Daniel 10 5

Daniel 10:5 kjv

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

Daniel 10:5 nkjv

I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz!

Daniel 10:5 niv

I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.

Daniel 10:5 esv

I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.

Daniel 10:5 nlt

I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist.

Daniel 10 verses

Daniel 10 5 meaning

Daniel 10:5 describes the initial majestic appearance of a divine or angelic figure to Daniel during a period of deep fasting and prayer. The figure is characterized by clothing of pure linen, signifying holiness and purity, and a waist girded with exceptionally valuable "gold of Uphaz," denoting royal majesty, divine authority, and immense worth. This description sets the stage for a profound and awe-inspiring vision, highlighting the extraordinary nature and high rank of the celestial messenger who is about to deliver a critical prophecy.

Daniel 10 5 Context

Daniel 10:5 occurs at the beginning of Daniel's third and final great vision, which serves as a preface to the detailed prophecies in chapters 11 and 12 concerning future historical events and the end times. Daniel is situated by the great Tigris River, in the third year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, around 536 B.C. Daniel has been in mourning, fasting, and praying for three weeks, deeply concerned about the future of his people (Israel) after their initial return from Babylonian exile, as he understood through previous prophecies that significant conflicts and tribulations were still ahead. This verse introduces the messenger who comes to reveal a great conflict (10:1), but only after Daniel is spiritually prepared through his disciplined seeking of God. The figure's description is crucial because it immediately establishes the divine or highly exalted nature of the revelation that follows, demanding solemn attention and reverent fear.

Daniel 10 5 Word analysis

• And I lifted up my eyes and looked (וָאֶשָּׂא עֵינַי וָאֵרֶא, vā’esśā’ ‘ênay vā’ēre’): This phrase indicates a deliberate act of perception by Daniel, signaling a receptive state, yet the following "behold" suggests an element of surprise or suddenness in the appearance. It sets a formal stage for a revelation, similar to other visionary experiences in scripture.

• and behold (וְהִנֵּה, wəhinnēh): This is a Hebrew interjection used to introduce something new, significant, surprising, or to draw immediate attention to what follows. It serves to emphasize the dramatic and sudden appearance of the figure.

• a certain man (אִישׁ אֶחָד, ’îš ’eḥāḏ, literally "a man, one"): While referring to a "man," the addition of "one" (אֶחָד) can emphasize a unique, singular, and significant individual, hinting at more than an ordinary human. This introduces the figure as mysterious yet distinct. Many interpret this figure as a Christophany (a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus) or a high-ranking angel due to the extraordinary description.

• clothed in linen (לָבוּשׁ בַּדִּים, lāḇûš baḏîm): "Linen" (בד, baḏ) refers to fine, pure white linen. In biblical contexts, linen garments were worn by priests during sacred service (Lev 16:4, Ezek 44:17-18) and by heavenly beings or divine agents (Ezek 9:2-3, Rev 15:6). It universally symbolizes holiness, purity, righteousness, and a consecrated, set-apart status. The purity stands in contrast to earthly corruption.

• whose loins were girded (וּמׇתְנָיו חֲגֻרִים, ūmāṯnāyw ḥăḡūrîm): The "loins" refer to the waist, an area associated with strength and activity. To be "girded" (חָגַר, ḥaḡar) means to be dressed and ready for strenuous work, battle, or a journey, implying readiness, strength, and an active posture. This suggests the figure is prepared for a divine mission or task.

• with gold of Uphaz (כֶּתֶם אוּפָז, keṯem ’ûfāz): "Gold" (כֶּתֶם, keṯem) is a term for refined, pure gold, often used poetically for its brilliance and value. "Uphaz" (אוּפָז) is mentioned only here and in Jer 10:9 as a source of high-quality gold, possibly an alternative name for Ophir or another renowned gold region. This detail signifies exceptional value, glory, royalty, and divine splendor. The quality of the gold underscores the figure's supreme majesty and authority, reflecting attributes of deity.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "a certain man clothed in linen": This phrase immediately establishes the figure as possessing both a human-like form for Daniel's perception ("man") and an essence of divine purity and sacredness ("linen"). The combination evokes a sense of sacred authority, distinguishing him from ordinary men or even lower-ranking angels not explicitly clothed in such sacred attire.
  • "whose loins were girded with gold of Uphaz": This further amplifies the figure's extraordinary nature. "Girded loins" indicate readiness and active strength for a divine task, while the "gold of Uphaz" elevates his status to unparalleled majesty and value. It speaks of a kingly, divine presence, perhaps one of great wealth or intrinsic divine essence, embodying the glory of God.

Daniel 10 5 Bonus section

• Identification of the Figure: While the text does not explicitly name this figure at this point (unlike Gabriel in chapters 8 and 9), many Christian commentators and scholars believe this is a Christophany – a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. This interpretation is often supported by the parallels in majestic description with Revelation 1:13-16, where John sees the glorified Christ with similar golden sashes and overwhelming presence. The reaction of Daniel (utter weakness, 10:8) is also consistent with mortal encounters with God's manifest glory. If not Christ Himself, he is certainly an angel of the very highest rank, potentially the Angel of the Lord or Michael, acting as God's primary representative.
• Purpose of the Detailed Description: The highly specific and rich imagery serves not merely as aesthetic detail but to underline the absolute divine authority and reliability of the message that follows. Daniel is prepared for a "great conflict" (10:1), and the magnitude of the messenger's glory perfectly matches the weight and impact of the impending prophetic revelation about intense spiritual battles and historical turmoil. This divine preparation reinforces the divine origin of all true prophecy.
• Linen as a contrast to other materials: In ancient contexts, rich colors and other materials might signify earthly kingship. Linen, however, in its simple purity, specifically pointed to consecrated roles, separating this figure's majesty from that of earthly rulers, even while incorporating gold for shared royal symbolism. This figure's splendor is fundamentally spiritual and pure, rather than material or worldly.

Daniel 10 5 Commentary

Daniel 10:5 offers Daniel, and us, the first glimpse of a tremendously powerful and majestic heavenly being. The description, rich in symbolic detail, communicates the figure's holiness, authority, and divine origin. The pure linen signals sacred service and inherent righteousness, while the girded loins denote active readiness for a profound mission. The exceptional "gold of Uphaz" adorning the figure's waist emphasizes ultimate value, regal authority, and unblemished divine glory, surpassing any earthly power or splendor. This overwhelming majesty foreshadows the momentous and challenging revelation that this celestial messenger is poised to impart, concerning spiritual warfare and the future of Israel and the nations. The initial impact of this description profoundly affects Daniel, signifying the seriousness and divine certainty of the prophecy about to be unveiled.