I approached one of those who were standing there, and I asked him the true meaning of all this. So he told me the interpretation of these things:
Parallel translations
- WEB I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
- KJV I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
- NKJV I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:
- NASB I approached one of those who were standing by and began requesting of him the exact meaning of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:
- NLT So I approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant. He explained it to me like this:
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Daniel approaches a heavenly attendant to ask the meaning of the vision, and is given the interpretation. God graciously provides understanding to those who seek it.
Overview
Rather than speculate, Daniel turns to one standing by in the vision for the true interpretation. This pattern of being granted explanation by an angelic guide is common in apocalyptic Scripture. It models humble dependence on God for understanding, and points forward to the Spirit whom Christ gives to lead His people into truth.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 11
- Rev 7:13–14Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,” he asked, “who are they, and where have they come from?”
- Dan 7:10A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.
- Rev 5:5Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
- Zech 2:3Then the angel who was speaking with me went out, and another angel came out to meet him
- Dan 10:11–12He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man who is highly precious. Consider carefully the words that I am about to say to you. Stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had said this to me, I stood up trembling.
- Zech 1:8–11I looked out into the night and saw a man riding on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in the hollow, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses.
- Zech 3:7“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘If you walk in My ways and keep My instructions, then you will govern My house and will also have charge of My courts; and I will give you a place among these who are standing here.
- Dan 10:5–6I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.
- Dan 8:13–16Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, “How long until the fulfillment of the vision of the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host to be trampled?”
- Dan 9:22He instructed me and spoke with me, saying: “O Daniel, I have come now to give you insight and understanding.
- Dan 12:5–6Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing there, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank.
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Christ at the center
Daniel sees the stone cut without hands that shatters the kingdoms, and 'one like a son of man' given everlasting dominion — titles and visions Jesus claims as his own.
How Daniel 7:16 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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