Daniel 10

1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

1In the third year of Cyrus the king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was also named Belteshazzar. The message was true and concerned a great conflict. Daniel understood the message and had insight into the vision.

2In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks.

2During that time, I, Daniel, was in mourning for three full weeks.

3I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

3I ate no rich foods, no meat or wine passed my lips, and I didn't use any lotions until the three weeks were over.

4And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel,

4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris.

5I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz:

5I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of pure gold from Uphaz around his waist.

6his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like unto burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

6His body was like chrysolite, his face flashed like lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and legs looked like polished bronze, and his voice sounded like the roar of a huge crowd.

7And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves.

7I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision. The men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell on them, and they ran away to hide.

8So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

8So I was left alone, watching this great vision. My strength left me, my healthy appearance turned deathly pale, and I was completely helpless.

9Yet heard I the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.

9Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to the sound of his voice, I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground.

10And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

10Suddenly, a hand touched me and pulled me up onto my hands and knees, though I was still shaking.

11And he said unto me, O Daniel, thou man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright; for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

11He said to me, 'Daniel, you are a man who is very precious to God. Carefully consider the words I am about to speak to you and stand up, for I have been sent to you.' When he said this to me, I stood up trembling.

12Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day that thou didst set thy heart to understand, and to humble thyself before thy God, thy words were heard: and I am come for thy words’ sake.

12Then he said, 'Do not be afraid, Daniel. From the very first day you decided to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your words.'

13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

13'But the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me because I had been detained there with the kings of Persia.'

14Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days.

14'Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, because the vision concerns a time yet to come.'

15And when he had spoken unto me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and was dumb.

15While he was saying these things to me, I bowed my face toward the ground and could not speak.

16And, behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I retain no strength.

16Then someone who looked like a human touched my lips. I opened my mouth and said to the one standing before me, 'My lord, I am overcome with anguish because of this vision, and I have no strength left.'

17For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither was there breath left in me.

17'How can I, your humble servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.'

18Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.

18The one who looked like a man touched me again and gave me strength.

19And he said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he spake unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

19He said, 'Don't be afraid, you who are highly valued. Peace be with you; be strong now, be courageous!' As he spoke to me, I felt strengthened and said, 'Let my lord speak, for you have given me strength.'

20Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I am come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I go forth, lo, the prince of Greece shall come.

20Then he said, 'Do you know why I have come to you? Now I must return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I leave, the prince of Greece will come.'

21But I will tell thee that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me against these, but Michael your prince.

21'However, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. No one supports me against these spirit princes except Michael, your prince.'