Daniel 8:18

Verse

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,

American Standard Version (1901)

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.

Bible in Basic English

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.

Free Bible Version

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

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

Translation for Translators

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.

Unlocked Literal Bible

When he spoke to me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground. Then he touched me and made me stand up.

Noah Webster Bible

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.

World English Bible

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.

Young's Literal Translation

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,

Context

Gabriel Interprets Daniel’s Vision

¹⁷As 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.” ¹⁸While 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,¹⁹and said, “Behold, I will make known to you what will happen in the latter time of wrath, because it concerns the appointed time of the end.

Summary

In this verse, the angel Gabriel approaches Daniel to provide him with understanding and insight into the vision he had seen. Gabriel's presence signifies divine intervention and guidance, emphasizing the importance of spiritual enlightenment and revelation. This encounter highlights God's care for His people, as He sends messengers to help them comprehend His plans and purposes. It also underscores the idea that God desires His followers to seek wisdom and seek His guidance in all matters. Ultimately, Daniel 8:18 showcases the divine assistance available to those who earnestly seek God's will and understanding.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

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 issued in a deep sleep; and so was unfit to attend to the explanation of the vision the angel was sent to give him; and which was not through indifference to it, or neglect of it; but through human weakness, his nature not being able to bear up under such circumstances, which struck him with such fear and dread: but he touched me, and set me upright; he jogged him out of his sleep, and took him, and raised him up, and set him on his feet; or, "on his standing" (m); which Ben Melech explains, as he "was standing at first"; and so in a better posture to attend to what was about to be revealed unto him. (m) "super stare meum", Montanus, Gejerus; "super stationem meam", Michaelis.