Daniel Chapter 8 · Verse 16

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

וָאֶשְׁמַ֥ע And I heard H8085
וָאֶשְׁמַ֥ע And I heard
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 1 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
קוֹל voice H6963
קוֹל voice
Strong's: H6963
Word #: 2 of 12
a voice or sound
אָדָ֖ם a man's H120
אָדָ֖ם a man's
Strong's: H120
Word #: 3 of 12
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
בֵּ֣ין H996
בֵּ֣ין
Strong's: H996
Word #: 4 of 12
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
אוּלָ֑י between the banks of Ulai H195
אוּלָ֑י between the banks of Ulai
Strong's: H195
Word #: 5 of 12
the ulai (or eulaeus), a river of persia
וַיִּקְרָא֙ which called H7121
וַיִּקְרָא֙ which called
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 6 of 12
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וַיֹּאמַ֔ר and said H559
וַיֹּאמַ֔ר and said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 7 of 12
to say (used with great latitude)
גַּבְרִיאֵ֕ל Gabriel H1403
גַּבְרִיאֵ֕ל Gabriel
Strong's: H1403
Word #: 8 of 12
gabriel, an archangel
הָבֵ֥ן man to understand H995
הָבֵ֥ן man to understand
Strong's: H995
Word #: 9 of 12
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
לְהַלָּ֖ז make this H1975
לְהַלָּ֖ז make this
Strong's: H1975
Word #: 10 of 12
this or that
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּרְאֶֽה׃ the vision H4758
הַמַּרְאֶֽה׃ the vision
Strong's: H4758
Word #: 12 of 12
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

Analysis & Commentary

The phrase "I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai" describes a divine voice—the Hebrew suggests God Himself or a high-ranking angel speaking with authority. The location "between the banks" may indicate the voice came from heaven, between earth and sky. This voice commands Gabriel: "make this man to understand the vision." The urgency demonstrates God's commitment to revealing His purposes—He doesn't give visions to confuse but to instruct His people.

Gabriel's commissioning by divine voice parallels New Testament scenes where Father's voice directs Son (Matthew 3:17, 17:5) and Son commissions disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). God's revelation is always purposeful—He speaks to be understood, provides interpreters, and ensures His message reaches intended recipients. The command "make this man understand" shows God's gracious condescension; He could leave us in ignorance but chooses to reveal His plans.

This points to Christ as ultimate Prophet who makes God known. As Gabriel revealed divine purposes to Daniel, Christ reveals the Father to us (John 1:18). The Great Commission extends this—believers empowered by the Spirit must help others understand God's revelation. Understanding isn't automatic but requires divine enablement and faithful teaching, fulfilling the pattern established here.

Historical Context

Angelophany (angelic appearance) was relatively common in Old Testament—angels appeared to Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Gideon, and others. These appearances often preceded major redemptive events. Gabriel's appearance to Daniel anticipates explaining prophecies about successive empires leading to Messiah's kingdom. The next Gabriel appearance in Scripture announces Christ's incarnation (Luke 1:26), creating an interpretive key: Daniel's prophecies find fulfillment in Jesus. Understanding this connection helps us read Daniel Christocentrically.

Questions for Reflection