Daniel 8:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
וּבְבֹא֣וֹ
So he came
H935
וּבְבֹא֣וֹ
So he came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וּבְבֹא֣וֹ
So he came
H935
וּבְבֹא֣וֹ
So he came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
4 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וָאֶפְּלָ֖ה
and fell
H5307
וָאֶפְּלָ֖ה
and fell
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
6 of 17
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פָּנָ֑י
upon my face
H6440
פָּנָ֑י
upon my face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הָבֵ֣ן
unto me Understand
H995
הָבֵ֣ן
unto me Understand
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
11 of 17
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
בֶּן
O son
H1121
בֶּן
O son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֔ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֔ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
13 of 17
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לְעֶת
for at the time
H6256
לְעֶת
for at the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
15 of 17
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
Cross References
Daniel 8:19And 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 12:4But 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 1:17And 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:Habakkuk 2:3For 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 12:13But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.Daniel 11:40And 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.Revelation 22:8And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.Daniel 9:27And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Historical Context
The phrase "time of the end" appears seven times in Daniel (8:17, 19; 11:35, 40; 12:4, 9, 13), always referring to the period when God's purposes reach appointed fulfillment. For Daniel's immediate audience, this included the Maccabean period when temple worship was restored. For Christian interpretation, it includes Christ's first advent establishing His kingdom and awaits His second advent completing it. This interpretive flexibility doesn't indicate error but demonstrates prophecy's layered fulfillment—near and far, typical and ultimate, historical and eschatological.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Daniel's overwhelming fear in Gabriel's presence teach us about proper reverence before God's messengers—and infinitely more before God Himself?
- How does the phrase 'son of man' emphasizing Daniel's humanity encourage us that God reveals His purposes to ordinary humans dependent on His grace?
- In what ways does dual-fulfillment prophecy (historical in Antiochus, ultimate in Antichrist) demonstrate Scripture's depth and God's sovereignty over all history?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Gabriel's approach causes Daniel to become terrified ("I was afraid, and fell upon my face"), illustrating the overwhelming power of angelic glory. Though angels are created beings, their holiness and power inspire fear. The verb "I fell" (Hebrew: va'eppal, וָאֶפֹּל) suggests involuntary collapse—Daniel couldn't remain standing in Gabriel's presence. This response appears throughout Scripture when humans encounter holy beings (Ezekiel 1:28, Matthew 17:6, Revelation 1:17).
Gabriel's words "Understand, O son of man, for at the time of the end shall be the vision" contain crucial eschatological significance. "Son of man" (Hebrew: ben-adam, בֶּן־אָדָם) emphasizes Daniel's humanity—mortal, limited, needing divine aid. The phrase "time of the end" (Hebrew: et-qets, עֵת־קֵץ) can mean "appointed end" or "latter time," referring to the fulfillment period, not necessarily earth's final end. For Antiochus, the "end" was his judgment; for ultimate fulfillment, it's Christ's return.
This dual-fulfillment pattern appears frequently in prophecy. Antiochus fulfilled the vision historically, yet he typifies the future Antichrist. Similarly, Christ fulfills it ultimately—His first coming defeated Satan's earthly representatives, His return will complete the victory. The "time of the end" has inaugurated fulfillment (Hebrews 1:2) but awaits consummation. We live between "already" and "not yet," as did Daniel who saw distant events without knowing their timing.