1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a Lit wordmessage was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the Lit wordmessage was true and it concerned great Or warfareconflict, but he understood the Lit wordmessage and had an understanding of the vision.

2In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three Lit weeks of daysentire weeks.

3I did not eat any Lit delicatetasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed.

4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Heb HiddekelTigris,

5I raised my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a man dressed in linen, whose waist had a belt of pure gold of Uphaz.

6His body also was like topaz, his face Lit likehad the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.

7Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great fear fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves.

8So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my complexion turned to Lit destructiona deathly pallor, and I retained no strength.

9But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

10Then behold, a hand touched me and shook me on my Lit knees and the palms of my handshands and knees.

11And he said to me, “Daniel, Lit man of treasureyou who are treasured, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand at your place, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.

12Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.

13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was standing Lit opposite mein my way for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.

14Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the Lit end of the dayslatter days, because the vision pertains to the days still future.”

15When he had spoken to me according to these words, I Lit gaveturned my face toward the ground and became speechless.

16And behold, Lit as a likeness of sons of mankindone who resembled a human was touching my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, “My lord, due to the vision Lit my pains haveanguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength.

17For how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me.”

18Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me.

19And he said, “Lit man of treasureYou who are treasured, do not be afraid. Peace be to you; take courage and be courageous!” Now as soon as he spoke to me, I felt strengthened and said, “May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

20Then he said, “Do you Lit knowunderstand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am leaving, and behold, the prince of Heb JavanGreece is about to come.

21However, I will tell you what is recorded in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who Lit shows himself courageousstands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince.