Daniel 8:27

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

And I Daniel {H1840} fainted {H1961}, and was sick {H2470} certain days {H3117}; afterward I rose up {H6965}, and did {H6213} the king's {H4428} business {H4399}; and I was astonished {H8074} at the vision {H4758}, but none understood {H995} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

I, Dani'el, grew weak and was ill for some days. Then I got up and took care of the king's affairs; but I was appalled at the vision and still couldn't understand it.

Berean Standard Bible

I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was confounded by the vision; it was beyond understanding.

American Standard Version

And I, Daniel, fainted, and was sick certain days; then I rose up, and did the king’s business: and I wondered at the vision, but none understood it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:27 vividly portrays the profound physical and emotional toll that divine revelation can exact upon a prophet. After receiving a complex and disturbing vision of future empires and the rise of a tyrannical figure, Daniel experiences a debilitating physical illness, followed by a return to his civic duties, all while grappling with the overwhelming weight and incomplete understanding of the prophecy's implications. This verse underscores the formidable nature of God's prophetic communication and the human capacity for resilience and faithfulness amidst spiritual astonishment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 8:27 serves as the concluding verse of a pivotal chapter in Daniel's prophetic visions. It immediately follows Gabriel's detailed, though still partially veiled, interpretation of the vision of the ram and the goat. The vision itself, described in [Daniel 8:3-14](/daniel/8-3-14 "Daniel 8:3-14 - The Vision of the Ram and the Goat"), depicted violent conflicts between the Medo-Persian and Greek empires, culminating in the rise of a "little horn" that would persecute God's people and desecrate the sanctuary. Gabriel's explanation, found in [Daniel 8:15-26](/daniel/8-15-26 "Daniel 8:15-26 - Gabriel Interprets the Vision"), revealed the painful specifics of future oppression, particularly the actions of a "fierce king" (often identified with Antiochus IV Epiphanes) who would cause widespread destruction and spiritual defilement. The intensity and horrifying implications of this divine communication, especially concerning the suffering of God's covenant people, left Daniel profoundly overwhelmed, leading directly to the physical and emotional state described in this concluding verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel lived as an exile in the Babylonian and later Persian courts, serving as a high-ranking official. This verse likely takes place during the early Persian period, following the fall of Babylon. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, dreams and visions were considered significant means of divine communication, often carrying immense weight and requiring interpretation by skilled individuals. Prophets, like Daniel, were seen as intermediaries between the divine and human realms, and their experiences of receiving revelation could be physically and psychologically taxing, as seen in other biblical accounts. Daniel's dual role as a prophet receiving profound spiritual insights and a civil servant managing the "king's business" highlights the unique challenges and responsibilities he bore, requiring him to navigate both the sacred and secular spheres of life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical prophecy. It highlights **The Burden of Prophetic Revelation**, demonstrating that receiving divine truth is not always a comforting experience but can be physically and emotionally debilitating, as seen in similar reactions from other prophets like Ezekiel or John in [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Reaction to Christ's Appearance"). Another key theme is **Partial Understanding and Divine Sovereignty over Knowledge**, as Daniel, despite Gabriel's interpretation, remained "astonished" and noted that "none understood [it]." This reinforces the idea that God reveals His plans according to His timing, and full comprehension of complex prophecies, especially those "for many days" as stated in [Daniel 8:26](/daniel/8-26 "Daniel 8:26 - The Vision is for Many Days"), often remains veiled until fulfillment. Finally, Daniel's return to "the king's business" exemplifies **Faithfulness in Daily Duty Amidst Spiritual Realities**, showcasing his commitment to his practical responsibilities even after a profoundly unsettling spiritual encounter, a balance that resonates throughout his life as depicted in [Daniel 6](/daniel/6 "Daniel 6 - Daniel in the Lions' Den").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fainted (Hebrew, _hâyâh'_ / _châlâh'_):** The KJV translates "fainted, and was sick" from two Hebrew roots. _Hâyâh_ (H1961) is a primitive root meaning "to exist, be, or become," often implying a state or coming to pass. _Châlâh_ (H2470) means "to be rubbed or worn; hence, to be weak, sick, afflicted." Combined, they convey Daniel's state of being utterly overcome, weak, and physically ill, suggesting a profound and debilitating collapse due to the intensity of the vision. It was not a momentary dizziness but a sustained period of physical distress.
* **astonished (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** This word (H8074) is a primitive root meaning "to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy." It carries a strong sense of being utterly appalled, desolate, or shocked into numbness. Daniel's astonishment was not mere surprise but a deep, unsettling intellectual and emotional shock, reflecting the horrifying nature of the future events revealed, particularly the desecration and oppression.
* **understood (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** This primitive root (H995) means "to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand." It implies a mental grasp, discernment, or comprehension. Daniel's statement that "none understood [it]" indicates that despite the interpretation, the full scope, timing, or deeper implications of the prophecy remained obscure, even to Daniel himself or those around him. This lack of complete understanding emphasizes the mysterious and divinely controlled nature of prophetic revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I Daniel fainted, and was sick [certain] days":** This clause reveals the immediate and severe physical impact of the vision and its interpretation on Daniel. The intensity of the divine encounter, particularly the disturbing nature of the future events revealed, overwhelmed him to the point of physical collapse and prolonged illness. This highlights the immense weight and often distressing nature of receiving God's unvarnished truth.
* **"afterward I rose up, and did the king's business":** Following his period of illness, Daniel demonstrates remarkable resilience and faithfulness. This clause shows his recovery and his diligent return to his responsibilities as a high-ranking official in the Persian court. It underscores the prophet's commitment to his earthly duties, balancing profound spiritual experiences with the practical demands of daily life.
* **"and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood [it]":** Despite his physical recovery and return to work, Daniel's mind remained deeply affected. He was "astonished" (stunned, appalled) by the vision, indicating a lingering sense of shock and bewilderment. The phrase "but none understood [it]" further emphasizes that the full meaning, timing, or implications of the prophecy remained largely incomprehensible, even to Daniel, beyond what Gabriel had explicitly revealed, pointing to the eschatological and divinely sealed nature of such prophecies.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 8:27 effectively employs **Contrast** and **Pathos**. The verse presents a stark **Contrast** between Daniel's profound spiritual experience and its debilitating physical aftermath, and his subsequent return to mundane, secular duties ("the king's business"). This contrast highlights the prophet's ability to navigate both the sacred and the ordinary, demonstrating a practical piety. The description of Daniel fainting and being sick for "certain days" evokes **Pathos**, inviting the reader to empathize with the prophet's suffering and the immense burden of divine revelation. His lingering astonishment and the declaration that "none understood [it]" further deepen this sense of pathos, emphasizing the isolation and weight of carrying such profound, yet partially veiled, truths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:27 offers profound theological insights into the nature of divine revelation and human response. It underscores that God's truth, particularly concerning future judgment and suffering, can be overwhelming and even physically debilitating for those who receive it. This experience highlights the holiness and power of God's word, which is not merely information but a living force that impacts the whole person. Furthermore, Daniel's partial understanding, despite receiving angelic interpretation, points to God's sovereign control over the timing and extent of prophetic revelation. Not all truths are meant to be fully grasped immediately; some are sealed for a future time, requiring faith and patience. Yet, even in the face of such overwhelming and mysterious truths, Daniel's return to his duties exemplifies the call to faithfulness in daily life, integrating profound spiritual experiences with practical responsibilities.

* [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Reaction to Christ's Appearance")
* [Habakkuk 2:2-3](/habakkuk/2-2-3 "Habakkuk 2:2-3 - Write the Vision; It Awaits Its Appointed Time")
* [2 Peter 1:19-21](/2_peter/1-19-21 "2 Peter 1:19-21 - The Reliability of Prophetic Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 8:27 provides a powerful model for believers navigating the complexities of faith in a fallen world. It reminds us that encountering God's truth, whether through Scripture, prayer, or spiritual discernment, can be profoundly impactful, sometimes even unsettling. We may not always fully grasp the "why" or "how" of God's plans, especially concerning suffering or future events, and like Daniel, we are called to trust in God's sovereign timing and wisdom, even when understanding eludes us. This verse also offers a vital lesson in practical discipleship: despite overwhelming spiritual experiences or lingering questions, we are called to faithfully engage with our daily responsibilities. Daniel's return to "the king's business" after such a profound encounter teaches us to integrate our spiritual lives with our mundane tasks, demonstrating that true faith is lived out not just in moments of revelation but in the diligent, often quiet, fulfillment of our vocations and duties, trusting that God works through both the extraordinary and the ordinary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when confronted with challenging or difficult truths from Scripture or life?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to seek full understanding before I am willing to trust and obey God?**
* **How can I better balance my spiritual pursuits and profound encounters with God with my everyday responsibilities and duties?**

### FAQ
**Why did Daniel faint and become sick after the vision?**

Answer: Daniel's physical and emotional reaction was a direct result of the overwhelming intensity and disturbing nature of the prophetic vision and its interpretation. The vision detailed future conflicts, the rise of a tyrannical "little horn" (often associated with Antiochus IV Epiphanes), and severe persecution against God's people, including the desecration of the sanctuary. Such profound and often terrifying revelations from God could have a debilitating effect on prophets, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., [Ezekiel 3:15](/ezekiel/3-15 "Ezekiel 3:15 - Ezekiel's Distress")). Daniel's body and spirit were simply overwhelmed by the weight of the future suffering and defilement he was shown.

**What did Daniel mean by "none understood [it]" if Gabriel had just interpreted the vision?**

Answer: While Gabriel provided a significant interpretation of the vision's key elements (the ram, goat, and little horn), Daniel's statement "none understood [it]" likely refers to the full scope, precise timing, or deeper implications of the prophecy. Prophecies, especially those concerning distant future events, often retain an element of mystery, even after initial interpretation. Gabriel himself had stated that the vision was "for many days" ([Daniel 8:26](/daniel/8-26 "Daniel 8:26 - The Vision is for Many Days")), implying that its complete understanding would unfold over time, perhaps even remaining sealed until the time of its fulfillment. Daniel's astonishment and lack of full comprehension highlight the divine control over the timing and clarity of revelation, reminding us that God reveals what He wills, when He wills.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 8:27, with its depiction of a prophet overwhelmed by a vision of future suffering and partial understanding, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Daniel's sickness and astonishment reflect the immense burden of knowing God's plan for a fallen world, a burden that Christ, the ultimate Prophet, fully bore. Unlike Daniel, who fainted under the weight of a *vision* of suffering, Jesus physically endured the full wrath of God and the suffering of humanity on the cross, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Daniel's partial understanding—that "none understood [it]"—points to the need for a perfect revealer. Jesus, as the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is the complete and final revelation of God, in whom [all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures"). He is the one who fully comprehends and perfectly executes God's redemptive plan, unveiling mysteries that were once sealed ([Revelation 5:1-5](/revelation/5-1-5 "Revelation 5:1-5 - The Lamb Who Opens the Scroll")). Daniel's return to "the king's business" foreshadows Christ's ascension and His ongoing work as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), faithfully administering God's kingdom even after His profound suffering and resurrection. In Christ, the burden is lifted, understanding is granted, and God's sovereign plan culminates in salvation and eternal glory.

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 8:7

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.

Daniel 6:2

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel [was] first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

Daniel 6:3

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit [was] in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

1 Samuel 3:15

And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.

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.