Daniel 10:13-20

10:13 However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia was opposing me for twenty-one days. But¹ Michael, one of the leading princes, came to help me, because I was left there² with the kings of Persia. 10:14 Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to future days.”

10:15 While he was saying this to me,³ I was flat on⁴ the ground and unable to speak. 10:16 Then⁵ one who appeared to be a human being⁶ was touching my lips. I opened my mouth and started to speak, saying to the one who was standing before me, “Sir,⁷ due to the vision, anxiety has gripped me and I have no strength. 10:17 How, sir, am I able to speak with you?⁸ My strength is gone,⁹ and I am breathless.” 10:18 Then the one who appeared to be a human being touched me again¹⁰ and strengthened me. 10:19 He said to me, “Don’t be afraid, you who are valued.¹¹ Peace be to you! Be strong! Be really strong!” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened. I said, “Sir, you may speak now,¹² for you have given me strength.” 10:20 He said, “Do you know why I have come to you?¹³ Now I am about to return to engage in battle with the prince of Persia. When I go, the prince of Greece is coming.

¹tn Heb “and behold.”

²tc The Greek version of Theodotion reads “I left him [i.e., Michael] there,” and this is followed by a number of English translations (cf. NAB, NRSV, NLT).

³tn Heb “speaking to me according to these words.”

⁴tn Heb “I placed my face toward.”

⁵tn Heb “Behold.”

⁶tc So most Hebrew MSS; one Hebrew MS along with the Dead Sea Scrolls and LXX read “something that looked like a man’s hand.”

⁷tn Heb “my lord,” here a title of polite address. Cf. v. 19.

⁸tn Heb “How is the servant of this my lord able to speak with this my lord?”

⁹tn Heb “does not stand.”

¹⁰tn Heb “He added and touched me.” The construction is a verbal hendiadys.

¹¹tn Heb “treasured man.”

¹²tn Heb “my lord may speak.”

¹³sn The question is rhetorical, intended to encourage reflection on Daniel’s part.