Daniel Chapter 8 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בִּרְאֹתִ֛י
had seen
H7200
בִּרְאֹתִ֛י
had seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
דָנִיֵּ֖אל
And it came to pass when I even I Daniel
H1840
דָנִיֵּ֖אל
And it came to pass when I even I Daniel
Strong's:
H1840
Word #:
4 of 13
daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֶחָז֑וֹן
the vision
H2377
הֶחָז֑וֹן
the vision
Strong's:
H2377
Word #:
6 of 13
a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle
וָאֲבַקְשָׁ֣ה
and sought
H1245
וָאֲבַקְשָׁ֣ה
and sought
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
7 of 13
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
עֹמֵ֥ד
then behold there stood
H5975
עֹמֵ֥ד
then behold there stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
10 of 13
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְנֶגְדִּ֖י
H5048
לְנֶגְדִּ֖י
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
11 of 13
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
Cross References
Daniel 10:16And, 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.Revelation 1:13And 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 10:18Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
Historical Context
Gabriel ("God's mighty one" or "hero of God") appears four times in Scripture: twice in Daniel (8:16, 9:21) and twice in Luke announcing John the Baptist's and Jesus's births (Luke 1:19, 26). As an archangel, Gabriel stands in God's presence and delivers His most significant messages. His appearance to Daniel connects Old Testament prophecy with New Testament fulfillment—the same angel who explained prophetic visions to Daniel announced Christ's incarnation, linking Daniel's prophecies to their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Daniel's active pursuit of understanding model the diligence we should bring to studying Scripture?
- What does the necessity of angelic interpretation teach us about our dependence on divine aid—the Holy Spirit—to understand God's word?
- In what ways does Gabriel's role connecting Daniel's prophecies to Christ's birth demonstrate Scripture's unified testimony to Jesus?
Analysis & Commentary
Daniel's response to the vision—"I Daniel, sought for the meaning" (Hebrew: avaqesh binah, אֲבַקֵּשׁ בִינָה, "I sought understanding")—demonstrates proper response to divine revelation. Daniel didn't merely experience the vision passively; he actively pursued understanding. This models how believers should approach Scripture—not passively reading but earnestly seeking comprehension through study, meditation, and prayer.
"Behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man" describes Gabriel's appearance (verse 16 identifies him). Angels often appear in human form to communicate with humans (Genesis 18, 19; Judges 13). The phrase "appearance of a man" suggests glory beyond humanity—recognizable form but transcendent nature. Gabriel's arrival initiates interpretation, showing that understanding divine revelation requires divine aid. Human wisdom alone cannot penetrate God's word; the same Spirit who inspires Scripture must illuminate it (1 Corinthians 2:10-14).
This models Christ, the ultimate revelation of God who took human form to communicate divine truth. As Gabriel helped Daniel understand, Christ reveals the Father perfectly (John 14:9). The incarnation demonstrates that God condescends to human comprehension—eternal truth clothed in accessible form. Just as Daniel needed angelic interpretation, we need the Spirit's illumination to understand Scripture's fullness.