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Daniel 8:18

Daniel 8:18 in Multiple Translations

While he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me, helped me to my feet,

Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.

Now as he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face toward the ground; but he touched me, and set me upright.

Now while he was talking to me, I went into a deep sleep with my face to the earth: but touching me, he put me on my feet where I had been.

As he spoke to me I lost consciousness as I laid facedown on the ground. But he took hold of me and helped me to my feet.

Nowe as he was speaking vnto me, I being a sleepe fell on my face to the ground: but he touched me, and set me vp in my place.

And in his speaking with me, I have been in a trance on my face, on the earth; and he cometh against me, and causeth me to stand on my station,

Now as he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face toward the ground; but he touched me and set me upright.

Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face towards the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.

And when he spoke to me I fell flat on the ground: and he touched me, and set me upright,

While he was speaking, I fainted. I lay there, unconscious, with my face still on the ground. But Gabriel put his hand on me and lifted me up in order that I could stand again.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 8:18

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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 8:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/בְ/דַבְּר֣/וֹ עִמִּ֔/י נִרְדַּ֥מְתִּי עַל פָּנַ֖/י אָ֑רְצָ/ה וַ/יִּ֨גַּע בִּ֔/י וַ/יַּֽעֲמִידֵ֖/נִי עַל עָמְדִֽ/י
וּ/בְ/דַבְּר֣/וֹ dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
עִמִּ֔/י ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff
נִרְדַּ֥מְתִּי râdam H7290 to sleep V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
פָּנַ֖/י pânîym H6440 face N-cp | Suff
אָ֑רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff
וַ/יִּ֨גַּע nâgaʻ H5060 to touch Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּ֔/י Prep | Suff
וַ/יַּֽעֲמִידֵ֖/נִי ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
עָמְדִֽ/י ʻâmad H5975 to stand N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 8:18

וּ/בְ/דַבְּר֣/וֹ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עִמִּ֔/י ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff
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.
נִרְדַּ֥מְתִּי râdam H7290 "to sleep" V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
To sleep deeply or be in a coma means to be unconscious or in a heavy sleep. This can be a natural sleep or a sleep-like state caused by illness or injury.
Definition: (Niphal) to be asleep, be unconscious, be in heavy sleep, fall into heavy sleep, be fast asleep
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: (be fast a-, be in a deep, cast into a dead, that) sleep(-er, -eth). See also: Judges 4:21; Daniel 8:18; Psalms 76:7.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פָּנַ֖/י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אָ֑רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וַ/יִּ֨גַּע nâgaʻ H5060 "to touch" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
בִּ֔/י "" Prep | Suff
וַ/יַּֽעֲמִידֵ֖/נִי ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עָמְדִֽ/י ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" N-ms | Suff
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

Study Notes — Daniel 8:18

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Daniel 10:18 Again the one with the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me.
2 Ezekiel 2:2 And as He spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and I heard Him speaking to me.
3 Daniel 10:16 And suddenly one with the likeness of a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and said to the one standing before me, “My lord, because of the vision, I am overcome with anguish, and I have no strength.
4 Luke 9:32 Meanwhile Peter and his companions were overcome by sleep, but when they awoke, they saw Jesus’ glory and the two men standing with Him.
5 Daniel 10:8–10 So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless. I heard the sound of his words, and as I listened, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Suddenly, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.
6 Job 4:13 In disquieting visions in the night, when deep sleep falls on men,
7 Daniel 8:17 As he came near to where I stood, I was terrified and fell facedown. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.”
8 Genesis 15:12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him.
9 Acts 26:6 And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers,
10 Zechariah 4:1 Then the angel who was speaking with me returned and woke me, as a man is awakened from his sleep.

Daniel 8:18 Summary

[Daniel 8:18 shows us that even a righteous man like Daniel can be overwhelmed by a spiritual experience, but God is always ready to help and strengthen us, as seen in Daniel's encounter with the angel Gabriel. This reminds us of the importance of humility and dependence on God, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31. Just like Daniel, we can trust that God will give us the strength and understanding we need to fulfill our calling and navigate life's challenges, even when they seem daunting or unclear, as promised in Philippians 4:13 and Deuteronomy 31:6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Daniel fall into a deep sleep in Daniel 8:18?

Daniel fell into a deep sleep because he was overwhelmed by the vision and the presence of the angel Gabriel, as seen in Daniel 8:17 where he was terrified and fell facedown, similar to the experience of the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1:28 and Ezekiel 3:23.

What is the significance of the angel touching Daniel and helping him to his feet?

The angel's touch and help signify God's care and empowerment for Daniel, enabling him to receive and understand the revelation, much like the Lord's encouragement to Joshua in Joshua 1:9 and the strengthening of the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:18-19.

Is it common for prophets to experience physical reactions when receiving visions from God?

Yes, it is not uncommon for prophets to experience physical reactions, such as falling down or being weakened, when encountering the divine, as seen in the experiences of Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1:1-3, highlighting the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence.

How does Daniel's experience relate to the broader theme of Daniel 8?

Daniel's experience in Daniel 8:18 is part of the larger narrative of receiving and interpreting visions about the end times, specifically concerning the kingdoms of Media and Persia, as explained in Daniel 8:20, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom as foretold in Daniel 7:13-14 and Daniel 12:1-3.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I felt overwhelmed by a situation or a spiritual experience, and how did I respond?
  2. How can I, like Daniel, cultivate a heart that is receptive to God's messages and visions, even when they are challenging or difficult to understand?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principle of humility, as exemplified by Daniel's falling to the ground, in my own walk with God and in my interactions with others?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need God's strengthening and empowerment, as Daniel received from the angel, to fulfill my calling and responsibilities?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 8:18

Now as he was speaking with me,.... Addressing him in the above manner: I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground; through fear he fell prostrate to the ground, and swooned away, which

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 8:18

Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 8:18

In a deep sleep on my face toward the ground; being terrified and astonished with the splendour and grandeur both of the messenger and message; by the sight and by the voice. Set me upright, by one touch only. The power of spirits is incomparably greater than the strongest of men. Carnal, and flesh and blood, in Scripture signifies weak, ,4.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 8:18

Daniel 8:18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.Ver. 18. I was in a deep sleep.] In a prophetic ecstasy or trance, wherein I was laid up fast, losing for the time all manner of action and motion, that my soul might be more free to receive divine revelations. But he touched me, and set me upright.] Heb., Made me stand upon my standing, who was yet all the while in a deep sleep. The touch of the angel kept him from reeling to and fro, and made him stand firmly.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 8:18

(18) A deep sleep.—On the effects of heavenly visions upon those who beheld them, see Genesis 16:13, Exodus 33:20, &c.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 8:18

18. I fell into a dead sleep] Daniel was alarmed when the angel approached (Daniel 8:17): when he spoke to him, he fell paralysed and motionless—or, as we might say (in a figurative sense), stunned—upon his face (cf. the similar passage, Daniel 10:9). The word is used of a deep sleep, Judges 4:21; Psalms 76:6 (here of the sleep of death): cf. the corresponding subst., Genesis 2:21; Genesis 15:12; 1 Samuel 26:12; Isaiah 29:10 (here fig. of insensibility). set me upright] lit. made me stand upon my standing (cf. Daniel 8:17 Heb.), a late Heb. idiom for in my place, where I had stood (R.V. marg.), 2 Chronicles 30:16; 2 Chronicles 34:31, Nehemiah 13:11, al.: in the same application as here, Daniel 10:11. For the fear occasioned by a vision, and the restoration by an angelic touch, cf. Daniel 10:8; Daniel 10:10; Daniel 10:16; Daniel 10:18; Enoch lx. 3, 4; 2Es 5:14-15.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 8:18

Now, as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground - Overcome and prostrate with the vision. That is, he had sunk down stupified or senseless. See Daniel 10:9.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 8:18

18. The seer is overcome with the awful nearness of God and the strange character of the revelations received (Daniel 8:17; Daniel 8:27; Daniel 10:9; compare Luke 9:32). In a deep sleep — Rather, in a faint, or trance.

Sermons on Daniel 8:18

SermonDescription
David Guzik (Daniel) Antiochus and Antichrist Revisited by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Daniel and his encounter with an angelic messenger from God. The speaker highlights Daniel's persistence in prayer and how it le
John Gill 2 Peter 1:21 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes that the prophecies in Scripture are not the result of human will but are divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit. He explains that the prophets, including Moses
Stephen Olford (The Sufficiency of the Saviour) 5. for Prayer Life by Stephen Olford In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and engaging in prayer. He encourages the congregation to take time to behold God and to speak often with Hi
David Jackman Reversed Values by David Jackman In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having an eternal perspective and not being consumed by worldly desires. He quotes Jim Elliot's famous statement that "he i
Ed Miller (Christ Formed) 02 - Christ as for Us by Ed Miller In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit for a true understanding of the Bible. He highlights that the Bible is not a record of everythin
Thomas Bradbury Covenant Remembrance by Thomas Bradbury Thomas Bradbury preaches on the significance of being awakened by the Angel of the Lord, emphasizing the need for spiritual motives in worship and the desire for God's presence. Th
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Isaiah 6-10 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the descriptions of the heavenly scene in the Bible. He encourages believers to read chapters li

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