Daniel 10:20

Daniel 10:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Do you know why I have come to you?” he said. “I must return at once to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I have gone forth, behold, the prince of Greece will come.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

Then 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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then he said, It is clear to you why I have come to you. And now I will give you an account of what is recorded in the true writings:

Free Bible Version FBV

“Do you know why I've come to you?” he asked. “Shortly I will have to go back and fight the prince of Persia, and after that the prince of Greece will come.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then saide he, Knowest thou wherefore I am come vnto thee? but nowe will I returne to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, loe, the prince of Grecia shall come.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he saith, Hast thou known why I have come unto thee? and now I turn back to fight with the head of Persia; yea, I am going forth, and lo, the head of Javan hath come;

World English Bible WEB

Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. When I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then said he, Knowest thou for what cause I come to thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he said: Dost thou know wherefore I am come to thee? and now I will return, to fight against the prince of the Persians. When I went forth, there appeared the prince of the Greeks coming.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then he said, “◄Do you know why I came to you?/I will tell you why I came to you.► [RHQ] It is to reveal to you what is written in the book which reveals/contains God’s truth. But now I must return to fight against the evil spirit who rules the kingdom of Persia. After I have defeated him, the evil angel who guards Greece will appear and I must defeat him. Michael, who guards you Israeli people, will help me, but there is no one else to help me.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 10:20

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 10:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר הֲ/יָדַ֨עְתָּ֙ לָ/מָּה בָּ֣אתִי אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ וְ/עַתָּ֣ה אָשׁ֔וּב לְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם עִם שַׂ֣ר פָּרָ֑ס וַ/אֲנִ֣י יוֹצֵ֔א וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה שַׂר יָוָ֖ן בָּֽא

וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הֲ/יָדַ֨עְתָּ֙ yâdaʻ H3045 to know Part | V-Qal-Perf-2ms

לָ/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part

בָּ֣אתִי bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

וְ/עַתָּ֣ה ʻattâh H6258 now Conj | Adv

אָשׁ֔וּב shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

לְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם lâcham H3898 to fight Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a

עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep

שַׂ֣ר sar H8269 ruler N-ms

פָּרָ֑ס Pâraç H6539 Persia N-proper

וַ/אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron

יוֹצֵ֔א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal

וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part

שַׂר sar H8269 ruler N-ms

יָוָ֖ן Yâvân H3120 Greece N-proper

בָּֽא bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 10:20

וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

הֲ/יָדַ֨עְתָּ֙ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" Part | V-Qal-Perf-2ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

לָ/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

בָּ֣אתִי bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

וְ/עַתָּ֣ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Conj | Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

אָשׁ֔וּב shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

לְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם lâcham H3898 "to fight" Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a

In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.

Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.

עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

שַׂ֣ר sar H8269 "ruler" N-ms

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden

Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.

פָּרָ֑ס Pâraç H6539 "Persia" N-proper

This word refers to the ancient country of Persia, which included a vast territory from India to Egypt. The Bible mentions Persia in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where it plays a significant role in the history of the Israelites.

Definition: § Persia = "pure" or "splendid" the empire Persia; encompassed the territory from India on the east to Egypt and Thrace on the west, and included, besides portions of Europe and Africa, the whole of western Asia between the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Caspian and the Jaxartes on the north, the Arabian desert, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean on the south Persia proper was bounded on the west by Susiana or Elam, on the north by Media, on the south by the Persian Gulf and on the east by Carmania Persian, of Persia "pure" or "splendid"

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Persia, Persians. See also: 2 Chronicles 36:20; Esther 1:3; Daniel 11:2.

וַ/אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | 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.

יוֹצֵ֔א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

שַׂר sar H8269 "ruler" N-ms

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

יָוָ֖ן Yâvân H3120 "Greece" N-proper

Refers to Greece or the Greeks, descended from Javan, a son of Joktan. This term is used to describe the country and its people, as seen in the KJV translation of Javan.

Definition: § Javan = "Ionia" or "Greece" 1) Greece, Ionia, Ionians 2) location of descendants of Javan

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Javan. See also: Genesis 10:2; Ezekiel 27:13; Isaiah 66:19.

בָּֽא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Study Notes — Daniel 10:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Daniel 10:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 10:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 10:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 10:20
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 10:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 10:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 10:20
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 10:20
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 10:20
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 10:20
Sermons on Daniel 10:20

Context — Daniel’s Vision by the Tigris

18Again the one with the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19“Do not be afraid, you who are highly precious,” he said. “Peace be with you! Be strong now; be very strong!” As he spoke with me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”

20“Do you know why I have come to you?” he said. “I must return at once to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I have gone forth, behold, the prince of Greece will come.

21But first I will tell you what is inscribed in the Book of Truth. Yet no one has the courage to support me against these, except Michael your prince.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 8:21	The shaggy goat represents the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king.
2	Daniel 11:2–4	Now then, I will tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. By the power of his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece. Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great authority and do as he pleases. But as soon as he is established, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the authority with which he ruled, because his kingdom will be uprooted and given to others.
3	Daniel 8:5–8	As I was contemplating all this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between his eyes came out of the west, crossing the surface of the entire earth without touching the ground. He came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and rushed at him with furious power. I saw him approach the ram in a rage against him, and he struck the ram and shattered his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him, and the goat threw him to the ground and trampled him, and no one could deliver the ram from his power. Thus the goat became very great, but at the height of his power, his large horn was broken off, and four prominent horns came up in its place, pointing toward the four winds of heaven.
4	Daniel 10:13	However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.
5	Isaiah 37:36	Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!
6	Acts 12:23	Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
7	Daniel 7:6	Next, as I watched, another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.

Daniel 10:20 Summary

This verse tells us about a spiritual battle between good and evil forces. The angel speaking to Daniel has to fight against the prince of Persia, which represents the evil forces opposing God's work, similar to what we see in Ephesians 6:12. After this battle, another challenge will come from the prince of Greece, showing us that spiritual warfare is ongoing. This reminds us that our daily struggles are also part of a larger spiritual battle, and we need to trust in God's power and guidance, as we're encouraged in Philippians 4:13, to overcome them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the prince of Persia mentioned in this verse?

The prince of Persia is believed to be a demonic entity or a fallen angel that opposes God's work, as seen in Daniel 10:20 and supported by Ephesians 6:12 which mentions spiritual warfare against principalities and powers.

What does it mean to fight against the prince of Persia?

Fighting against the prince of Persia refers to spiritual warfare where God's angels, like Michael, contend against evil forces that resist God's plans, as mentioned in Daniel 10:21 and Jude 1:9.

Why is the prince of Greece mentioned after the prince of Persia?

The mention of the prince of Greece after the prince of Persia indicates a shift in the spiritual landscape as empires rise and fall, reflecting the ongoing struggle between good and evil, as prophesied in Daniel 8:21 and supported by Revelation 20:1-3 which speaks of Satan's ultimate defeat.

How does this verse relate to our daily lives?

This verse reminds us that our struggles are not just against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:12, and encourages us to rely on God's strength and guidance in our own battles, as seen in Philippians 4:13.

Reflection Questions

What are the spiritual forces at work in my life, and how can I discern God's presence and guidance in the midst of them?
How can I, like Daniel, find strength and courage in the face of overwhelming spiritual opposition, and what role does faith play in this?
In what ways can I support and pray for those who are engaged in spiritual warfare, as Michael supports Israel in Daniel 10:21?
How does the concept of spiritual warfare affect my understanding of world events and the rise and fall of nations, as hinted at in Daniel 10:20?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 10:20

Then said he, knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee?.... He had told him before, Daniel 10:12, that it was on account of his prayers, and to bring an answer to them; and particularly to inform him

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 10:20

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 10:20

Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? i.e. by what I have said already, and what I have further to tell thee upon thy prayers, which God hath accepted, and hath given me in charge to reveal to thee as followeth to the end. To fight with the prince of Persia; Cyrus, or Cambyses, who by his counsels and captains hinder the work of God; and to bring the prince of Greece upon him, viz. Alexander the Great, who utterly ruined the Persian monarchy, which is ushered with the word to, because it was a wonder that the prince of Greece with thirty thousand men should do it. Thus the Lord sets and disposeth the fates of empires, and changeth them as he lists; especially in his church’ s quarrel.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 10:20

Daniel 10:20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.Ver. 20. Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee?] q.d., I told thee that before, and I look thou shouldst remember it. I will return to fight with the prince of Persia.] To defeat and prevent his tyranny and cruel intents against thy people, not without the devil’ s hand and help. And when I am gone forth,] sc., Out of Persia. Lo, the prince of Grecia.] Great Alexander, whom I will fetch in, so that the Persians shall have henceforth little leisure or mind to meddle with the Jews. There were other Grecian captains also before Alexander, who found the Persians somewhat to do, as Leonidas, Miltiades, Themistocles; but he overturned their monarchy.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 10:20

(20) Then said he.—The meaning of this verse is obscure. Apparently the person who is speaking refers back to what he had said (Daniel 10:12-14); and from the question “Knowest thou?” &c., we are to infer that Daniel was perfectly aware of the reasons which caused him to come, viz., “to make thee understand what shall befal thy people in the latter days.” But before he proceeds to make this revelation, he prepares Daniel’s mind for a portion of what is about to be revealed, by mentioning the spiritual powers which ruled over Greece. “I shall return to fight,” referring to the Providence which watched over Israel during the Persian sovereignty; “but while I am gone forth” (the word being used in a military sense, as in Joshua 14:11) “the prince of Javan will come,” this word being also used in a hostile sense. The prophet is in this manner prepared for troublous times, which shall occur under the Macedonian supremacy.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 10:20

Verse 20. Knowest thou wherefore I come] So high art thou in the favour of God, that he hath sent me unto thee to give thee farther satisfaction; though I was elsewhere employed upon a most important mission, and I must speedily return to accomplish it, viz.: - To fight with the king of Persia] To remove all the scruples of Cyrus, and to excite him to do all that God designs him to do for the restoration of my people, and the rebuilding of the city and temple of Jerusalem. Nothing less than a supernatural agency in the mind of Cyrus can account for his decree in favour of the Jews. He had no natural, no political inclination to it; and his reluctance to obey the heavenly motions is here represented as a fight between him and the angel. The prince of Grecia shall come.] I believe this refers to Alexander the Great, who was to destroy the Persian empire. See the second and third verses of the following chapter. See Clarke on Daniel 11:2; "Daniel 11:3".

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 10:20

20. Knowest thou, &c.] A rhetorical question, designed to recall to Daniel what had been said in Daniel 10:12; Daniel 10:14, and to indicate to him its importance. and now will I return, &c.] to carry on and complete the successes begun in Daniel 10:13. ‘Now’ must mean, as soon as possible, as soon as I have given thee this revelation (Daniel 11:2 ff.): I cannot tarry here longer than is necessary, as I have still to contend in heaven against the enemies of Israel. and when I go forth (viz. from the contest with the ‘prince’ of Persia), lo, the prince of Greece (Heb. Javan, as Daniel 8:21) will come in] As soon as the conflict with Persia is ended, one with Greece will begin: ‘go forth’ and ‘come in,’ as 2 Kings 11:5; 2 Kings 11:7. It would be more in accordance with the usual sense of go forth in such a connexion as the present, to understand it of going forth to the contest with the prince of Persia (cf. of going forth on a military expedition, with to battle expressed, Deuteronomy 20:1; Deuteronomy 21:10; without it, Judges 9:29, 2 Samuel 11:1; 2 Samuel 18:2 (end), 3, 6, 2 Kings 9:21, &c.); but unless the future is greatly foreshortened, or ‘go forth’ is understood not of proceeding to, but of continuing in, the conflict (so Keil), this interpretation agrees hardly with the history; for the empire of Alexander and his successors did not arise till two centuries after the time of Cyrus.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 10:20

Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? - This was known by what the angel had said in Daniel 10:14.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 10:20

20. Gabriel, “the angel of prophecy” (Ewald), recalls to the mind of the strengthened prophet that he had come for the sake of unveiling the future of Israel in answer to his prayer (note Daniel

Sermons on Daniel 10:20

	Sermon	Description
	2 Peter 2:11 by John Gill	John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:11, emphasizing the superiority of good angels over earthly authorities and their restraint in not bringing accusations against them, despite their
	The Kingdom of Greece by John F. Walvoord	John F. Walvoord delves into the prophecy of Daniel, focusing on the rise and conquests of the Grecian Empire under Alexander the Great. The accuracy of Daniel's prophecies regardi
	(Hebrews - Part 5): Ministry of Angels by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the similarity between the Bible and the world, suggesting that both reflect the work of God. He mentions various biblical stories where ang
	Why Prayer Was Not Answered for Three Weeks by Denis Lyle	Denis Lyle delves into the reasons why prayers may not be answered for weeks, exploring the spiritual warfare behind the scenes as depicted in Daniel 10. He highlights the presence
	A Letter From the Devil by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about his father's struggles and how the devil tried to tempt him with thoughts of financial success. The preacher emphasizes t
	An Old Testament Revival - Part 2 by David Ravenhill	This sermon focuses on the story of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles, highlighting the challenges he faced and how he overcame them through faith, prayer, and taking action. Hezekiah's lif
	Ninth River -- Lying by Martin Knapp	Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of lying, emphasizing that all lies, regardless of size or intent, are abominable to God and hinder our relationship with Him. He