets the stage, describing Daniel's three-week period of fasting and mourning (Daniel 10:2-3), during which he receives a visitation from a glorious angelic being. The angel explains the delay in his arrival, attributing it to a spiritual conflict with the "prince of the kingdom of Persia," from which he was eventually aided by Michael, "one of the chief princes" (Daniel 10:13). Daniel 10:20 serves as the angelic messenger's direct statement of his ongoing mission and a crucial transition point, revealing the immediate future of his spiritual warfare and prophesying the next major shift in world power from Persia to Greece. This revelation directly precedes the detailed historical and prophetic outline of future empires and conflicts found in [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - Prophecy of Kings and Conflicts").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Daniel 10 is the Persian Empire, specifically during the reign of Cyrus the Great or Darius I, after the Jewish exiles had begun to return to Judah (Daniel 10:1). Daniel himself is an aged prophet, living in the Persian court. The "prince of Persia" refers not to a human king but to a powerful spiritual entity, likely a high-ranking demonic principality, exerting influence over the Persian kingdom. This concept aligns with ancient Near Eastern worldviews that often attributed national destinies and conflicts to divine or spiritual patrons. The prophecy of the "prince of Grecia" anticipates the rise of the Hellenistic empire, particularly under Alexander the Great, who would famously conquer Persia in the 4th century BCE. This verse underscores the biblical understanding that human history, while unfolding on earth, is profoundly shaped by unseen spiritual realities and conflicts in the heavenly realms.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 10:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Foremost among these is **Spiritual Warfare**, revealing that human history and geopolitical events are not merely the result of human decisions but are deeply intertwined with a cosmic struggle between divine and demonic forces. The "princes" of Persia and Grecia are not earthly rulers but powerful spiritual entities contending for influence over nations, a concept echoed in the New Testament's call to recognize that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - The Nature of Spiritual Warfare")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**. Despite the fierce spiritual opposition, the angelic messenger confidently declares God's predetermined plan for the succession of empires, demonstrating that God remains ultimately in control of history, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations according to His sovereign will, as seen in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream") and [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"). Finally, it emphasizes **Angelic Agency and Ministry**, showcasing the active role of angels as God's messengers and warriors, engaging in battles on behalf of His people and His divine purposes. The angel's willingness to return to the fray underscores the importance of his mission and the spiritual stakes involved in the unfolding of God's prophetic word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prince (Hebrew, _sar'_):** (H8269) Derived from a root meaning "to rule," this term denotes a head person, chief, ruler, or commander of any rank or class. In the context of Daniel 10, particularly when associated with nations like "Persia" and "Grecia," it unequivocally refers to a powerful spiritual entity—an angelic or demonic patron or principality assigned to or influencing a specific kingdom. This usage is crucial for understanding the unseen spiritual hierarchy and the battles fought in the heavenly realms that directly impact earthly affairs and the destinies of nations.
* **fight (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** (H3898) This primitive root means "to feed on," figuratively "to consume," and by implication, "to battle" or "to make war" (as destruction). It conveys the active, aggressive nature of the conflict. The angel's declaration that he will "return to fight" signifies an ongoing, intense, and destructive spiritual engagement, not a mere diplomatic negotiation, but a genuine struggle with significant stakes.
* **gone forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** (H3318) A primitive root meaning "to go out" or "to come out" in a wide variety of applications. In this context, it implies the angel's departure from Daniel's presence to re-engage in the spiritual conflict. The phrase "when I am gone forth" indicates a specific point in time—after delivering the full revelation to Daniel—when the angel will resume his battle, highlighting the sequential nature of his divine assignments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee?":** The angelic messenger poses a rhetorical question to Daniel, not out of ignorance, but to underscore the profound significance and purpose of his visit. He is about to reveal not only the future of earthly empires but also the unseen spiritual dynamics that govern them, emphasizing that his presence and message are part of a divine, strategic intervention.
* **"and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia":** This clause reveals the angel's immediate and pressing mission: to re-engage in the spiritual conflict that had previously delayed him (Daniel 10:13). It confirms that the "prince of Persia" is an active, opposing spiritual force, and the battle is ongoing. The angel's return signifies the continuation of this cosmic warfare, which directly impacts the political and historical unfolding of the Persian Empire.
* **"and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.":** This is a prophetic declaration of the next major geopolitical shift, framed within the context of spiritual agency. "When I am gone forth" indicates a future point after the angel concludes his current mission with Daniel and the ongoing conflict with Persia. The "prince of Grecia" is foretold to "come," signifying the rise of the Greek Empire as the next dominant world power, also under the influence of a powerful spiritual entity. This statement foreshadows the detailed prophecies of [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - Prophecy of Kings and Conflicts") regarding the Hellenistic period.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 10:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Personification** is evident in the attribution of agency and conflict to the "prince of Persia" and "prince of Grecia," making these abstract national powers concrete spiritual entities capable of fighting and coming. This device helps to conceptualize the unseen spiritual forces at work behind human history. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, particularly in the declaration "lo, the prince of Grecia shall come," which anticipates the rise of the Greek Empire and sets the stage for the detailed prophecies of Daniel 11. This creates narrative tension and highlights the predictive power of the revelation. Furthermore, the angel's initial question, "Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee?", functions as a form of **Rhetorical Question**, drawing Daniel (and the reader) into the gravity of the impending revelation and emphasizing the importance of understanding the spiritual dimension of the message. The entire passage functions as a **Divine Revelation**, pulling back the curtain on the spiritual realities influencing earthly kingdoms, a powerful narrative technique that elevates the significance of Daniel's vision beyond mere human politics.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 10:20 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the biblical concept of spiritual warfare and the multi-layered nature of God's sovereignty. It reveals that the course of human history, including the rise and fall of empires, is not solely determined by human will or natural forces, but is also profoundly influenced by unseen spiritual entities—powerful angelic and demonic "princes" contending for dominion over nations. This cosmic conflict, however, does not negate God's ultimate control; rather, it demonstrates that even amidst intense spiritual opposition, God's predetermined plan unfolds precisely as He wills. The angelic messenger's confidence in declaring the future actions and outcomes underscores divine foreknowledge and the certainty of God's purposes. This passage calls believers to a deeper awareness of the spiritual dimension of reality, encouraging vigilance and persistent prayer, knowing that our intercession can impact these unseen battles and align with God's sovereign will.

* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")
* [Revelation 12:7-9](/revelation/12-7-9 "Revelation 12:7-9 - War in Heaven")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 10:20 serves as a profound reminder that our world is far more complex than what meets the eye. The political machinations, societal trends, and global conflicts we observe are often symptoms of deeper spiritual realities—battles waged in the heavenly realms between forces of light and darkness. This understanding should not lead to fear or fatalism, but to a heightened sense of spiritual awareness and responsibility. It encourages us to look beyond purely natural explanations for the challenges we face, whether personally or globally, and to recognize the need for spiritual engagement. Daniel's persistent prayer (Daniel 10:2-3) was instrumental in breaking through spiritual resistance, demonstrating that our prayers are not mere words but powerful instruments in the spiritual realm, capable of influencing unseen battles and aligning with God's sovereign purposes. Ultimately, this passage cultivates a robust trust in God's ultimate control, even amidst the chaos of spiritual conflict, assuring us that His plans will prevail and His kingdom will come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the concept of "spiritual warfare" (as depicted in Daniel 10:20) impact your perspective on current global events or personal struggles?**
* **What role does persistent prayer play in engaging with spiritual realities, according to the example of Daniel and the angel's revelation?**
* **How does God's ultimate sovereignty, even amidst intense spiritual opposition, offer you comfort, challenge, or a call to action in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "prince of Persia" and "prince of Grecia" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: These "princes" are not human rulers or earthly kings. Instead, they refer to powerful spiritual entities, most likely high-ranking demonic principalities, who exert influence over specific nations or kingdoms. The angelic messenger in Daniel 10:13 explicitly states that he was "withstood" by the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" for twenty-one days, indicating a direct spiritual conflict. Similarly, the "prince of Grecia" is foretold as a future spiritual adversary associated with the rise of the Greek Empire. This concept highlights a biblical worldview where unseen spiritual forces are actively involved in shaping human history and national destinies.

**What is the significance of the angel stating he will "return to fight" with the prince of Persia?**

Answer: The angel's declaration signifies that the spiritual conflict behind earthly kingdoms is ongoing and intense. It's not a one-time skirmish but a continuous struggle that requires active engagement from divine forces. This reveals the immense spiritual opposition that God's messengers and purposes face in the world. The angel's return to battle underscores the seriousness of the spiritual stakes and the reality that God's plans are advanced through both divine decree and active spiritual warfare. It also implies that the angel's mission to Daniel was a temporary pause in a larger, more enduring cosmic conflict.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 10:20 vividly portrays the ongoing spiritual battles influencing earthly kingdoms, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "princes" of Persia and Grecia represent the very powers and principalities over which Christ achieved decisive victory. On the cross, Jesus "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The spiritual warfare described in Daniel, though real and impactful, is ultimately subservient to God's greater redemptive plan, which culminates in Christ's reign. Jesus, the true "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), establishes an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed, unlike the temporary earthly empires influenced by these spiritual "princes" (Daniel 2:44). His resurrection and ascension demonstrate His supreme authority over all creation, including every "dominion and authority and power and might" ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Authority Over All Powers")). Therefore, the battles in Daniel foreshadow the greater cosmic victory achieved by Christ, ensuring God's ultimate triumph over all spiritual opposition and the establishment of His everlasting reign.

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 8:21

And the rough goat [is] the king of Grecia: and the great horn that [is] between his eyes [is] the first king.

Daniel 8:5

And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat [had] a notable horn between his eyes.

Daniel 8:8

Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.

Daniel 10:13

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

Daniel 11:2

And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than [they] all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.

Daniel 11:4

And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.

Acts 12:23

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.