Daniel 10:6

KJV

His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

KJV (with Strong's)

His body {H1472} also was like the beryl {H8658}, and his face {H6440} as the appearance {H4758} of lightning {H1300}, and his eyes {H5869} as lamps {H3940} of fire {H784}, and his arms {H2220} and his feet {H4772} like in colour {H5869} to polished {H7044} brass {H5178}, and the voice {H6963} of his words {H1697} like the voice {H6963} of a multitude {H1995}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His body was like beryl, his face looked like lightning and his eyes like fiery torches; his arms and feet were the color of burnished bronze; and when he spoke, it sounded like the roar of a crowd.

Berean Standard Bible

His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.

American Standard Version

his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like unto burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 10:6 provides a breathtaking description of a celestial being, likely a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son of God, encountered by the prophet Daniel. This verse vividly details the figure's radiant body, luminous face, fiery eyes, gleaming limbs, and powerful voice, all combining to convey an overwhelming sense of divine majesty, purity, and authority, setting the stage for the profound prophetic revelation that follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This awe-inspiring vision occurs in Daniel's third year of King Cyrus's reign, following a period of intense mourning and fasting by Daniel for three weeks, during which he sought understanding regarding a great conflict ([Daniel 10:1-3](/daniel/10-1-3 "Daniel's Vision by the Hiddekel")). Daniel is situated by the great river Hiddekel (Tigris) when he suddenly perceives this glorious figure. The detailed physical description in verse 6 serves to establish the immense power, holiness, and transcendent nature of the being, which is so overwhelming that it causes Daniel's companions to flee and leaves Daniel himself utterly prostrate and without strength ([Daniel 10:7-9](/daniel/10-7-9 "Daniel's Reaction to the Vision")). This dramatic encounter underscores the divine origin and immense importance of the subsequent prophetic message concerning the future of Israel and the nations, which unfolds throughout the remainder of [Daniel 10](/daniel/10 "Daniel Chapter 10 - The Vision of the Man") through [Daniel 12](/daniel/12 "Daniel Chapter 12 - The Time of the End").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's vision takes place during the Persian period, specifically in the third year of Cyrus the Great (c. 536 BC), a time when the Jewish exiles had received permission to return to Jerusalem but faced significant opposition in rebuilding the temple and city. The imagery used in the description of the celestial being draws upon ancient Near Eastern concepts of divine or highly exalted beings, often depicted with radiant appearances, precious stones, and overwhelming power, signifying their connection to the heavenly realm and their authority. The use of elements like "beryl," "lightning," "lamps of fire," and "polished brass" would have resonated with the cultural understanding of majesty and purity, often associated with divine presence or royal power. The "voice of a multitude" also evokes the sound of a powerful army or a roaring natural phenomenon, conveying irresistible force and authority, a common motif in ancient descriptions of divine manifestations.
* **Key Themes:** The description in [Daniel 10:6](/daniel/10-6 "Daniel 10:6 - Description of the Glorious Being") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it powerfully conveys **Divine Majesty and Glory**, emphasizing the transcendent nature of God and His heavenly messengers. The elaborate, almost overwhelming imagery, from the beryl-like body to the voice of a multitude, underscores a being far superior to any human, evoking a sense of overwhelming grandeur and holiness. Secondly, it highlights **Awe and Reverence**, as Daniel's profound physical and emotional reaction to this vision ([Daniel 10:8-9](/daniel/10-8-9 "Daniel's Overwhelmed Reaction")) demonstrates the human inability to withstand the unadulterated presence of divine light and power. This theme reinforces the need for humility in the presence of God. Lastly, the majestic appearance serves as a prelude to **Revelation and Authority**, signaling that the figure carries a message of immense importance and divine authority. This sets the stage for the profound prophetic revelation that follows, asserting God's sovereign control over history and His ultimate plan for His people, a message delivered through a being whose very appearance commands attention and belief, as seen in the subsequent unfolding of the prophecy in [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel Chapter 11 - The Kings of the North and South").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **body (Hebrew, _gᵉvîyâh'_):** From H1472, this word refers to a body, whether alive or dead. In this context, it describes the physical form of the celestial being, emphasizing its tangible, though ethereal, presence. The comparison to "beryl" (H8658, _tarshîysh'_) suggests a radiant, almost translucent quality, indicative of purity, brilliance, and perhaps a divine, unearthly composition.
* **lightning (Hebrew, _bârâq'_):** From H1300, this term denotes lightning, by analogy a gleam, or concretely, a flashing sword. Applied to the figure's face, it conveys extreme brightness, instantaneous illumination, and a blinding intensity. This imagery symbolizes immense power, an unapproachable glory, and a swift, piercing quality, often associated with divine presence and judgment throughout scripture.
* **multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** From H1995, this word signifies a noise, tumult, crowd, or abundance. When describing the voice of the celestial being, it indicates a sound of overwhelming power, authority, and resonance, not merely loud but possessing the combined force and depth of many voices, akin to the sound of mighty waters or a great army. This suggests an irresistible and commanding presence, a voice that cannot be ignored.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His body also [was] like the beryl":** This initial description establishes the radiant and precious nature of the being's form. The beryl, a gemstone known for its clarity and often greenish-blue or yellowish-green hue, implies a luminous, pure, and perhaps even translucent quality to the figure's body, setting it apart from ordinary human appearance and suggesting a divine or heavenly essence.
* **"and his face as the appearance of lightning":** The comparison of the face to lightning conveys extreme brilliance and instantaneous, blinding light. This imagery speaks to the being's overwhelming glory and power, suggesting an intensity that is difficult, if not impossible, for a human to gaze upon directly, symbolizing divine purity and an unapproachable majesty.
* **"and his eyes as lamps of fire":** This vivid metaphor indicates intense, penetrating vision. "Lamps of fire" suggest an all-seeing, all-knowing gaze, often associated with divine knowledge, judgment, and purification. It implies an ability to discern all things, piercing through darkness and revealing truth, a characteristic frequently attributed to God's eyes in biblical literature.
* **"and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass":** The imagery of "polished brass" (or bronze) signifies strength, endurance, and purity. Brass, a durable metal, often symbolizes judgment or firmness in biblical contexts. When polished, it gleams with a fiery luster, indicating both immense power and a refined, pure quality, suggesting that the being's actions and movements are executed with unwavering strength and divine purpose.
* **"and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude":** This final descriptor emphasizes the overwhelming authority and resonance of the being's voice. It is not merely loud but possesses the combined force and depth of many voices, akin to the sound of rushing waters or a vast assembly. This conveys an irresistible and commanding presence, a voice that carries immense weight and signifies ultimate authority, ensuring that the message delivered is heard with profound impact.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 10:6 is rich in **Simile**, using "like" and "as" to compare the celestial being's attributes to earthly phenomena, thereby attempting to describe the indescribable. Examples include "body... like the beryl," "face as the appearance of lightning," "eyes as lamps of fire," "arms and his feet like... polished brass," and "voice... like the voice of a multitude." These similes create vivid **Imagery**, painting a powerful mental picture of the being's transcendent glory, purity, and power. The cumulative effect of these intense sensory details (sight, sound) is a profound sense of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the overwhelming and superhuman nature of the figure, leading to Daniel's subsequent collapse. The consistent use of radiant and fiery elements (beryl, lightning, fire, polished brass) creates a strong motif of **Luminosity and Purity**, underscoring the divine holiness of the being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound description of the celestial being in Daniel 10:6 resonates deeply with broader biblical theology, particularly concerning divine manifestations and the nature of God's presence. The overwhelming glory, fiery eyes, and powerful voice are consistent attributes of God or His highest angelic messengers throughout scripture, emphasizing His unapproachable holiness and immense power. This vision serves to prepare Daniel for a message of immense prophetic significance, demonstrating that the source of the revelation is none other than the sovereign Lord of history. The awe-inspiring nature of the encounter underscores the weight and truthfulness of the divine words that follow, reminding us that God's truth is delivered with authority and majesty, often beyond human comprehension or endurance.

* [Revelation 1:14-15](/revelation/1-14-15 "Revelation 1:14-15 - Description of the Glorified Christ")
* [Ezekiel 1:7](/ezekiel/1-7 "Ezekiel 1:7 - Description of Living Creatures")
* [Exodus 24:10](/exodus/24-10 "Exodus 24:10 - The Elders See God's Feet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 10:6 invites us into a profound encounter with the transcendent majesty of the divine. The overwhelming beauty, power, and purity described should cultivate in us a deep sense of awe and reverence for God. In a world that often seeks to diminish or rationalize the divine, this verse reminds us that God is utterly beyond our full comprehension, glorious in holiness, and fearful in praises. It challenges us to reconsider the casualness with which we might approach spiritual matters, encouraging a posture of humility and wonder. For Daniel, this vision was a prelude to receiving vital prophetic truth; for us, it underscores that God communicates His will with authority and that His word is weighty and true. As we meditate on such descriptions, we are called to a greater appreciation for the spiritual realities that govern our world, recognizing that the unseen realm is infinitely more glorious and powerful than the visible, and that the God who speaks is worthy of all our attention and adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed description of the celestial being in Daniel 10:6 impact your understanding of divine majesty and holiness?**
* **In what ways might cultivating a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God transform your daily walk and worship?**
* **Considering Daniel's overwhelming reaction to this vision, what does this tell us about the nature of encountering true divine glory?**

### FAQ
**Was the being Daniel saw in Daniel 10:6 an angel or a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly name the being, the description in [Daniel 10:6](/daniel/10-6 "Daniel 10:6 - Description of the Glorious Being") is so profoundly majestic and divine that many biblical scholars, both historically and contemporarily, interpret it as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, often referred to as a Christophany. The primary reason for this interpretation is the striking parallels between this description and the vision of the glorified Christ that the Apostle John records in [Revelation 1:13-16](/revelation/1-13-16 "Revelation 1:13-16 - John's Vision of Christ"). Both passages describe a figure with a radiant body, eyes like fire, and feet like polished bronze, and a voice like many waters. While high-ranking angels like Gabriel or Michael also appear in Daniel, their descriptions, though glorious, typically do not reach this level of divine attributes. The overwhelming effect on Daniel, similar to others who encountered the divine presence, further supports the idea that this was more than just an angel, but God Himself in a visible form.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The breathtaking vision of the celestial being in [Daniel 10:6](/daniel/10-6 "Daniel 10:6 - Description of the Glorious Being") finds its most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly in His glorified state. The radiant body, face like lightning, eyes like lamps of fire, and limbs of polished brass are not merely angelic splendor but foreshadow the very essence of the Son of God, who is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). The voice "like the voice of a multitude" echoes the authority and power of the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). The imagery of fiery eyes, often associated with judgment and discernment, points to Christ as the one who will "judge the living and the dead" ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ as Judge")) and whose "eyes are like blazing fire" ([Revelation 1:14](/revelation/1-14 "Revelation 1:14 - Christ's Appearance")). Ultimately, this pre-incarnate manifestation serves as a powerful testament to the eternal glory and divine nature of Jesus, who, though he "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), will one day return in the full splendor and power foreshadowed in Daniel's vision, when "every eye will see him" ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Christ's Return")).

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

Revelation 19:12

His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

Matthew 17:2

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Revelation 1:13

And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

Revelation 1:17

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Revelation 10:3

And cried with a loud voice, as [when] a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

Revelation 10:4

And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

Ezekiel 1:24

And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.