Daniel 10 13

Daniel 10:13 kjv

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

Daniel 10:13 nkjv

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.

Daniel 10:13 niv

But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.

Daniel 10:13 esv

The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia,

Daniel 10:13 nlt

But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.

Daniel 10 verses

Daniel 10 13 Meaning

Daniel chapter 10, verse 13 reveals that the angel Gabriel was hindered for twenty-one days by the "prince of Persia." This delay signifies a spiritual conflict influencing earthly affairs, demonstrating that heavenly beings engage in battles for divine purposes, directly impacting human history and the execution of God's plans.

Daniel 10 13 Context

Daniel chapter 10 unfolds a profound vision granted to the prophet Daniel. The vision occurs in the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia. Daniel is deeply distressed by the news concerning Jerusalem, leading him to intense prayer and fasting for twenty-one days. During this period of prayer, an angelic messenger (often identified as Gabriel) appears to Daniel. This verse occurs within the narrative of the angel explaining his delayed arrival and the spiritual forces that opposed him, setting the stage for the detailed prophecy that follows in chapters 11 and 12, concerning the kings and kingdoms of Persia and Greece, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. The mention of the "prince of Persia" highlights a cosmic struggle behind the political events of the ancient Near East.

Daniel 10 13 Word Analysis

• וְהִנֵּה (v'hinneh): "And behold" or "But behold." This is an introductory particle, often used to draw attention to a significant statement or appearance. It signals that what follows is important and commands attention, intensifying the impact of the following declaration.
• שַׂר (sar): "Prince," "chief," "captain," "ruler." This word denotes a position of authority and leadership. In this context, it refers to a powerful entity, likely a supernatural angelic being governing or influencing the Persian empire.
• מַלְכוּת (malkhut): "Kingdom" or "royalty." While not directly in this phrase, the "prince of the kingdom" implies dominion over a realm. Here, it specifies "Persia" (פַּרְס), indicating the angelic being associated with that particular empire.
• מַלְכוּת־פָּרַס (malkhut-Paras): "the kingdom of Persia." This identifies the specific geopolitical entity over which the spiritual prince exerted influence. Persia was a major world power during Daniel's time and beyond.
• עָמַד (amad): "Stood," "withstood," "opposed." This verb carries the sense of resistance or standing firm against something. It implies an active opposition rather than passive inaction.
• לִי (li): "to me." This shows the direct impact of the opposition on the angelic messenger.
• עֶשְׂרִים וְאַחַד (esrim v'echad): "twenty and one." This precise number indicates the duration of the spiritual conflict that delayed the angel's message.
• יֹום (yom): "day." The unit of time for the opposition.
• וְהִנֵּה (v'hinneh): Repeated from the beginning, emphasizing the continuation or reinforcement of the preceding statement, but in this verse it marks the beginning of the explanation for the delay.
• שַׂר (sar): Again, "prince" or "chief." This reinforces the idea of a singular, powerful opposing force.
• הָרִאשֹׁן (ha'rishon): "the first." This critical addition designates this "prince of Persia" as the primary or initial opponent encountered.
• בָּא (ba): "came." Indicates the beginning of the angelic messenger's journey or intervention.
• וְהִנֵּה (v'hinneh): Used a third time in this verse, further emphasizing the unfolding revelation of the spiritual battle.
• עוֹזֵר (oze): "helper" or "strengthening." This is in contrast to the opposition. The verse states that "none is here strengthening me" from the celestial hosts except Michael.
• לִי (li): "me." The personal pronoun highlights the angel's dependence on support.
• מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל (m'Yisrael): "from Israel" or "among Israel." This phrasing is slightly debated. Some interpret it as the angel seeking help from the nation of Israel (perhaps through Daniel's prayers). Others see it as the context of his spiritual oversight, pertaining to Israel. The primary interpretation aligns with Michael, the "prince of Israel," as the one who strengthened him.
• מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל (m'Yisrael) can also imply assistance "for Israel," linking the angel's mission directly to God's people. However, the structure "none... but Michael" suggests Michael was the source of support against the Persian prince, thus strengthening him. The phrasing "who is this first helper of mine" directly refers to Michael.

Words-group by Words-group Analysis

• "the prince of Persia withstood me twenty-one days": This group identifies the specific opposing force and the duration of its resistance. It establishes the direct conflict faced by the celestial messenger. The number 21 (3x7) may signify a complete period of trial or purification.
• "but the first prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me": This clarification distinguishes this antagonist as the primary obstacle, indicating a hierarchy of spiritual powers at play. "First" suggests this prince holds preeminence within the Persian spiritual structure.
• "but behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me": This highlights divine intervention. Michael, a prominent archangel associated with Israel's defense, arrives to support the messenger. This shows that God does not abandon His servants and that divine assistance is available in spiritual conflicts.
• "and behold, I was left there with the kings of Persia": This clause conveys the messenger's vulnerable state after Michael's intervention and before the ultimate victory. It emphasizes that while aided, the immediate presence of earthly kingdoms, even when ruled by opposing forces, was a factor. It can also suggest that Michael's role was to allow Daniel's prayers to be heard, while the "kings of Persia" represent the earthly dominion influenced by spiritual opposition.

Daniel 10 13 Bonus Section

The concept of "princes" of nations in Daniel (also seen in chapter 10 verse 20 with "the prince of Greece") suggests a divinely appointed angelic oversight or guardianship over the nations of the earth, some of whom fell into opposition against God's plans. This mirrors the understanding of cherubim and seraphim being assigned specific roles and dominions in some theological interpretations. The protracted delay (21 days) for a crucial message also echoes biblical themes of God's timing, testing patience, and demonstrating the fervent nature of true prayer, as Daniel's unwavering devotion spurred this heavenly intervention. The angelic struggle mirrors the broader conflict between good and evil that permeates biblical narrative, ultimately pointing to the ultimate victory of God's kingdom through Christ.

Daniel 10 13 Commentary

Daniel 10:13 unveils a crucial element of biblical prophecy: the reality of spiritual warfare underlying historical events. The angelic messenger was not simply delayed by earthly circumstances but by a powerful, supernatural adversary, the "prince of Persia." This adversarial entity sought to thwart God's communication and purposes. The specific duration of 21 days emphasizes a sustained spiritual battle. The intervention of Michael, the archangel and "chief prince," underscores God's sovereignty and His provision for His messengers. Michael's role as a helper, specifically in the context of supporting the angelic messenger sent to Daniel, illustrates divine empowerment in the face of opposition. The verse reveals that God's work often faces resistance from unseen spiritual powers that influence earthly kingdoms and their rulers.