Daniel 8 13

Daniel 8:13 kjv

Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

Daniel 8:13 nkjv

Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, "How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?"

Daniel 8:13 niv

Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, "How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled?the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, the surrender of the sanctuary and the trampling underfoot of the LORD's people?"

Daniel 8:13 esv

Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke, "For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering, the transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled underfoot?"

Daniel 8:13 nlt

Then I heard two holy ones talking to each other. One of them asked, "How long will the events of this vision last? How long will the rebellion that causes desecration stop the daily sacrifices? How long will the Temple and heaven's army be trampled on?"

Daniel 8 verses

Daniel 8 13 meaning

Daniel 8:13 describes a pivotal moment within Daniel's vision where a question arises regarding the duration and nature of the predicted desecration. Daniel overhears a dialogue between two holy ones (angels) where one inquires of the other about the length of time associated with the vision's prophecies concerning the cessation of the daily sacrifice, the establishment of the transgression that makes desolate, and the subsequent trampling of both the sanctuary and God's people. This query sets the stage for the revelation of the specific timeline for these distressing events.

Daniel 8 13 Context

Daniel chapter 8 presents Daniel's vision of a ram with two horns, representing the kings of Media and Persia (Dan 8:20), which is overcome by a shaggy goat with one prominent horn, symbolizing the king of Greece (Dan 8:21). This horn is then broken, and four horns arise, representing four subsequent kingdoms. From one of these, a little horn emerges, which grows exceedingly great towards the south, east, and the Beautiful Land. This little horn (interpreted historically as Antiochus IV Epiphanes) exalts itself even against the host of heaven, removes the daily sacrifice, and casts down the place of the sanctuary, causing desolation. Verse 13 marks the moment when, after Daniel witnesses these dreadful prophecies unfold in the vision, a heavenly query about their specific duration interrupts the visual sequence, setting the stage for Gabriel's interpretation. The historical context for the original audience (Jewish exiles or those living under Persian rule) was the future emergence of these powerful Gentile empires and the ultimate suffering that God's people and His Temple would endure under one such ruler, foreshadowing a later, greater persecution.

Daniel 8 13 Word analysis

• Then (וָאֶשְׁמַע - va'eshma): This conjunctive vav introduces a sequence, indicating that Daniel heard this dialogue following the preceding visual elements of the vision. It signifies a transition from observing the vision to hearing its divine explanation or a related inquiry.
• I heard (וָאֶשְׁמַע - va'eshma): Emphasizes Daniel's role as the recipient of divine communication, distinct from simply seeing. His hearing signifies the clarity and specificity of the message.
• one saint (קָדוֹשׁ - qadosh): In this context, qadosh refers to a holy angel, a celestial being who is part of God's divine council. This distinguishes the speaker from earthly individuals and underlines the supernatural source of the discussion.
• speaking (מְדַבֵּר - medabber): Implies a distinct voice and articulation, a formal communication.
• another saint (קָדוֹשׁ אֶחָד - qadosh echad): Indicates a dialogue between two divine, angelic beings. Their discussion suggests a collaborative understanding or an inquiry for deeper insight within the heavenly realm before relaying it to Daniel.
• said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayo'mer): Standard verb for speech.
• to the one who spoke (לַמְדַבֵּר - lamedabber): Clearly identifies the recipient of the question. This is a crucial detail, as it distinguishes the questioning angel from the answering one, providing a structure to the angelic discourse.
• "How long (עַד־מָתַי - ad-matay):" An interrogation regarding duration, signifying a desire for a specific timeline. This is a common motif in apocalyptic literature (Zec 1:12; Rev 6:10), emphasizing God's control over time and human events.
• shall be the vision (הֶחָזוֹן - hechazon): Refers to the preceding visual prophecy of the ram, goat, and little horn, specifically its distressing aspects of desecration and persecution. It points to the time when these elements are actively transpiring.
• concerning the daily sacrifice (הַתָּמִיד - ha-tamid): Hebrew ha-tamid refers to the continuous, daily burnt offering established in the Mosaic Law (Ex 29:38-42; Num 28:3-8). Its removal or cessation signifies a fundamental disruption of worship and covenant relationship, a deep offense to God.
• and the transgression (וְפֶשַׁע - ve'pesha): Hebrew pesha means rebellion, revolt, or transgression. It highlights a deliberate act of impiety and disobedience against God's law.
• that makes desolate (שֹׁמֵם - shomem): Related to shamem (to be appalled, astonished, desolate). This transgression actively brings about destruction, ruin, and spiritual emptiness. This term links to the "abomination that makes desolate" (Dan 9:27, 11:31, 12:11; Matt 24:15).
• for giving both the sanctuary and the host (לָתֵת קֹדֶשׁ וְצָבָא - la-tet qodesh ve'tzava):
  • sanctuary (קֹדֶשׁ - qodesh): The holy place, referring to the Temple in Jerusalem. Its desecration is an affront to God's dwelling.
  • host (וְצָבָא - ve'tzava): While tzava can mean 'army,' in this context, it generally refers either to God's people (Israel), seen as His 'army' or 'servants,' who are to be persecuted; or to the regular organized worship and services, seen as a 'host' or arrangement. Both meanings highlight the profound impact on religious life and identity.
• to be trampled underfoot (מִרְמָס - mirmas): Hebrew mirmas literally means 'a trampling' or 'a place to be trodden underfoot.' This vivid imagery conveys extreme disrespect, subjugation, humiliation, and destruction (Isa 63:3; Lk 21:24; Rev 11:2). It implies absolute victory and desecration by the opposing power.

Daniel 8 13 Bonus section

The specific choice of the term "transgression" (pesha) here, compared to "abomination" (shiqquṣ) in Daniel 9, 11, and 12, highlights the ethical and rebellious nature of the act rather than just its idolatrous quality, though idolatry is implied in making desolate. This pesha is not merely an unfortunate event but a deliberate act of cosmic rebellion against God. The question implies a divine concern for justice and the appointed times, reaffirming God's ultimate sovereignty over history, even amidst periods of severe suffering and apostasy. The immediate answer given in Dan 8:14 of "2,300 evenings and mornings" points to a definite period of roughly 1150 days (considering morning and evening sacrifices as distinct units), historically aligning well with the events of Antiochus IV Epiphanes from the profaning of the altar to its reconsecration. This provides hope and assurance that even the darkest periods of persecution have a determined end set by God.

Daniel 8 13 Commentary

Daniel 8:13 is the theological linchpin of the entire vision presented in chapter 8, serving as an explicit request for clarity regarding the painful events Daniel has just witnessed. The angelic dialogue, overheard by Daniel, elevates the significance of the impending suffering by showing it to be a matter of deep concern in the heavenly realms. The specific elements of the query—the cessation of the tamid (daily sacrifice), the installation of a pesha shomem (transgression that makes desolate), and the trampling of qodesh (sanctuary) and tzava (God's people/worship)— pinpoint the primary atrocities. The cessation of the daily sacrifice represents a direct assault on the covenant and divinely instituted worship. The "transgression that makes desolate" signifies a grave act of impious rebellion and blasphemy that renders God's dwelling place desolate and impure, epitomized historically by Antiochus IV Epiphanes’s offering of a pig on the altar. The "trampling" of the sanctuary and God's people describes extreme profanation, humiliation, and persecution. This question, "How long shall be the vision...?" isn't just about temporal duration; it implicitly asks about God's tolerance for such evil and the vindication of His justice and His people. It ultimately looks forward to the eschatological fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly offered Himself, ending the need for all daily sacrifices (Heb 7:27, 10:11-14) and overcoming all who desecrate His eternal sanctuary and trample His chosen people.