Daniel 10:2

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Daniel 10:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks.

King James Version KJV

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

In those days I, Daniel, gave myself up to grief for three full weeks.

Free Bible Version FBV

When this happened, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three full weeks.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

At the same time I Daniel was in heauines for three weekes of dayes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'In those days, I, Daniel, have been mourning three weeks of days;

World English Bible WEB

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

Noah Webster Bible WBS

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

In those days I Daniel mourned the days of three weeks.

Translation for Translators T4T

At that time I had been sad for three weeks about what had happened to Jerusalem.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 10:2

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Daniel 10:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בַּ/יָּמִ֖ים הָ/הֵ֑ם אֲנִ֤י דָֽנִיֵּאל֙ הָיִ֣יתִי מִתְאַבֵּ֔ל שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה שָׁבֻעִ֖ים יָמִֽים

בַּ/יָּמִ֖ים yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-mp

הָ/הֵ֑ם hêm H1992 they(masc.) Art | Pron

אֲנִ֤י ʼănîy H589 I Pron

דָֽנִיֵּאל֙ Dânîyêʼl H1840 Daniel N-proper

הָיִ֣יתִי hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-1cs

מִתְאַבֵּ֔ל ʼâbal H56 to mourn V-Hithpael

שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

שָׁבֻעִ֖ים shâbûwaʻ H7620 week N-mp

יָמִֽים yôwm H3117 day N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 10:2

בַּ/יָּמִ֖ים yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הָ/הֵ֑ם hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

אֲנִ֤י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

דָֽנִיֵּאל֙ Dânîyêʼl H1840 "Daniel" N-proper

Daniel was a man from the tribe of Judah, son of David and Abigail, and his name means God is my judge.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Abigail (H0026); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); also called Daniel at 1Ch.3.1; Aramaic of kil.av (כִּלְאָב "Chileab" H3609) § Daniel = "God is my judge" 1) the 2nd son of David, by Abigail the Carmelitess 2) the 4th of the greater prophets, taken as hostage in the first deportation to Babylon, because of the gift of God of the interpretation of dreams, he became the 2nd in command of the Babylon empire and lasted through the end of the Babylonian empire and into the Persian empire. His prophecies are the key to the understanding of end time events. Noted for his purity and holiness by contemporary prophet, Ezekiel 2a) also, 'Belteshazzar' (H1095 or H1096) 3) a priest of the line of Ithamar who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: Daniel. See also: 1 Chronicles 3:1; Daniel 1:21; Daniel 12:9.

הָיִ֣יתִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

מִתְאַבֵּ֔ל ʼâbal H56 "to mourn" V-Hithpael

To mourn or lament, as seen in human and inanimate objects, like gates or land, and used in various forms in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to mourn, lament 1a) (Qal) to mourn, lament 1a1) of humans 1a2) of inanimate objects (fig.) 1a2a) of gates 1a2b) of land 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mourn, cause to mourn (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to mourn 1c2) play the mourner

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourn. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 33:9; Isaiah 3:26.

שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

שָׁבֻעִ֖ים shâbûwaʻ H7620 "week" N-mp

This Hebrew word means a period of seven days or years, like a week. It appears in Exodus 34:22 and Deuteronomy 16:10, referring to the Feast of Weeks. In the KJV, it is translated as 'seven' or 'week'.

Definition: 1) seven, period of seven (days or years), heptad, week 1a) period of seven days, a week 1a1) Feast of Weeks 1b) heptad, seven (of years) Also means: sha.vu.a (שָׁבוּעַ "week" H7620I)

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: seven, week. See also: Genesis 29:27; 2 Chronicles 8:13; Jeremiah 5:24.

יָמִֽים yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

Study Notes — Daniel 10:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 10:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 10:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 10:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 10:2
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 10:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 10:2
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 10:2
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 10:2
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 10:2
Sermons on Daniel 10:2

Context — Daniel’s Vision by the Tigris

1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, and it concerned a great conflict. And the understanding of the message was given to him in a vision.

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

3I ate no rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I did not anoint myself with oil until the three weeks were completed. 4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Nehemiah 1:4	When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
2	Daniel 9:24–27	Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city to stop their transgression, to put an end to sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place. Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress. Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed. And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him. ”
3	Ezra 9:4–5	Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat there in horror until the evening offering. At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation with my tunic and cloak torn, and I fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the LORD my God,
4	Isaiah 66:10	Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her, all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all who mourn over her,
5	Psalms 42:9	I say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?”
6	Psalms 137:1–5	By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the willows we hung our harps, for there our captors requested a song; our tormentors demanded songs of joy: “Sing us a song of Zion.” How can we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function.
7	Psalms 43:2	For You are the God of my refuge. Why have You rejected me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?
8	Jeremiah 9:1	Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people.
9	Romans 9:2	I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.
10	Revelation 11:5	If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone who wants to harm them must be killed.

Daniel 10:2 Summary

In this verse, Daniel is mourning and fasting for three weeks because he has received a message from God that concerns a great conflict, and he is seeking God's guidance and comfort. This shows us that when we are faced with difficult times or uncertain news, we can turn to God in prayer and fasting, just like Daniel did. As we see in Psalm 46:10, God often calls us to 'be still and know' that He is God, and Daniel's example encourages us to do just that. By following Daniel's example, we can deepen our relationship with God and receive His guidance and comfort in our own lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Daniel mourning for three weeks?

Daniel was mourning for three weeks because he was given a message from God that concerned a great conflict, as mentioned in Daniel 10:1, and this news likely weighed heavily on his heart, leading him to a period of fasting and prayer, similar to what we see in Ezra 8:21-23 where Ezra fasts and prays for protection.

What can we learn from Daniel's example of mourning and fasting?

We can learn from Daniel's example that when we are faced with difficult news or uncertain times, we can turn to God in prayer and fasting, seeking His guidance and comfort, just as we see in Psalm 35:13 where David humbles himself with fasting and prayer.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Daniel?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the book of Daniel, as it sets the stage for the visions and prophecies that Daniel will receive in the following chapters, and it highlights Daniel's commitment to seeking God's will and guidance, as seen in Daniel 9:2-3 where Daniel studies the scriptures and prays for understanding.

What does this verse teach us about the importance of solitude and quiet reflection?

This verse teaches us that solitude and quiet reflection can be an important part of our spiritual growth, as Daniel's time of mourning and fasting allows him to focus on God and receive a message from Him, similar to what we see in Matthew 4:1-2 where Jesus goes into the wilderness to fast and pray.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and comfort, and how can I apply Daniel's example of mourning and fasting to my own spiritual journey?
How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God, as Daniel demonstrates in this verse?
What are some ways that I can prioritize solitude and quiet reflection in my own life, in order to hear from God and receive His guidance?
How can I balance the need for solitude and quiet reflection with the demands and responsibilities of everyday life, as Daniel did in his role as a leader in the Persian kingdom?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 10:2

In those days I Daniel was mourning,.... Either on account of what had been revealed to him in the last vision or prophecy of the seventy weeks; by which it appeared what wickedness the people of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 10:2

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I Daniel was mourning - i:e., afflicting myself by fasting from "pleasant bread, flesh, and wine" (Daniel 10:3), as a sign of sorrow, not for its own sake.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 10:2

There are several causes of Daniel’ s mourning. 1. Because the Jews had liberty to go out of captivity, yet many of them staid still in Babylon. 2. Because when they were building the temple, walls, and city they were greatly hindered and molested, . 3. Because he foresaw the many calamities of the Jews that would befall them for their sins, especially in destroying the Messiah, and rejecting his gospel. Three full weeks; he fasted and mourned all that time, both to declare his deep sense of those calamities ensuing, and to be in a better posture to receive Divine impressions, which usually God reveals to humble souls.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 10:2

Daniel 10:2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.Ver. 2. In those days I Daniel was mourning.] Though a great man still, and in great account, yet not now so great at court as to hinder and defeat the malicious designs of Cambyses’ s counsellors; who, being bribed by the Jews’ adversaries, put a stop to the temple work at Jerusalem. This disaster cast good Daniel into his dumps, so that he fasted three full weeks, a tanto et tali, sed non a toto, and longer might, had not the angel taken him off by an answer of peace. Abstinet ab omni cura cultuque corporis, sua sponte. See the like, 1 Samuel 31:13. Three full weeks.] Heb., Weeks of days, to distinguish them from those seventy weeks of years.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 10:2

Verse 2. I-was mourning three full weeks.] The weeks are most probably dated from the time of the termination of the last vision. Calmet proves this by several reasons.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 10:2

2. was mourning] or, continued mourning. The motive of Daniel’s mourning is not stated; but it may be inferred from Daniel 10:12 (cf. Daniel 9:3) to have been grief for his people’s sin (cf. Ezra 10:6), and anxiety about its future (cf. Nehemiah 1:4). three full weeks] three weeks long. Lit. three weeks, days—a pleonastic idiom, which occurs elsewhere (e.g. Genesis 41:1; Deuteronomy 21:13; 2 Samuel 13:23)[357]. ‘Full’ emphasizes the expression unduly. [357] See Ges.-Kautzsch, § 131 d.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 10:2

In those days I Daniel was mourning - I was afflicting myself; that is, he had set apart this time as an extraordinary fast. He was sad and troubled.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 10:2

2-4. Daniel observes another period of mourning over the sins of the people, the desolation of Jerusalem, and his own ignorance of the future (see Daniel 10:14; compare Daniel 9:3, etc.), and after

Sermons on Daniel 10:2

	Sermon	Description
	(Belarus) Crisis Praying by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal journey of being consumed by television and worldly entertainment. He describes how God convicted him to get rid of his TV and spen
	(Daniel) Twenty One Days of Prayer by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Daniel and the experiences of the prophet Daniel. The speaker highlights Daniel's three-week period of mourning, during which he
	Daniel: 21 Days of Prayer - Willie Mullan by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons	Willie Mullan emphasizes the significance of persistent prayer as demonstrated by Daniel, who devoted 21 days to seeking God earnestly at the age of 86. He highlights the spiritual
	Devotion to Jesus - Part 2 by Michael Koulianos	Michael Koulianos emphasizes the power of the Daniel fast, illustrating its biblical significance and the spiritual breakthroughs it can bring, such as increased revelation, boldne
	The What and Why of Fasting by Zacharias Tanee Fomum	Zacharias Tanee Fomum preaches on the significance of fasting, explaining the different types of fasts such as absolute, complete, and partial fasts, emphasizing the spiritual bene
	Daniel—a Man of Another Sort! by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that Daniel was a 'man of another sort' due to his deep commitment to prayer, fasting, and the study of God's Word, which led him to discern the times an
	A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson	This sermon is a powerful call to anguish, urging listeners to move beyond concern to a deep sense of inner pain and distress for the state of the church and society. It emphasizes