Daniel Chapter 8 · Verse 26
And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
Original Language Analysis
וּמַרְאֵ֨ה
And the vision
H4758
וּמַרְאֵ֨ה
And the vision
Strong's:
H4758
Word #:
1 of 13
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
וְהַבֹּ֛קֶר
and the morning
H1242
וְהַבֹּ֛קֶר
and the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֱמֶ֣ת
is true
H571
אֱמֶ֣ת
is true
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
6 of 13
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
ה֑וּא
H1931
ה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
סְתֹ֣ם
wherefore shut thou up
H5640
סְתֹ֣ם
wherefore shut thou up
Strong's:
H5640
Word #:
9 of 13
to stop up; by implication, to repair; figuratively, to keep secret
הֶֽחָז֔וֹן
the vision
H2377
הֶֽחָז֔וֹן
the vision
Strong's:
H2377
Word #:
10 of 13
a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Daniel 10:1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.Daniel 12:9And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.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.Daniel 10:14Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.Revelation 22:10And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.Ezekiel 12:27Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off.Revelation 10:4And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.Isaiah 24:22And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.
Historical Context
Daniel received this vision around 551 BC; Antiochus persecuted Jews 167-164 BC—383 years later. The vision remained "shut up" (carefully preserved) through Babylonian, Persian, and early Greek periods until its fulfillment. Jewish communities preserved Daniel's prophecy, which encouraged them during Maccabean persecution—they recognized their suffering had been predicted and would end on divine schedule. This validated Daniel's prophetic authority and strengthened covenant faith during extreme testing. Careful Scripture preservation enabled future generations to recognize fulfilled prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the vision's 383-year relevance demonstrate Scripture's trans-generational applicability and enduring authority?
- What does the command to 'shut up' (preserve) the vision teach us about careful Scripture transmission and preservation?
- In what ways should recognizing that biblical prophecy addresses multiple generations shape how we read and apply Scripture today?
Analysis & Commentary
Gabriel concludes: "And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days." The reference to "evening and morning" recalls verse 14's 2,300 sacrifices, emphasizing the vision's reliability. "Is true" (Hebrew: emet, אֱמֶת) means faithful, certain, trustworthy—not merely factually accurate but absolutely dependable. Divine revelation carries inherent truthfulness; God's word is utterly reliable.
"Shut thou up the vision" (Hebrew: setom hama reh, סְתֹם הַמַּרְאֶה) means seal or preserve it—not hide but carefully preserve for future generations. The vision wasn't for Daniel's generation alone but for "many days" ahead—the 383 years until Antiochus's persecution. This teaches that Scripture addresses multiple generations; prophecy given to one era serves believers centuries later. God's word transcends temporal limitations, remaining relevant across millennia.
This principle applies to all Scripture. Words written to ancient Israel instruct modern believers; prophecies fulfilled historically still teach spiritual truth; Old Testament promises find ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The Bible's enduring relevance stems from its divine origin—human words become obsolete, but God's word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). This demands careful preservation and transmission of Scripture, treating it as the priceless treasure it is.