Daniel 10:18-21

10:18 Then the one who appeared to be a human being touched me again ¹  and strengthened me. 10:19 He said to me, “Don’t be afraid, you who are valued. ²  Peace be to you! Be strong! Be really strong!” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened. I said, “Sir, you may speak now, ³  for you have given me strength.” 10:20 He said, “Do you know why I have come to you? ⁴  Now I am about to return to engage in battle with the prince of Persia. When I go, the prince of Greece is coming. 10:21 However, I will first tell you what is written in a dependable book. ⁵  (There is no one who strengthens me against these princes, ⁶  except Michael your ⁷  prince.

[10:18]  ¹ tn Heb “He added and touched me.” The construction is a verbal hendiadys.

[10:19]  ² tn Heb “treasured man.”

[10:19]  ³ tn Heb “my lord may speak.”

[10:20]  ⁴ sn The question is rhetorical, intended to encourage reflection on Daniel’s part.

[10:21]  ⁵ tn Heb “a book of truth.” Several English versions treat this as a title of some sort (cf. NIV, NCV, TEV, CEV, NLT), although the NAB’s rendering “the truthful book” regards “truth” as an attributive adjective, as does the present translation.

[10:21]  ⁶ tn The word “princes” is supplied for clarity.

[10:21]  ⁷ tn The pronoun is plural in Hebrew, suggesting that Michael is the angelic prince of Daniel and his people.