Daniel 8:15

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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

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 on Daniel 8:15 (KJV)

Daniel 8:15 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet Daniel's experience, transitioning from the profound, perplexing vision of the ram and the goat to its much-needed interpretation. After witnessing the powerful imagery of future empires and conflicts, Daniel, a devoted servant of God, was deeply troubled and sought divine understanding.

Context of the Vision

Prior to this verse, Daniel describes a complex vision involving a ram with two horns and a male goat with a prominent horn, which later breaks and is replaced by four notable ones (Daniel 8:3-8). This vision, set by the Ulai Canal, depicted the rise and fall of the Medo-Persian and Grecian empires, and a subsequent "little horn" that would grow exceedingly great (Daniel 8:9-14). The intricate details and prophetic nature of the vision left Daniel in a state of confusion and earnest desire for clarification.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Human Need for Understanding: Daniel's active "sought for the meaning" highlights the natural human desire to comprehend divine revelation, especially when it concerns future events and God's plan. His earnest pursuit demonstrates a model for how believers should approach God's Word.
  • Divine Provision for Interpretation: The immediate appearance of a figure signifies that God does not leave His servants in the dark. Just as He reveals mysteries, He also provides the means and messengers for their proper understanding.
  • Transition to Clarity: This verse serves as a crucial turning point, signaling that the interpretation of the preceding complex vision is about to be revealed, providing comfort and insight to Daniel and subsequent generations.

Linguistic Insights and The Appearance of a Man

The phrase "sought for the meaning" comes from the Hebrew *biqqaš bînah*, which literally means "sought understanding" or "discernment." This emphasizes Daniel's active and intense mental effort to grasp the vision's significance. His sincerity prompts a divine response.

"Then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man." The Hebrew term for "appearance" is *mar'eh*, often used for a vision or sight, and "man" is *'îš*. This anthropomorphic description of the celestial being suggests a recognizable, albeit awe-inspiring, form. This figure is explicitly identified in the very next verse as the angel Gabriel, who is commissioned to help Daniel understand the vision. Gabriel also appears in other significant biblical passages, such as delivering messages to Mary in the New Testament (Luke 1:26-38).

Practical Application

Daniel's experience in this verse offers profound lessons for believers today. When we encounter challenging passages in Scripture or face confusing circumstances in life, our response should be one of earnest seeking for God's wisdom and understanding. Just as God sent Gabriel to Daniel, He provides guidance through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), through prayer, and through the study of His Word. This verse reminds us that God desires to illuminate our path and clarify His will for those who genuinely seek Him.

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 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.

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