Daniel 10:8

Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

Therefore I was left alone {H7604}, and saw {H7200} this great {H1419} vision {H4759}, and there remained {H7604} no strength {H3581} in me: for my comeliness {H1935} was turned {H2015} in me into corruption {H4889}, and I retained {H6113} no strength {H3581}.

Thus I was left alone; and when I saw this great vision, there was no strength left in me - my face, normally pleasant-looking, became disfigured; and I had no strength.

So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless.

So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

Daniel 10:8 captures the profound physical and emotional impact of a divine encounter on the prophet Daniel. Having been left alone to witness an awe-inspiring vision of a glorious angelic being (described in Daniel 10:5-6), Daniel is utterly overwhelmed, losing all physical strength and experiencing a radical transformation of his physical state.

Context of Daniel 10:8

This verse immediately follows Daniel's description of a powerful angelic messenger, often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ or a very high-ranking angel, whose appearance was dazzling and terrifying (Daniel 10:5-6). The men who were with Daniel fled, though they did not see the vision themselves, sensing only a great dread (Daniel 10:7). This left Daniel in solitary communion with the celestial messenger, making the impact even more personal and intense. The vision itself was part of a series of revelations concerning the future of Israel and the Gentile nations, particularly leading up to the end times, as detailed in the latter part of Daniel's book.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Human Frailty Before Divine Glory: Daniel's complete loss of strength and his description of his "comeliness" turning into "corruption" vividly illustrate the vast chasm between human weakness and the overwhelming majesty of God's presence or His heavenly messengers. It underscores that no mortal can stand unaffected in such a holy presence.
  • The Overwhelming Nature of True Spiritual Encounters: Unlike casual religious experiences, genuine encounters with the divine often leave individuals profoundly shaken, humbled, and physically weakened. This is a common motif throughout Scripture, seen in other prophetic visions.
  • Preparation for Revelation: Daniel's fasting and prayer (mentioned in Daniel 10:3) likely prepared him to receive such a profound revelation, yet even with spiritual preparation, the physical toll was immense.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "my comeliness was turned in me into corruption" is particularly striking. The Hebrew word for "comeliness" is hod (הוֹד), which signifies splendor, majesty, vigor, or beauty. It refers to Daniel's normal, healthy, and dignified appearance. The word translated "corruption" is mashchith (מַשְׁחִית), meaning ruin, destruction, decay, or waste. It implies a complete loss of vitality, a deterioration, or even a death-like pallor. This is not moral corruption, but a physical collapse, suggesting a state of near death or utter physical ruin. The contrast emphasizes the radical, humbling effect of the vision on Daniel's physical being.

Practical Application

Daniel's experience reminds believers of several truths:

  • Humility in God's Presence: Our natural strength and abilities are nothing compared to God's power. True spiritual encounters often lead to a deep sense of humility and dependence on Him.
  • The Reality of the Spiritual Realm: The vividness of Daniel's reaction underscores the profound reality and power of the unseen spiritual world.
  • Reliance on Divine Strength: Just as Daniel later needed to be strengthened by the angel to understand the message (Daniel 10:19), we too must rely on God's strength to navigate spiritual challenges and comprehend divine truths. This echoes the sentiment found in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 7:28

    Hitherto [is] the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

  • Habakkuk 3:16

    ¶ When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.

  • Daniel 8:27

    And I Daniel fainted, and was sick [certain] days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood [it].

  • 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:

  • Matthew 17:6

    And when the disciples heard [it], they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

  • Mark 9:6

    For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

  • Daniel 8:7

    And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.

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