Daniel 10:7

KJV

And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I Daniel {H1840} alone saw {H7200} the vision {H4759}: for the men {H582} that were with me saw {H7200} not the vision {H4759}; but {H61} a great {H1419} quaking {H2731} fell {H5307} upon them, so that they fled {H1272} to hide {H2244} themselves.

Complete Jewish Bible

Only I, Dani'el, saw the vision; the men who were with me did not see the vision; however, a great trembling fell over them; so that they rushed to hide themselves.

Berean Standard Bible

Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves.

American Standard Version

And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 10:7 vividly portrays the profound impact of a divine encounter, revealing that while Daniel alone was granted the visual aspect of a crucial prophetic vision, his companions were nonetheless overwhelmed by an unseen, palpable spiritual presence. This encounter manifested as a "great quaking" that seized them, compelling them to flee in terror and seek refuge, thereby highlighting Daniel's unique calling and preparation to receive such weighty revelations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 10 initiates the final and most extensive prophetic vision in the book of Daniel, spanning chapters 10-12. This vision occurs in the third year of King Cyrus of Persia, following Daniel's earlier profound experiences and interpretations. The chapter opens with Daniel in a state of mourning and fasting for three weeks, indicating his deep spiritual earnestness and preparation for divine revelation. Verse 7 serves as a crucial transition, immediately establishing the extraordinary nature of the vision by contrasting Daniel's unique perception with his companions' indirect but terrifying experience of the spiritual realm. This sets the stage for the appearance of the glorious angelic being in [Daniel 10:5-6](/daniel/10-5-6 "Daniel's Vision of the Glorious Man"), whose presence is so overwhelming that it causes Daniel himself to lose strength and fall into a deep sleep, as described in [Daniel 10:8-9](/daniel/10-8-9 "Daniel's Physical Reaction and the Angel's Touch").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in Daniel 10 takes place around 536 BC, during the early years of the Persian Empire under King Cyrus, who had conquered Babylon. This period was significant for the Jewish exiles, as Cyrus had issued a decree allowing them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Cyrus's Decree Allowing Return to Jerusalem")). Daniel, though an old man, was still serving in the Persian court, deeply concerned for the future of his people. In the ancient Near East, encounters with divine or supernatural beings were often depicted as terrifying and overwhelming, frequently resulting in physical prostration, loss of strength, or even death, as seen in various biblical accounts and extra-biblical literature. The reaction of Daniel's companions—a "great quaking" and flight—is consistent with this cultural understanding of human vulnerability in the face of transcendent power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Daniel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Revelation**, emphasizing God's sovereign choice of individuals through whom He reveals His plans and purposes. Daniel is uniquely equipped and prepared to receive these profound insights, even as others around him are affected but not privy to the direct communication. Another prominent theme is the **Awe-Inspiring and Terrifying Nature of the Supernatural**. The "great quaking" highlights that genuine encounters with the divine or angelic realm are not merely interesting but profoundly unsettling and often terrifying for human beings, underscoring the immense power and holiness of God's messengers. This aligns with other biblical accounts of fear in the presence of God or His angels, such as the Israelites' trembling at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Lord Descends on Mount Sinai") or the disciples' fear at the Transfiguration ([Matthew 17:6](/matthew/17-6 "Matthew 17:6 - Disciples Fall on Their Faces")). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, which becomes much more explicit later in [Daniel 10](/daniel/10 "Daniel 10 - Daniel's Vision and the Spiritual Battle"), where the angelic messenger reveals the cosmic struggle between heavenly beings over earthly kingdoms. The companions' terror foreshadows the gravity and spiritual intensity of the message Daniel is about to receive, which pertains to future conflicts and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **vision (Hebrew, _marʼâh'_):** From H4759, meaning "a vision; also (causatively) a mirror." This word emphasizes the visual nature of the revelation Daniel received. Unlike his companions, Daniel was granted direct sight into the spiritual realm, perceiving the glorious angelic being. This term highlights the direct, unmediated nature of God's communication to Daniel, setting him apart as a true prophet.
* **quaking (Hebrew, _chărâdâh'_):** From H2731, meaning "fear, anxiety; care, exceedingly, fear, quaking, trembling." This word describes the intense, involuntary physical and emotional reaction of Daniel's companions. It signifies a profound terror and agitation, indicating a spiritual disturbance so potent that it overwhelmed them, even though they did not see the source of the vision. This "quaking" is not merely fear but a deep, unsettling dread that compels immediate, instinctive action.
* **fled (Hebrew, _bârach'_):** From H1272, meaning "to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly; chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot." This verb depicts the immediate and desperate action of Daniel's companions. Their flight was not a calm departure but a sudden, urgent escape, driven by the overwhelming fear induced by the unseen spiritual presence. It underscores the terrifying nature of the encounter, demonstrating a primal instinct for self-preservation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I Daniel alone saw the vision:"** This opening clause immediately establishes Daniel's unique role as the recipient of the direct visual revelation. It highlights his singular perception of the divine manifestation, setting him apart from his companions and underscoring his prophetic calling. The emphasis on "alone" intensifies the personal and exclusive nature of this profound spiritual experience.
* **"for the men that were with me saw not the vision;"** This explanatory clause provides a stark contrast to Daniel's experience. While companions were physically present, they were spiritually blind to the visual aspect of the vision. This emphasizes the selective nature of divine revelation, where God chooses whom He will reveal Himself to directly, even when others are in close proximity.
* **"but a great quaking fell upon them,"** Despite not seeing the vision, Daniel's companions were profoundly affected by its unseen spiritual presence. The "great quaking" (Hebrew: _chărâdâh_) denotes an overwhelming, terrifying tremor or panic that seized them. This indicates that the spiritual reality was so potent and palpable that its mere proximity, even without visual perception, was enough to induce extreme physical and psychological distress.
* **"so that they fled to hide themselves."** This final clause describes the immediate and instinctive reaction of the companions to the "great quaking." Their flight was a desperate attempt to escape the overwhelming and terrifying spiritual presence, seeking refuge from something they could feel but not comprehend. This action further underscores the immense power and awe-inspiring nature of the spiritual realm.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 10:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is central, immediately established between Daniel, who "alone saw the vision," and his companions, who "saw not the vision." This highlights Daniel's unique prophetic calling and the selective nature of divine revelation. The phrase "great quaking" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and overwhelming terror that seized the men, leading to their immediate and desperate flight. This exaggerated description underscores the immense power and unsettling nature of the unseen spiritual presence. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the gravity and intensity of the subsequent prophetic revelation. The companions' visceral reaction signals that the spiritual encounter is not ordinary but one of immense significance, hinting at the profound spiritual realities and conflicts that will be unveiled in the remainder of the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 10:7 profoundly illustrates the selective and overwhelming nature of divine revelation. God, in His sovereignty, chooses specific individuals through whom He unveils His mysteries, equipping them uniquely for such encounters. While Daniel was granted direct sight into the spiritual realm, his companions experienced a palpable, terrifying manifestation of its presence, underscoring that the spiritual world is intensely real and potent, capable of profoundly impacting human beings even when unseen. This verse implicitly teaches about human frailty in the face of divine power and the necessity of God's grace to sustain those He calls to receive His word. It also subtly introduces the theme of spiritual warfare, as the "quaking" hints at the powerful forces at play that will be revealed later in the chapter, demonstrating that God's plans unfold within a cosmic spiritual drama.

* [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "The Lord Descends on Mount Sinai"): Like Daniel's companions, the Israelites at Mount Sinai experienced a terrifying manifestation of God's presence, characterized by thunder, lightning, and a trumpet blast, causing them to tremble.
* [Acts 9:7](/acts/9-7 "Paul's Conversion: Companions Hear but See Not"): When Saul (Paul) encountered the risen Christ, his companions heard the voice but saw no one, falling to the ground in a similar manner to Daniel's companions experiencing the unseen.
* [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "John's Vision of Christ: Falling as Dead"): John, upon seeing the glorified Christ, fell at His feet "as dead," demonstrating the overwhelming and awe-inspiring effect of a direct encounter with divine glory, much like Daniel's own reaction in [Daniel 10:8](/daniel/10-8 "Daniel's Physical Reaction to the Vision").

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 10:7 offers a powerful reminder of the reality and potency of the spiritual realm, which often impacts our lives in ways we may not fully comprehend. This verse challenges us to cultivate a profound sense of reverence and awe when approaching God's Word and His presence. While we may not experience direct angelic encounters as Daniel did, the Bible itself is a form of divine revelation—God's inspired and authoritative communication to humanity. We are called to approach Scripture not merely as a historical text or a collection of moral principles, but as a living word, imbued with spiritual power, capable of transforming our hearts and minds. This reverence should lead to humility, recognizing our own limitations and dependence on the Holy Spirit to illuminate its truths. Furthermore, Daniel's unique calling reminds us that God equips and prepares individuals for specific purposes, and we should be mindful of the unique gifts and callings He places on others, respecting the diverse ways He chooses to work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between Daniel's experience and his companions' reaction challenge or affirm your understanding of divine revelation?**
* **In what ways might we, in our modern context, experience the "quaking" or unsettling reality of God's presence, even if we don't see a literal vision?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of spiritual readiness and humility when seeking to understand God's will?**
* **How can recognizing the reality of the unseen spiritual realm (as implied by the companions' reaction) deepen your prayer life and spiritual awareness?**

### FAQ
**Why did Daniel's companions not see the vision, but were still affected?**
Answer: Daniel 10:7 illustrates the selective nature of divine revelation. God often chooses specific individuals to receive direct visual or auditory communication, while others present may only experience the peripheral effects of His presence. This phenomenon is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as when Paul's companions heard a sound but saw no one during his conversion experience on the Damascus road ([Acts 9:7](/acts/9-7 "Paul's Conversion: Companions Hear but See Not")). The "great quaking" that fell upon Daniel's companions indicates that the spiritual reality of the angelic presence was so potent that it produced a terrifying, palpable effect on them, even without visual perception. This underscores the immense power of the spiritual realm and God's sovereign choice in how He reveals Himself.

**What was the "great quaking" that fell upon them?**
Answer: The "great quaking" (Hebrew: _chărâdâh_) refers to an intense, overwhelming fear or trembling that seized Daniel's companions. It was a profound physical and emotional disturbance, akin to a panic attack or deep terror, caused by the unseen spiritual presence of the glorious angelic being. This was not merely a psychological reaction to an unknown event, but a direct, visceral response to the raw power and holiness emanating from the divine encounter. It was so severe that it compelled them to instinctively "flee to hide themselves," indicating a primal urge to escape an overwhelming and terrifying force they could feel but not comprehend. This reaction highlights the awe-inspiring and often terrifying nature of genuine encounters with the supernatural for human beings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 10:7, with its depiction of a unique divine encounter and the overwhelming impact of the spiritual realm, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Daniel's experience as the sole recipient of a direct vision, while others were merely terrified by its unseen presence, foreshadows Christ as the ultimate and singular revealer of God. As [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God") declares, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." Jesus is the Word made flesh, the perfect embodiment and revelation of the Father, through whom God has spoken His final and complete word to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). The "great quaking" that seized Daniel's companions can be seen as a shadow of the spiritual impact of Christ's presence and power. While His presence brings salvation and peace to those who believe, it also evokes awe, reverence, and even fear in the face of His divine authority and holiness, as seen when His disciples fell on their faces at the Transfiguration ([Matthew 17:6](/matthew/17-6 "Matthew 17:6 - Disciples Fall on Their Faces")) or when those who came to arrest Him fell backward at His simple declaration "I am He" ([John 18:6](/john/18-6 "John 18:6 - Jesus Identifies Himself")). Ultimately, Daniel's vision, though terrifying in its immediate impact, served to reveal God's sovereign plan for the future; in Christ, this plan is not only revealed but fully accomplished, bringing light and life to a world previously shrouded in spiritual darkness and fear ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")).

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

Acts 9:7

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

Acts 22:9

And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

Genesis 3:10

And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I [was] naked; and I hid myself.

Isaiah 2:10

¶ Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.

Hebrews 12:21

And so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

Jeremiah 23:24

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

2 Kings 6:17

And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.