Daniel 9 19

Daniel 9:19 kjv

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

Daniel 9:19 nkjv

O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name."

Daniel 9:19 niv

Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name."

Daniel 9:19 esv

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name."

Daniel 9:19 nlt

"O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name."

Daniel 9 verses

Daniel 9 19 Meaning

This verse is a desperate plea for God to act, not based on human righteousness but on God's own mercy. Daniel acknowledges the people's sin and the consequent judgment, yet he implores God to forgive and restore Jerusalem for His own name's sake.

Daniel 9 19 Context

Daniel 9 is set during the first year of Darius the Mede, following the Babylonian exile. Daniel is in Jerusalem and is reflecting on Jeremiah's prophecy concerning the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem (Jeremiah 25:11-12). He sees that the seventy years are nearing their end and expresses profound sorrow and a deep understanding of his people's persistent sin and their deserved judgment. The chapter then describes a prophetic revelation concerning a period of seventy weeks, detailing future redemptive and judgment events for Israel and Jerusalem, culminating in the Messiah. Daniel's prayer in verses 4-19 is a confession of sin, an acknowledgment of God's justice, and a fervent plea for God to restore His people and city, for His own honor and name.

Daniel 9 19 Word Analysis

• O: This is an interjection used to address God, signifying direct address and drawing attention to the plea.
• Lord: In Hebrew, this is "Adonai" (אֲדֹנָי). It denotes a master, owner, or supreme ruler, highlighting God's sovereignty and authority.
• our God: Again, "Eloheinu" (אֱלֹהֵינוּ). This emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and His people, demonstrating possession and belonging.
• hear: The Hebrew word is "shamá" (שָׁמַע). It means to listen, heed, or obey. Daniel is not just asking God to passively hear sound, but to actively give attention and respond.
• open: Hebrew "paqákh" (פָּקַח). It means to open, in this context referring to eyes of understanding and compassion, signifying attention and visibility to their distress.
• behold: Hebrew "rě'â" (רָאָה). This is a command to look intently, to observe and acknowledge. Daniel wants God to see the reality of their desolation.
• our desolations: Hebrew "shěmămôṯ" (שְׁמָמֹות), plural of "shěmámâh" (שְׁמָמָה), meaning astonishment, ruin, emptiness, or devastation. It points to the state of Jerusalem.
• city: Hebrew "ʿîr" (עִיר). This refers specifically to Jerusalem, the city dedicated to God.
• which is called by thy name: This phrase, "nikra šemkā bāh" (נִקְרָא שִׁמְךָ בָּהּ), emphasizes that Jerusalem bears God's name, signifying His presence, ownership, and a reflection of His glory.
• we: Hebrew "ʼanāḥnū" (אֲנַ֫חְנוּ). Refers to the entire community of Israel, acknowledging collective responsibility for their fallen state.
• do not present: Hebrew "ʼal-ṯeṯen" (אַל־תִּתֵּן). A strong negative command. Daniel pleads with God not to present their pleas based on their own merit.
• supplication: Hebrew "təḥinnāh" (תְּחִנָּה). This word often implies favor or mercy, suggesting that even the prayer itself is a request for undeserved favor.
• righteousness: Hebrew "ṣĕḏāqā" (צְדָקָה). It can mean righteousness, justice, or virtue. Daniel is not basing his plea on their righteousness but on something else.
• causes: Hebrew "maʽăśāh" (מַעֲשֶׂה). Means deeds, acts, or works.
• our: Again, indicating personal and collective action or inaction.
• trust: Hebrew "mābô" (מָבוֹא) from "bōw'" (בּוֹא) - place of entering, confidence. Here it is connected to "bet" (בֵּט), meaning 'in'. It conveys placing trust or reliance in. Daniel is not relying on their past or present deeds for their plea.
• upon: Hebrew "ʿal" (עַל). Indicates dependency or resting upon.
• mercies: Hebrew "raḥmîm" (רַחֲמִים). This word conveys deep compassion, tenderness, and mercy, stemming from the root for womb, symbolizing maternal care and pity. This is the basis of Daniel's appeal.
• LORD: "Yahweh" (יהוה), the covenant name of God, revealing His unchanging nature and faithfulness.
• great: Hebrew "gāḏôl" (גָּדוֹל). Emphasizes God's immensity, power, and magnificence.
• mercies: Again, "raḥmîm" (רַחֲמִים), reinforcing the plea for God's compassionate pity.
• LORD: "Adonai" (אֲדֹנָי), used again to reassert God's Lordship in this context.
• hear: "šěmaʿ" (שְׁמַע) again, underscoring the importance of God's active listening and response.
• pardon: Hebrew "śālaḥ" (סָלַח). To forgive, to grant remission of sin. It's a request for God to blot out their wrongdoing.
• and do: Hebrew "wəʿāśâ" (וְעָשָׂה). A command to perform, to act, and to work out.
• for thine own sake: Hebrew "ləmaʿan šəmmēkā" (לְמַעַן שִׁמְךָ). This is a pivotal phrase, stating that the ultimate reason for God's action should be His own honor, glory, and reputation. It appeals to His essential character and His commitment to His name.
• O my God: "ʼĕlōhāy" (אֱלֹהַי). A more personal and intimate address, after the declaration of God's motives.
• suffer not: Hebrew "ʼal-těšaqqéṭ" (אַל־תַּשְׁקִיט). Do not cause to remain inactive, do not let pass by, do not be still. Daniel implores God not to remain impassive or unmoving.
• thine own name: "šimkā-’ăṯṯâ" (שִׁמְךָ־אָ֑תָּה). Reiterates that the action should be solely for the glory and testimony of God's name.
• for thy city: "ʿîr’ekā" (עִירְךָ). For Jerusalem, which bears God's name and is central to His redemptive plan.
• and thy people: "wəʿam’ekā" (וְעַמְּךָ). For Israel, His chosen covenant people, whose reputation is tied to His own.
• are called: Hebrew "nikra'" (נִקְרָא). To be named or designated.

Daniel 9 19 Bonus Section

The concept of acting "for His own sake" or "for His name's sake" is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing that God's actions are motivated by His own holiness, glory, and faithfulness. It highlights that God is not bound by human performance for His reasons to act, but by His unchanging character and His divine plan. This passage underscores that true salvation and restoration ultimately stem from God's initiative and glory, not human effort. Daniel's plea serves as a model for believers, encouraging them to base their prayers on God's revealed character and promises, trusting that He will act to magnify His own Name.

Daniel 9 19 Commentary

Daniel's prayer here reveals a profound understanding of divine action. He shifts the basis of his petition from human merit to divine character. Acknowledging the full weight of their sin and deserved punishment, Daniel strategically appeals to God's immense mercies and, most importantly, His own Name's sake. This isn't about manipulating God; rather, it reflects an understanding that God's faithfulness to His covenant, His character, and His glory are intrinsically linked to the well-being of His people and His city, Jerusalem. The plea to not "present supplication" based on "our own righteousness" but on God's "great mercies" is a recognition that human works are insufficient. The emphasis on acting "for thine own sake" highlights the core of the request: that God would act to vindicate His Name, His power, and His promises before the nations and His own people, thereby bringing about His purposes. This echoes the heart of intercessory prayer, rooted in God's nature and His covenantal promises.