| New American Standard Bible | ►► |
Daniel Is Terrified by a Vision
1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a [a]message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the [b]message was true and it concerned great [c]conflict, but he understood the [d]message and had an understanding of the vision.
2In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three [e]entire weeks.
3I did not eat any [f]tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed.
4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the [g]Tigris,
5I raised my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a man dressed in linen, whose waist had a belt of pure gold of Uphaz.
6His body also was like topaz, his face [h]had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.
7Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great fear fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves.
8So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my complexion turned to [i]a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength.
9But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.
Daniel Comforted
10Then behold, a hand touched me and shook me on my [j]hands and knees.
11And he said to me, “Daniel, [k]you who are treasured, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand at your place, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.
12Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.
13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was standing [l]in my way for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.
14Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the [m]latter days, because the vision pertains to the days still future.”
15When he had spoken to me according to these words, I [n]turned my face toward the ground and became speechless.
16And behold, [o]one who resembled a human was touching my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, “My lord, due to the vision [p]anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength.
17For how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me.”