Dan 10:13-21 | NETfull | STEP | However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia was opposing me for twenty-one days. But Michael, one of the leading princes, came to help me, because I was left there with the kings of Persia.

Daniel 10:13-21

13 However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia was opposing me for twenty-one days. But ^{▼▼ Heb “and behold.”} Michael, one of the leading princes, came to help me, because I was left there ^{▼▼ 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).} with the kings of Persia. 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.”

15 While he was saying this to me, ^{▼▼ Heb “speaking to me according to these words.”} I was flat on ^{▼▼ Heb “I placed my face toward.”} the ground and unable to speak. 16 Then ^{▼▼ Heb “Behold.”} one who appeared to be a human being ^{▼▼ So most Hebrew MSS; one Hebrew MS along with the Dead Sea Scrolls and LXX read “something that looked like a man’s hand.”} was touching my lips. I opened my mouth and started to speak, saying to the one who was standing before me, “Sir, ^{▼▼ Heb “my lord,” here a title of polite address. Cf. v. 19.} due to the vision, anxiety has gripped me and I have no strength. 17 How, sir, am I able to speak with you? ^{▼▼ Heb “How is the servant of this my lord able to speak with this my lord?”} My strength is gone, ^{▼▼ Heb “does not stand.”} and I am breathless.” 18 Then the one who appeared to be a human being touched me again ^{▼▼ Heb “He added and touched me.” The construction is a verbal hendiadys.} and strengthened me. 19 He said to me, “Don’t be afraid, you who are valued. ^{▼▼ Heb “treasured man.”} Peace be to you! Be strong! Be really strong!” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened. I said, “Sir, you may speak now, ^{▼▼ Heb “my lord may speak.”} for you have given me strength.” 20 He said, “Do you know why I have come to you? ^{▼▼ The question is rhetorical, intended to encourage reflection on Daniel’s part.} Now I am about to return to engage in battle with the prince of Persia. When I go, the prince of Greece is coming. 21 However, I will first tell you what is written in a dependable book. ^{▼▼ Heb “a book of truth.” Several English versions treat this as a title of some sort (cf. NIV, NCV, TEV, CEV, NLT), although the NAB’s rendering “the truthful book” regards “truth” as an attributive adjective, as does the present translation.} (There is no one who strengthens me against these princes, ^{▼▼ The word “princes” is supplied for clarity.} except Michael your ^{▼▼ The pronoun is plural in Hebrew, suggesting that Michael is the angelic prince of Daniel and his people.} prince.