Daniel 8:17

KJV

So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end [shall be] the vision.

KJV (with Strong's)

So he came {H935} near {H681} where I stood {H5977}: and when he came {H935}, I was afraid {H1204}, and fell {H5307} upon my face {H6440}: but he said {H559} unto me, Understand {H995}, O son {H1121} of man {H120}: for at the time {H6256} of the end {H7093} shall be the vision {H2377}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He came up to where I was standing, and his approach so terrified me that I fell on my face. But he said to me, "Human being! Understand that the vision refers to the time of the end."

Berean Standard Bible

As he came near to where I stood, I was terrified and fell facedown. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.”

American Standard Version

So he came near where I stood; and when he came, I was affrighted, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man; for the vision belongeth to the time of the end.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:17 marks a profound moment in the prophet's encounter with the divine. Following a terrifying vision of future empires, Daniel is overwhelmed by the presence of an angelic being, collapsing in fear. The angel, later identified as Gabriel, then addresses Daniel directly, commanding him to understand the vision, emphasizing its ultimate fulfillment at "the time of the end," thereby setting the stage for the crucial interpretation that follows. This verse highlights the awe-inspiring nature of divine revelation and the human response of humility and fear in the face of God's sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Daniel's terrifying and perplexing vision of a ram and a goat in [Daniel 8:1-14](/daniel/8-1 "Daniel 8:1-14 - The Vision of the Ram and the Goat"). The vision, depicting the rise and fall of the Medo-Persian and Grecian empires, culminates in the emergence of a "little horn" that magnifies itself against the Prince of the host. Daniel is left physically and emotionally drained by the experience, unable to comprehend its full meaning. In [Daniel 8:15-16](/daniel/8-15 "Daniel 8:15-16 - Gabriel is Commissioned"), an angelic figure appears, and a voice from the Ulai canal commands Gabriel to "make this man understand the vision." Thus, Daniel 8:17 serves as the direct response to this divine command, initiating the interpretive phase of the prophecy. Daniel's prostration underscores the overwhelming nature of the divine presence, preparing him for the weighty revelation he is about to receive.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel is living in exile in Babylon, serving in the court of King Belshazzar (as indicated in [Daniel 8:1](/daniel/8-1 "Daniel 8:1 - Daniel's Vision in Belshazzar's Reign")). The visions he receives are not merely personal experiences but are deeply rooted in the geopolitical realities of his time and the future trajectory of world empires. The Persian Empire was a dominant power, and the rise of Greece under Alexander the Great was on the horizon, though still future to Daniel. In the ancient Near East, encounters with divine messengers or deities were often depicted as awe-inspiring and terrifying, leading to prostration, a common sign of reverence, submission, and fear in the presence of superior power or holiness. This cultural understanding helps contextualize Daniel's immediate and profound physical reaction to the angelic presence.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 8:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation**, showing that God not only orchestrates history but also reveals His plans to His chosen servants, even when those plans involve complex and distant future events. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Human Response to the Divine**, illustrating the appropriate posture of humility, awe, and even fear when confronted with God's manifest presence or His truth. Daniel's inability to stand signifies the vast chasm between finite humanity and infinite divinity. Thirdly, the angel's command to "Understand" and the phrase "time of the end" introduce the crucial theme of **Prophetic Interpretation and Eschatology**. This vision, like others in Daniel, is not merely for Daniel's immediate context but points to a divinely appointed culmination of history, a theme further developed in passages like [Daniel 12:4](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - Sealing the Book for the End Time") and [Daniel 12:9](/daniel/12-9 "Daniel 12:9 - The Sealed Words for the Time of the End").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên 'âdâm'_):** This compound phrase, frequently used in the Old Testament, combines H1121 (bên, "son") and H120 ('âdâm, "human being"). In this context, the angelic address "O son of man" serves to emphasize Daniel's humanity, mortality, and frailty in contrast to the divine messenger's celestial nature. It underscores the vast difference between the finite recipient of the revelation and the infinite source of the message, highlighting the condescension of God in communicating His profound truths to a mere mortal.
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _bâʻath'_):** Derived from H1204, this primitive root means "to fear," "affright," "be (make) afraid," "terrify," or "trouble." Daniel's immediate and overwhelming fear, leading to his prostration, is a natural human response to a direct encounter with a powerful angelic being. It signifies a profound sense of awe, reverence, and trepidation in the presence of the holy and supernatural, demonstrating the immense spiritual weight of the moment.
* **Vision (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** From H2377, this term refers to a "sight (mentally)," encompassing a "dream, revelation, or oracle." It denotes a divinely granted prophetic insight, often symbolic and requiring interpretation. The angel's statement that "at the time of the end shall be the vision" clarifies that the revelation Daniel received is not merely a fleeting image but a divinely ordained prophetic message whose ultimate fulfillment is tied to a specific, future eschatological period.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So he came near where I stood:"** This clause describes the angelic being's approach to Daniel. The angel, having been commanded to make Daniel understand, closes the physical distance, signifying the imminent delivery of the divine message.
* **"and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face:"** This part details Daniel's immediate and visceral reaction to the angel's proximity. His fear (H1204, _bâʻath_) is so profound that he collapses, falling upon his face (H6440, _pânîym_). This prostration (H5307, _nâphal_) is a common biblical response to divine encounters, signifying overwhelming awe, humility, and a sense of unworthiness in the presence of the holy.
* **"but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man:"** Despite Daniel's terror, the angel speaks, commanding him to "Understand" (H995, _bîyn_). This imperative highlights the crucial purpose of the angelic visit: not merely to terrify, but to impart comprehension of the complex prophecy. The address "O son of man" (H1121, _bên_ H120, _ʼâdâm_) underscores Daniel's human capacity to receive and process divine truth, despite his current state of fear and weakness.
* **"for at the time of the end [shall be] the vision."** This concluding phrase provides the interpretive key for the entire vision. The angel clarifies that the ultimate fulfillment and full understanding of the prophetic "vision" (H2377, _châzôwn_) are tied to a specific, divinely appointed "time of the end" (H6256, _ʻêth_ H7093, _qêts_). This sets the eschatological framework for the subsequent detailed explanation of the ram and the goat.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 8:17 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is the **Divine Encounter Motif**, a recurring theme in biblical literature where a human being is confronted by a divine or angelic presence, often resulting in an overwhelming physical and emotional response. Daniel's **Prostration** ("fell upon my face") is a classic example of this motif, symbolizing humility, reverence, and utter submission in the face of transcendent power. The angel's **Direct Address** ("Understand, O son of man") serves as a powerful imperative, shifting the narrative from Daniel's reaction to the divine command and the subsequent revelation. Furthermore, the phrase "time of the end" functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, pointing to a future, climactic period when the vision's full meaning will be revealed, thereby building anticipation and emphasizing the eschatological significance of the prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:17 profoundly underscores the nature of divine revelation and humanity's posture before it. God, in His sovereign wisdom, chooses to unveil His future plans to His servants, not merely to satisfy curiosity but to prepare them and His people for what is to come. Daniel's overwhelming fear and prostration are not merely signs of weakness but a proper, humble response to the holiness and power of God's messenger. This encounter teaches that true understanding of God's prophetic word begins with reverence and a recognition of His ultimate authority. The angel's command to "Understand" highlights the divine expectation for human engagement with prophecy, even if its complete fulfillment is reserved for a future "time of the end." This points to God's meticulous design for history, culminating in His ultimate purposes.

* [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Vision of Christ")
* [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - Ezekiel's Vision of God's Glory")
* [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Response to God's Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 8:17 serves as a powerful reminder of the awe and reverence due to God and His Word. Daniel's immediate and overwhelming fear, leading to his prostration, models for us the humility required when approaching divine truth. In a world often characterized by casual dismissiveness towards spiritual matters, this verse calls us to cultivate a profound sense of awe and respect for God's presence and His revealed will. The angel's command, "Understand, O son of man," is an imperative for all believers to diligently seek comprehension of Scripture, particularly prophetic passages, recognizing that God desires us to grasp His sovereign plan. While some aspects of prophecy may remain mysterious until "the time of the end," we are still called to engage with them thoughtfully, trusting that God reveals what is necessary for our faith and obedience. This passage reassures us that even in moments of profound disorientation or fear, God sends His messengers to bring clarity and direction, guiding us through His unfolding purposes in history.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's reaction to the angelic presence challenge or affirm my own posture towards God's holiness and His Word?**
* **What does the angel's command to "Understand" imply about my responsibility to diligently study and interpret biblical prophecy?**
* **How does the concept of "the time of the end" influence my perspective on current events and God's ultimate sovereignty over history?**

### FAQ
**Why was Daniel so afraid of the angel?**

Answer: Daniel's fear (H1204, _bâʻath_) and prostration (H5307, _nâphal_) were a natural and common human response to encountering a powerful angelic being, especially after experiencing a terrifying and complex vision. In biblical accounts, divine or angelic appearances are often accompanied by overwhelming awe and terror, as seen with figures like [Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:28)](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - Ezekiel's Response to God's Glory") or [John (Revelation 1:17)](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John Falls Before Christ"). This reaction signifies the immense holiness, power, and otherness of the divine realm, highlighting the vast chasm between finite humanity and infinite divinity. It's a demonstration of profound reverence and a recognition of one's own unworthiness in such a presence.

**What does "son of man" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "son of man" (H1121, _bên_ H120, _ʼâdâm_) is used by the angel to address Daniel, emphasizing his humanity and mortality. It serves as a reminder that Daniel, despite being a recipient of profound divine revelation, is still a finite human being. This contrasts with the celestial nature of the angelic messenger and the divine source of the vision. It highlights God's condescension in communicating His profound truths to a mortal, and it sets the stage for the later use of "Son of Man" as a messianic title in [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with the Clouds of Heaven"), which carries a different, more exalted connotation.

**What is the significance of "the time of the end"?**

Answer: "The time of the end" (H6256, _ʻêth_ H7093, _qêts_) is a crucial eschatological phrase in the book of Daniel, indicating a divinely appointed period in the future when the prophecies will reach their ultimate fulfillment. It refers not merely to the end of Daniel's life or a specific historical era, but to the culmination of prophetic events leading to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This phrase signals that the vision's full meaning and realization extend beyond Daniel's immediate historical context, pointing towards a future, divinely orchestrated climax of history. It is a recurring theme in Daniel, seen also in [Daniel 11:35](/daniel/11-35 "Daniel 11:35 - The End of the Time") and [Daniel 12:4](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - Sealing the Book for the End Time"), emphasizing God's sovereign control over all of history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 8:17 directly addresses Daniel's human response to an angelic encounter and the nature of prophetic revelation, it indirectly points to Christ in several profound ways. The phrase "son of man" (H1121, _bên_ H120, _ʼâdâm_), used here to emphasize Daniel's humanity, becomes a pivotal self-designation for Jesus in the New Testament, as seen in [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head"). When Jesus refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," He simultaneously identifies with humanity's frailty and asserts His unique, divine authority and messianic role, drawing directly from the prophetic imagery of [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"). Furthermore, the angel's command to "Understand" the vision, which pertains to "the time of the end," ultimately finds its clearest interpretation and fulfillment in Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate interpreter and fulfillment of all prophecy, as He declared in [Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures") and [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - All Scripture Fulfilled in Christ"). The "time of the end" ultimately culminates in Christ's second coming and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, fulfilling the very prophecies Daniel struggled to understand. Thus, Daniel's encounter, though terrifying, foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's plan in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all things ([Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")).

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 8:19

And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end [shall be].

Daniel 12:4

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

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:

Daniel 11:40

And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

Daniel 12:13

But go thou thy way till the end [be]: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.

Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Daniel 11:35

And [some] of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make [them] white, [even] to the time of the end: because [it is] yet for a time appointed.