Daniel 8:15

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when I, [even] I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel {H1840}, had seen {H7200} the vision {H2377}, and sought {H1245} for the meaning {H998}, then, behold, there stood {H5975} before me as the appearance {H4758} of a man {H1397}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After I, Dani'el, had seen the vision and was trying to understand it, suddenly there stood in front of me someone who appeared to be a man.

Berean Standard Bible

While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there stood before me one having the appearance of a man.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, that I sought to understand it; and, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:15 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet's spiritual journey, detailing his transition from profound bewilderment at the preceding vision of the ram and the goat to an earnest and divinely answered quest for its interpretation. Overwhelmed by the intricate prophetic imagery and its implications, Daniel actively sought comprehension, and in direct response to his sincere pursuit, a celestial figure, appearing in human form, immediately presented himself to provide the much-needed clarity. This verse powerfully underscores the human need for divine understanding and God's gracious readiness to reveal His mysteries to those who diligently seek Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Daniel's vivid and disturbing vision detailed in [Daniel 8:1-14](/daniel/8-1-14 "Daniel 8:1-14 - The Vision of the Ram and the Goat"). The vision presented a powerful ram (representing the Medo-Persian Empire) and a swift goat (symbolizing the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great), followed by the emergence of a "little horn" (often interpreted as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a historical persecutor of the Jews, or a future antichrist figure) that would bring immense devastation, persecute God's people, and profane the sanctuary. The preceding verses conclude with a question posed by two holy ones regarding the duration of the vision's events, a question that remains unanswered for Daniel, leaving him in a state of profound confusion and physical exhaustion, as indicated by his subsequent weakness in [Daniel 8:27](/daniel/8-27 "Daniel 8:27 - Daniel's Weakness and Astonishment"). Verse 15 thus initiates the crucial phase of interpretation, a divine response to Daniel's desperate need for clarity regarding the bewildering prophetic imagery he had just witnessed, setting the stage for the angelic explanation that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel received this vision during the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar, likely around 550-540 BC, while Daniel was in Susa, the capital of Elam, near the Ulai Canal ([Daniel 8:1-2](/daniel/8-1-2 "Daniel 8:1-2 - Daniel's Vision in Susa")). This period was one of significant geopolitical upheaval. The Babylonian Empire, where Daniel served, was in decline, and the Medo-Persian Empire was rapidly rising to prominence, soon to conquer Babylon ([Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - The Writing on the Wall")). Daniel, a Jewish exile who had risen to prominence in the Babylonian court, maintained his distinct identity and unwavering devotion to Yahweh. The visions he received, including this one, provided insight into the future of world empires, particularly as they would impact God's covenant people, Israel. The cultural expectation for prophets in the ancient Near East was not only to receive divine revelation but also to interpret it, a task Daniel himself had undertaken for powerful kings previously, such as Nebuchadnezzar's dreams in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream") and [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream")).
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 8:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation and Interpretation**. God reveals complex truths through visions, but He also graciously provides the means for their understanding, often through angelic messengers. Daniel's earnest "seeking for the meaning" underscores the human desire and desperate need for divine illumination when faced with profound spiritual truths. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty over History**. Even amidst the tumultuous rise and fall of powerful empires, God remains in absolute control, orchestrating events according to His predetermined plan, a plan that He chooses to unveil to His faithful servants like Daniel. Finally, the appearance of the "man" foreshadows the theme of **Angelic Mediation**. God frequently uses celestial beings to communicate His messages and provide assistance to His prophets, ensuring that His will is clearly understood and His purposes are advanced. This specific interaction sets the stage for the direct intervention of the angel Gabriel to explain the vision, as explicitly stated in [Daniel 8:16](/daniel/8-16 "Daniel 8:16 - Gabriel's Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sought (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This verb, derived from a primitive root, signifies an active, earnest, and often prayerful pursuit. Daniel's "seeking for the meaning" implies more than mere curiosity; it suggests a deep spiritual longing, an intellectual effort, and a persistent, purposeful search for divine truth, characteristic of one who strives after God's will.
* **meaning (Hebrew, _bîynâh'_):** From a root meaning "to discern" or "to understand," _bîynâh_ refers to insight, comprehension, or wisdom. Daniel's desire for "meaning" was a quest for the true significance and profound implications of the complex prophetic vision, not just a superficial explanation. He longed for the deep spiritual and historical understanding that only divine revelation could provide.
* **appearance (Hebrew, _marʼeh'_):** This term denotes a visual manifestation or a sight, whether a real object or a mental vision. In this context, it describes the visible form of the celestial being that stood before Daniel, emphasizing that the divine messenger took on a perceivable, human-like form. This anthropomorphic manifestation made the encounter tangible and impactful for the prophet, bridging the gap between the spiritual realm and human comprehension.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision":** This opening clause re-emphasizes Daniel's personal involvement and the profound, overwhelming impact of the preceding vision upon him. The repetition "I, even I Daniel" highlights the prophet's unique and direct role as the recipient of this extraordinary revelation, underscoring the authenticity and directness of his experience, and setting the stage for his subsequent emotional and intellectual response.
* **"and sought for the meaning":** This phrase reveals Daniel's active, earnest, and spiritually diligent response to the perplexing vision. He did not passively wait for understanding but diligently "sought" it, indicating a deep spiritual and intellectual hunger to comprehend God's intricate message. This seeking implies fervent prayer, meditation, and a persistent desire for divine illumination, demonstrating a model of spiritual diligence for all believers.
* **"then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man":** This dramatic shift marks God's immediate and direct response to Daniel's sincere seeking. The interjection "behold" draws attention to the sudden and significant manifestation of a celestial being, emphasizing the divine initiative. The description "as the appearance of a man" indicates that this divine messenger took on a form recognizable and relatable to Daniel, though still awe-inspiring, preparing the way for direct communication and authoritative interpretation.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 8:15 employs several significant literary devices to convey its message and impact. The **repetition** of "I, even I Daniel" serves as a powerful emphasis, underscoring the prophet's personal and direct encounter with the divine vision and his subsequent struggle for understanding. This rhetorical device draws the reader into Daniel's subjective and authentic experience. The phrase "sought for the meaning" highlights Daniel's **earnestness** and **diligence**, portraying him as an active, rather than passive, participant in the revelatory process. The most striking device is the use of **anthropomorphism** in "as the appearance of a man." This describes a celestial being in a human-like form, making the divine accessible and comprehensible to Daniel. This appearance also functions as **foreshadowing**, as the very next verse explicitly identifies this figure as the angel Gabriel, who is commissioned to provide the interpretation. The suddenness implied by "then, behold" creates a sense of **dramatic immediacy**, emphasizing God's swift and direct response to Daniel's spiritual need.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:15 profoundly illustrates the principle that God desires to be understood by His people and will graciously provide the necessary means for comprehension when they diligently seek Him. Daniel's experience serves as a powerful testament to the divine initiative in bridging the gap between profound, often perplexing, revelation and human understanding. It underscores the compassionate nature of God, who does not leave His servants in confusion but actively intervenes to clarify His purposes. This verse sets the stage for the crucial role of angelic mediation in delivering divine messages and interpretations, a recurring theme in biblical prophecy, demonstrating God's multi-faceted ways of communicating His truth.

* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Your Word is a Lamp")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "God Gives Wisdom Generously")
* [1 Corinthians 2:10](/1_corinthians/2-10 "The Spirit Reveals Deep Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's earnest pursuit of understanding in this verse offers a timeless and profound model for every believer. In a world often filled with confusion and uncertainty, both personally and in interpreting God's Word, Daniel's response reminds us that our first instinct should be to "seek for the meaning" from God Himself. This isn't a passive waiting, but an active, prayerful, and diligent engagement with Scripture, coupled with a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit. Just as God sent Gabriel to Daniel, He has provided us with His complete and sufficient Word and the indwelling Spirit to illuminate our minds and hearts. This verse encourages us to press into difficult passages of Scripture, to pray fervently for wisdom when life's circumstances are perplexing, and to trust that God delights in revealing Himself and His truth to those who genuinely hunger for it. Our seeking is not in vain; it invites divine intervention and clarity, transforming our confusion into comprehension and our questions into confident faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with confusing or challenging passages in Scripture, what is your typical response? Do you actively "seek for the meaning" as Daniel did, through prayer and diligent study?**
* **How does Daniel's earnest seeking encourage you in your own spiritual journey, especially when understanding God's will or Word seems elusive?**
* **In what ways do you believe God provides "the appearance of a man" (or a clear messenger/means) to help you understand His will or Word today, such as through teachers, mentors, or the Holy Spirit's illumination?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "man" mentioned in Daniel 8:15?**

Answer: While Daniel 8:15 simply describes the figure as "the appearance of a man," the very next verse, [Daniel 8:16](/daniel/8-16 "Gabriel's Commission"), explicitly identifies him as the angel Gabriel. Gabriel is a prominent angelic messenger in the Bible, appearing again in [Daniel 9:21](/daniel/9-21 "Gabriel Appears to Daniel Again") to give Daniel further understanding, and most famously in the New Testament to announce the births of John the Baptist ([Luke 1:19](/luke/1-19 "Gabriel's Announcement to Zechariah")) and Jesus Christ ([Luke 1:26-38](/luke/1-26-38 "Gabriel's Annunciation to Mary")). His appearance in human-like form signifies a divine messenger sent to provide crucial interpretation and guidance.

**Why did Daniel need to "seek for the meaning" if God was going to send an angel anyway?**

Answer: Daniel's "seeking for the meaning" was not a prerequisite for God's action, but rather a demonstration of his spiritual earnestness, humility, and dependence. It highlights the human side of divine revelation, where God often responds to the sincere desire and diligent pursuit of His people. Daniel's active quest for understanding shows his deep hunger for God's truth, which pleases God and prepares Daniel's heart to receive the revelation. It models for us that divine understanding is often granted to those who actively and prayerfully pursue it, rather than passively waiting. This diligent seeking cultivates a receptive heart, ready to embrace and apply the divine wisdom when it is revealed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 8:15, with its depiction of a divine messenger appearing in human form to bring understanding and clarity to perplexing divine mysteries, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Daniel, overwhelmed by complex prophecy, needed a tangible, human-like figure to clarify divine mysteries, humanity, lost in the enigma of sin, death, and God's intricate purposes, needed God Himself to become flesh. Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh"), is the ultimate "appearance of a man" through whom God fully and finally reveals Himself and His redemptive plan. He is not merely an angelic messenger but God Himself, who came to earth to perfectly embody and explain the Father's will ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "No One Has Seen God")). Through Christ, the complex prophecies of the Old Testament find their ultimate fulfillment and clear meaning. He is the one who [opens the scrolls and breaks their seals](/revelation/5-5 "The Lamb Who Can Open the Scroll"), making sense of God's intricate purposes throughout history. In Jesus, the seeking heart finds not just an explanation, but the very [wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") personified, providing complete understanding, reconciliation, and eternal salvation. He is the definitive answer to humanity's quest for meaning.

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 10:16

And, behold, [one] like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

Daniel 10:18

Then there came again and touched me [one] like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

1 Peter 1:10

¶ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you:

1 Peter 1:11

Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

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.

Daniel 7:13

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Daniel 7:16

I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.