Daniel 8:16

KJV

And I heard a man's voice between [the banks of] Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this [man] to understand the vision.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I heard {H8085} a man's {H120} voice {H6963} between the banks of Ulai {H195}, which called {H7121}, and said {H559}, Gabriel {H1403}, make this {H1975} man to understand {H995} the vision {H4758}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I heard a human voice calling from between the banks of the Ulai, "Gavri'el, make this man understand the vision!"

Berean Standard Bible

And I heard the voice of a man calling from between the banks of the Ulai: “Gabriel, explain the vision to this man.”

American Standard Version

And I heard a man’s voice betweenthe banks ofthe Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:16 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet Daniel's experience, as a divine voice intervenes to command the archangel Gabriel to provide understanding of the bewildering vision Daniel has just witnessed. This verse underscores God's sovereign initiative in revealing His prophetic plans and ensuring His chosen servants comprehend them, highlighting the crucial role of angelic messengers in divine communication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Daniel's profound and unsettling vision of a ram and a goat, which symbolically represent the Medo-Persian and Grecian empires, respectively. The vision details the rise of these powers and the emergence of a "little horn" from one of the goat's horns, symbolizing a future tyrannical ruler who would persecute God's people and desecrate the sanctuary ([Daniel 8:3-14](/daniel/8-3 "Daniel 8:3-14 - Vision of the Ram and Goat")). Daniel is deeply troubled and physically exhausted by the vision's intensity and obscure meaning, falling into a deep sleep and then being left "astonished at the vision, but none understood it" ([Daniel 8:17](/daniel/8-17 "Daniel 8:17 - Daniel's Astonishment") and [Daniel 8:27](/daniel/8-27 "Daniel 8:27 - Daniel's Exhaustion")). Verse 16 thus serves as the divine response to Daniel's confusion, initiating the interpretive phase of the prophetic encounter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision takes place "in the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar" ([Daniel 8:1](/daniel/8-1 "Daniel 8:1 - Setting of the Vision")), placing it around 551 BC. Daniel is in Susa, the capital of Elam (later Persia), specifically "by the river Ulai" ([Daniel 8:2](/daniel/8-2 "Daniel 8:2 - Daniel at the Ulai River")). The Ulai (or Eulaeus) was a significant river in ancient Persia, flowing near the city of Susa, which would become a prominent capital of the Persian Empire. This geographical setting is crucial because the vision itself concerns the future of the Persian and Greek empires, making Daniel's location within the heartland of future Persian power highly symbolic. Culturally, the ancient Near East was familiar with divine or angelic messengers conveying important messages, and dreams/visions were often seen as legitimate means of divine communication, requiring interpretation by skilled individuals or divine agents.

* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 8:16](/daniel/8-16 "Daniel 8:16 - Command to Gabriel") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Daniel. Firstly, **Divine Revelation and Interpretation** is paramount; God not only reveals future events but actively ensures His prophet understands them, demonstrating His desire for His people to grasp His sovereign plan. Secondly, the **Sovereignty of God over History** is reinforced, as the vision details the rise and fall of empires, all under divine control, culminating in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. Thirdly, the **Role of Angels as Divine Messengers** is highlighted, with Gabriel specifically tasked as an interpreter, underscoring the active involvement of heavenly beings in executing God's will and communicating with humanity, a theme prevalent throughout Daniel (e.g., [Daniel 9:21-23](/daniel/9-21 "Daniel 9:21-23 - Gabriel's Swift Response")). Finally, the theme of **God's Compassion and Care for His Servants** is evident in His immediate response to Daniel's distress, providing clarity and comfort in the face of overwhelming prophecy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man's (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** This word, H120, refers to a human being, an individual. In this context, it specifies that the voice heard is that of a human-like figure, likely a divine or angelic being appearing in human form, or directly refers to Daniel himself as "this man" who needs understanding. The presence of a "man's voice" between the banks of Ulai suggests a localized, audible manifestation of divine authority.
* **Gabriel (Hebrew, _Gabrîyʼêl'_):** H1403, meaning "man of God" or "God is my strength." This specific naming is crucial. Gabriel is one of only two angels named in the Bible (the other being Michael), consistently appearing in roles of significant divine revelation and interpretation. His name itself signifies his power and divine commission, perfectly aligning with his task to convey God's strength through understanding.
* **understand (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** H995, meaning "to separate mentally" or "distinguish," and by extension, "to understand" or "discern." This word emphasizes the need for intellectual and spiritual comprehension of the vision, not just a superficial hearing. It implies a process of mental discernment and instruction, which Gabriel is specifically commanded to facilitate for Daniel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I heard a man's voice between [the banks of] Ulai":** Daniel, still physically located by the Ulai River, hears an audible voice. The "man's voice" suggests a distinct, authoritative sound emanating from a specific location, indicating a direct and personal divine intervention in Daniel's experience. It implies a higher authority than Gabriel, likely God Himself or a pre-incarnate Christ, giving the command.
* **"which called, and said, Gabriel,":** The voice directly addresses Gabriel, indicating a clear, unambiguous command from a superior being. This highlights Gabriel's subordinate role as a messenger and interpreter, subject to divine instruction. The direct address underscores the urgency and importance of the task.
* **"make this [man] to understand the vision."**: This is the core command. The purpose of Gabriel's appearance is explicitly stated: to provide Daniel with comprehensive understanding of the complex and disturbing vision he has just received. The phrase "this man" refers to Daniel, emphasizing his need for divine illumination to grasp the prophetic implications.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Command** is central, as an authoritative voice directly issues an imperative to Gabriel, underscoring God's active involvement in the prophetic process and His desire for His revelation to be understood. The use of **Anthropomorphism** is evident in "a man's voice," which attributes human-like characteristics (speech, a voice) to what is clearly a divine or highly exalted angelic being, making the divine communication relatable and immediate to Daniel. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Transition** in the narrative, moving from the presentation of the bewildering vision to its subsequent interpretation, signaling a shift in focus and purpose within the chapter. The naming of **Gabriel** serves as a form of **Characterization**, immediately identifying the specific angelic agent chosen for this crucial interpretive task, leveraging his established biblical role as a messenger of significant divine announcements.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:16 profoundly illustrates God's commitment to revealing His truth and ensuring its comprehension by His chosen servants. It underscores that divine revelation is not meant to remain obscure but is given with the intent of being understood, especially when it pertains to God's sovereign plan for history and His people. The verse highlights the crucial intermediary role of angels in God's communication, demonstrating that God often uses heavenly agents to interact with humanity and convey His will. This divine initiative in providing understanding is a testament to God's compassion and desire for His people to be equipped with knowledge of His purposes, particularly in times of confusion or distress.

* [Daniel 9:22-23](/daniel/9-22 "Daniel 9:22-23 - Gabriel's Explanation to Daniel")
* [Luke 1:19](/luke/1-19 "Luke 1:19 - Gabriel's Announcement to Zacharias")
* [Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's experience in this verse offers profound comfort and instruction for believers today. Just as Daniel was overwhelmed by a vision beyond his natural comprehension, we too often encounter circumstances, biblical passages, or spiritual truths that seem impenetrable. This verse reminds us that God desires for us to understand His Word and His ways. When we humbly acknowledge our need for divine illumination and earnestly seek wisdom, He is faithful to provide it, often through His Holy Spirit, through the teaching of His Word, or through the guidance of others He has gifted. It encourages us to persist in prayer for understanding and to trust that even in our confusion, God is at work, orchestrating moments of clarity and revelation. Our perplexities are not ignored; rather, they can become opportunities for deeper divine encounter and insight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or your understanding of Scripture are you currently seeking greater clarity and understanding?**
* **How does Daniel's experience of needing an interpreter encourage you to rely on the Holy Spirit for understanding God's Word?**
* **What steps can you take to position yourself to better receive divine understanding when you feel confused or overwhelmed by spiritual truths?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "man's voice" heard by Daniel?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly name the speaker, the authoritative nature of the command given to Gabriel, an archangel, strongly suggests that the voice belongs to a higher divine authority. Many scholars believe it was either God Himself or a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, demonstrating the ultimate source of all revelation and authority. The voice's direct command to an archangel underscores its supreme origin.

**Why was Gabriel specifically chosen to interpret the vision?**

Answer: Gabriel is consistently portrayed in Scripture as a special messenger angel entrusted with delivering significant divine announcements and interpretations. In Daniel, he appears again in [Daniel 9:21-27](/daniel/9-21 "Daniel 9:21-27 - Gabriel Explains the Seventy Weeks") to explain another complex prophecy. In the New Testament, he announces the births of John the Baptist ([Luke 1:11-20](/luke/1-11 "Luke 1:11-20 - Gabriel Appears to Zacharias")) and Jesus Christ ([Luke 1:26-38](/luke/1-26 "Luke 1:26-38 - Gabriel Appears to Mary")). His name, meaning "man of God" or "God is my strength," perfectly suits his role as a powerful conduit of divine revelation and understanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 8:16, with its emphasis on the divine imperative to "make this man to understand the vision," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While Gabriel was sent to interpret a specific prophetic vision for Daniel, Christ Himself is the ultimate revealer of God's truth and the very "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). In the New Testament, Jesus declares, "All things have been delivered to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the one through whom God has spoken His final and most complete revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Furthermore, just as Gabriel was commanded to provide understanding, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, the "Spirit of truth," who would "guide you into all the truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, the longing for divine comprehension expressed in Daniel's bewilderment is fully met in Christ, who not only reveals God's plan but also empowers believers through His Spirit to grasp and live out that truth.

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

Luke 1:26

¶ And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

Luke 1:19

And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

Daniel 12:5

¶ Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.

Daniel 12:7

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

Daniel 8:2

And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I [was] at Shushan [in] the palace, which [is] in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.

Revelation 22:16

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

Hebrews 1:14

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?