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.
Original Language Analysis
כָּ֖ה
H3542
כָּ֖ה
Strong's:
H3542
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
דִֽי
H1768
דִֽי
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
4 of 16
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
רַעְיוֹנַ֣י
my cogitations
H7476
רַעְיוֹנַ֣י
my cogitations
Strong's:
H7476
Word #:
9 of 16
a grasp. i.e., (figuratively) mental conception
עֲלַ֔י
in me
H5922
עֲלַ֔י
in me
Strong's:
H5922
Word #:
13 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Luke 2:19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.Luke 2:51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.Daniel 7:15I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.Daniel 10:8Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.Daniel 4:19Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.Daniel 8:27And 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.
Historical Context
Daniel received this vision in Belshazzar's first year (553 BC), decades before Babylon's fall and centuries before the empires and persecution described. The temporal distance between receiving revelation and witnessing fulfillment characterizes biblical prophecy. Daniel died without seeing most fulfillment, yet faithfully recorded revelation for future generations. His example encourages trusting God's timing even when promises aren't immediately fulfilled.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Daniel's troubled response to prophecy challenge modern sensationalized or entertainment-oriented approach to end times?
- What does "keeping the matter in his heart" teach about wisdom in sharing potentially disturbing prophetic content?
- How should prophetic study produce godly concern and longing for Christ's return rather than mere intellectual curiosity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel concludes: "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." The phrase "end of the matter" marks the vision's conclusion, yet Daniel's response reveals ongoing internal struggle. His "cogitations much troubled" him—the Hebrew emphasizes frightening thoughts, deep distress over revealed future. Even after angelic interpretation, the vision's content disturbs him.
"My countenance changed" indicates visible physical manifestation of spiritual distress—pallor, drawn features, or aged appearance reflecting the weight of prophetic burden. Yet "I kept the matter in my heart" demonstrates faithful stewardship of revelation. Daniel didn't broadcast every detail publicly but pondered these things privately, modeling wisdom about sharing potentially disturbing prophecy. This echoes Mary keeping and pondering Jesus-related revelations (Luke 2:19, 51).
Daniel's troubled response validates genuine concern over prophetic content. Speculation about end times that produces curiosity rather than burden misses prophecy's purpose. True prophetic understanding should produce:
Daniel models appropriate prophetic posture—sober engagement rather than sensationalized speculation.