Daniel 10:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 10:8 vividly portrays the overwhelming physical and emotional impact of a profound divine encounter on the prophet Daniel. Left in solitary witness to a glorious heavenly vision, Daniel is utterly incapacitated, experiencing a complete loss of physical strength and a radical, debilitating transformation of his physical appearance, underscoring the vast chasm between human frailty and divine majesty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Daniel's breathtaking description of a majestic angelic being, whose appearance was akin to lightning, fire, and dazzling precious stones, with a voice like a multitude (as detailed in [Daniel 10:5-6](/daniel/10-5-6 "Daniel 10:5-6 - Description of the Angelic Being")). The men accompanying Daniel, though they did not directly see the vision, were seized by a great dread and fled, leaving Daniel alone to face the celestial messenger ([Daniel 10:7](/daniel/10-7 "Daniel 10:7 - Companions Flee")). This isolation intensifies the personal and profound nature of the encounter for Daniel. The vision itself initiates a lengthy and complex prophecy concerning the future of Israel and the Gentile nations, culminating in the end times, which is further expounded in [Daniel 10:10-12:13](/daniel/10-10-12-13 "Daniel 10:10-12:13 - The Great Prophecy"). Daniel's physical collapse here sets the stage for the angel's subsequent strengthening of him, enabling him to receive and comprehend the weighty revelation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision recorded in [Daniel 10](/daniel/10 "Daniel 10 - Daniel's Vision by the Tigris") takes place in the third year of Cyrus, King of Persia, around 536 BC, by the great river Hiddekel (Tigris). This period is significant as it follows the initial return of some Jewish exiles to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel, yet the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of the nation faced considerable opposition. Daniel, an elderly prophet, had been mourning and fasting for three weeks ([Daniel 10:2-3](/daniel/10-2-3 "Daniel 10:2-3 - Daniel's Three Weeks of Mourning")), likely burdened by the state of his people and seeking divine understanding regarding their future. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, encounters with divine beings or manifestations of deity were often depicted as physically overwhelming, leading to prostration, loss of strength, or even a death-like state, a common motif in biblical prophetic literature (e.g., [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - Ezekiel's Prostration")).

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 10:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Human Frailty Before Divine Glory**, illustrating the vast, unbridgeable chasm between mortal weakness and the overwhelming majesty of God's presence or His heavenly emissaries. No human, however righteous or prepared, can stand unaffected in such a holy and powerful presence. Secondly, it highlights the **Overwhelming Nature of True Spiritual Encounters**. Unlike casual religious experiences, genuine encounters with the divine are often profoundly humbling, physically debilitating, and spiritually transformative, demanding a complete surrender and reliance on God. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from [Isaiah's vision](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Vision of God") to [John's encounter with the glorified Christ](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Vision of Christ"). Finally, Daniel's experience here serves as a **Preparation for Revelation and Ministry**, demonstrating that profound spiritual truth often requires a deep humbling and a recognition of one's utter dependence on divine strength before one can fully grasp and convey God's message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **comeliness (Hebrew, _hôwd'_):** (H1935) This term refers to grandeur, majesty, splendor, or beauty, often denoting an imposing form or appearance. In Daniel's context, it signifies his normal, healthy, and dignified physical state. Its turning into "corruption" emphasizes a radical and shocking reversal of his vitality and well-being.
* **turned (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):** (H2015) A primitive root meaning "to turn about or over," "to change," or "to overturn." Here, it powerfully conveys a sudden, complete, and involuntary reversal of Daniel's physical condition. It's not a gradual decline but an instantaneous and dramatic transformation from a state of vigor to one of utter collapse.
* **corruption (Hebrew, _mashchîyth'_):** (H4889) Derived from a root meaning "to destroy," this word signifies ruin, destruction, decay, or waste. In this context, it describes a physical deterioration, a loss of vitality that borders on a death-like pallor or utter physical ruin. It is crucial to note that this is not moral corruption but a profound physical collapse.
* **strength (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** (H3581) This word denotes vigor, force, capacity, or power. Its repeated mention ("no strength in me" and "I retained no strength") underscores the absolute and complete depletion of Daniel's physical and mental faculties. He was utterly powerless, unable to stand or function.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore I was left alone":** This clause highlights Daniel's solitary experience of the vision. His companions, though not seeing the vision, were overcome by a great dread and fled, leaving Daniel to face the overwhelming divine presence by himself. This isolation intensifies the personal and direct nature of the encounter and its profound impact on him.
* **"and saw this great vision":** This specifies the cause of Daniel's reaction – the sight of the magnificent and terrifying angelic being described in [Daniel 10:5-6](/daniel/10-5-6 "Daniel 10:5-6 - Description of the Angelic Being"). The term "great" (H1419, _gâdôwl_) emphasizes the immense scale and awe-inspiring nature of what he beheld, far beyond normal human comprehension or endurance.
* **"and there remained no strength in me":** This describes the immediate and profound physical consequence of the vision. Daniel's vitality drained away, leaving him utterly weak and unable to support himself. This is a common biblical response to direct encounters with the divine, signifying human inadequacy in the face of divine power.
* **"for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption":** This clause provides a more detailed explanation of Daniel's physical transformation. His normal, healthy appearance ("comeliness") was abruptly and dramatically reversed ("turned") into a state of decay or ruin ("corruption"). This is not a moral change but a severe physical deterioration, perhaps a death-like pallor or a complete loss of physical integrity, reflecting the overwhelming holiness and power of the vision.
* **"and I retained no strength":** This final phrase reiterates and emphasizes the complete and utter loss of strength, reinforcing the severity of Daniel's condition. The repetition underscores the totality of his physical collapse, highlighting his absolute helplessness and dependence in that moment.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 10:8 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the profound impact of the divine vision. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of Daniel's complete loss of strength and the transformation of his "comeliness" into "corruption," emphasizing the extreme nature of his physical collapse beyond normal human experience. This exaggeration serves to highlight the overwhelming power of the divine presence. **Contrast** is central to the verse, juxtaposing Daniel's former "comeliness" (dignity, vigor) with his new state of "corruption" (decay, ruin), and his inherent human strength with the absolute absence of it. This stark opposition underscores the radical and debilitating effect of the encounter. **Repetition** of the phrase "no strength" (or "retained no strength") serves to amplify the sense of utter physical depletion and helplessness, driving home the totality of Daniel's incapacitation. Finally, Daniel's physical state can be seen as **Symbolism**, where his profound weakness and near-death experience symbolize the inherent inadequacy and defilement of humanity in the face of absolute divine holiness and power, preparing him for a divinely imparted message that transcends human understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel's experience in [Daniel 10:8](/daniel/10-8 "Daniel 10:8 - Daniel's Physical Collapse") is a profound theological statement about the nature of divine encounters and human response. It underscores the absolute holiness and majesty of God, demonstrating that even a glimpse of His heavenly messengers can overwhelm human capacity. This physical collapse is not a sign of weakness in faith but rather a natural and appropriate response to the immense power and purity of the spiritual realm. It highlights the vast qualitative difference between the Creator and the creature, forcing Daniel into a posture of utter dependence and humility, which is often a prerequisite for receiving profound divine revelation. This humbling experience prepares the prophet to receive and transmit a message of immense spiritual significance, reminding us that true understanding of God's ways often begins with a recognition of our own limitations.

* [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - Ezekiel's Prostration Before God's Glory")
* [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Fall Before the Glorified Christ")
* [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Confession of Unworthiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's profound physical and emotional response to the divine vision in [Daniel 10:8](/daniel/10-8 "Daniel 10:8 - Daniel's Overwhelmed State") offers timeless lessons for believers. It reminds us that authentic encounters with the living God are not mere intellectual exercises or casual spiritual experiences, but transformative, awe-inspiring events that humble us to our core. Our natural strength, wisdom, and self-sufficiency are utterly exposed as inadequate in the presence of divine majesty. This should cultivate a deep sense of humility within us, fostering a greater reliance not on our own abilities, but on God's sustaining power. Furthermore, Daniel's experience encourages us to approach the spiritual realm with reverence and awe, recognizing its profound reality and power. Just as Daniel needed to be touched and strengthened by the angel to receive and understand the vision, we too must acknowledge our spiritual weakness and depend entirely on God's grace and strength—particularly the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit—to navigate life's challenges, comprehend divine truths, and fulfill our callings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's physical reaction to the vision challenge my own assumptions about spiritual encounters or my perception of God's majesty?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own "strength" or "comeliness" rather than acknowledging my dependence on God?**
* **What might it mean for my "comeliness" to be "turned into corruption" in a spiritual sense, leading to a deeper humility before God?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of awe and reverence for God in my daily life and worship?**

### FAQ
**Why did Daniel experience such a severe physical collapse?**

Answer: Daniel's severe physical collapse was a natural and common biblical response to a direct, overwhelming encounter with a powerful heavenly being, likely a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ or a very high-ranking angel, as described in [Daniel 10:5-6](/daniel/10-5-6 "Daniel 10:5-6 - Description of the Angelic Being"). Such manifestations of divine glory or power are often too intense for human beings to endure without physical debilitation. It underscores the vast difference between human frailty and divine majesty, humbling the prophet and preparing him to receive a profound revelation. Similar reactions are seen with other prophets like [Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:28)](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - Ezekiel's Prostration") and [John (Revelation 1:17)](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Fall Before Christ").

**What does "my comeliness was turned in me into corruption" specifically mean?**

Answer: This phrase describes a radical physical transformation, not a moral one. "Comeliness" (Hebrew _hôwd_) refers to Daniel's normal, healthy, and dignified appearance or vigor. "Corruption" (Hebrew _mashchîyth_) signifies decay, ruin, or destruction. Therefore, it means that Daniel's physical vitality, strength, and healthy appearance were completely drained and replaced by a state of physical collapse, weakness, and perhaps even a death-like pallor. It indicates an utter loss of his physical integrity and ability to function, reflecting the overwhelming nature of the divine presence.

**Was Daniel's experience unique, or is it a common theme in the Bible?**

Answer: Daniel's experience, while intensely personal, is not unique in its nature. The Bible frequently records instances where individuals, particularly prophets, are profoundly affected physically and emotionally by direct encounters with God or His angelic messengers. From [Moses on Mount Sinai](/exodus/34-29-35 "Exodus 34:29-35 - Moses' Radiant Face") to [Isaiah in the temple](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Vision of God"), and [Ezekiel by the Chebar Canal](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - Ezekiel's Prostration"), and even [John on Patmos](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Fall Before Christ"), the overwhelming holiness and power of God often lead to prostration, loss of strength, or a sense of unworthiness. These reactions serve to highlight human frailty and God's transcendent majesty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's profound physical collapse in [Daniel 10:8](/daniel/10-8 "Daniel 10:8 - Daniel's Physical Overwhelm") serves as a powerful foreshadowing of humanity's inherent weakness and inability to stand in the presence of divine glory apart from a divine mediator. Daniel, a righteous man, was utterly undone by a glimpse of a heavenly messenger, highlighting the chasm between fallen humanity and a holy God. This points forward to the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. Unlike Daniel, who was overwhelmed by a vision, Christ, being fully God and fully man, could endure the full wrath of God for sin on the cross, demonstrating a strength utterly beyond human capacity ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")). Daniel's need for an angelic touch to be strengthened ([Daniel 10:19](/daniel/10-19 "Daniel 10:19 - Angel Strengthens Daniel")) prefigures the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, who enables believers to stand, comprehend spiritual truths, and serve God in their weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Strength in Weakness")). Ultimately, the "great vision" Daniel saw, though debilitating, points to the "great salvation" revealed in Christ, through whom we can now approach God's throne with confidence, not by our own strength, but by the power of His blood and the Spirit He has given us ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). He is the one who empowers us in our weakness, transforming our "corruption" into spiritual vitality through His resurrection power ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Power in Believers")).

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 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.