and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This angel's explanation reveals that the vision Daniel received isn't just about immediate events, but stretches far into "the latter days." The "many days" signifies that God's plan unfolds over vast stretches of time, far beyond what Daniel could have imagined, assuring him that the vision's ultimate fulfillment is still in the future.
and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a heavenly battle and significant delay, the angelic messenger has finally reached Daniel to reveal the future. This message is not just about immediate concerns but is a profound prophecy concerning his people, stretching far into the "latter days," meaning future epochs, even to the time of the Messiah and beyond. The vision Daniel is about to receive is extensive, promising to unfold God's grand plan over a long sweep of history.
Daniel's prayer was urgent, seeking immediate relief. But the divine answer stretches far beyond his present troubles.
The angel’s message to Daniel isn't just about immediate events; it pierces through centuries. The phrase 'latter days' and 'for many days' tells us that the prophecy Daniel is about to receive will unfold over an extended period, reaching towards the ultimate purposes of God. It reassures Daniel, and us, that God's plan is comprehensive, encompassing not just current struggles but also the grand finale of history.
This means that even when we face daunting circumstances, we can trust that God's vision for His people is long-term. The immediate might be difficult, but the ultimate is glorious.
Daniel's prayer was specific, but the answer is a broader revelation. What's the purpose of this extended vision?
The angel explicitly states his purpose: 'to make you understand.' This isn't just about relaying information; it's about bringing clarity and comprehension to God's unfolding plan. The vision is meant to help Daniel grasp the larger narrative of God's dealings with His people, even through difficult and seemingly obscure periods. It’s a divine impartation of insight, revealing that God is actively working His purposes out, even when circumstances appear chaotic or dire. The 'latter days' point to a future culmination, a time when God's people will ultimately be restored and His kingdom fully established.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
achariyth · Hebrew Noun
A future period, often associated with the Messianic age or the final epoch of history, when God's purposes for His people and the world will be fulfilled.
chazown · Hebrew Noun
A supernatural revelation, dream, or sight granted by God to a prophet. It is the primary means by which God communicates His hidden will or future decrees to mankind.
The angel's message to Daniel in chapter 10 is deeply rooted in the looming crisis of the Hellenistic period, particularly the oppression under Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The 'latter days' and 'many days' mentioned here refer to the unfolding events of this era and beyond, assuring Daniel that God's purposes extend through these trying times towards ultimate restoration.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Babylonian Empire, which had previously conquered Jerusalem and exiled its people, falls to the Medo-Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great. This marks a significant shift in geopolitical power in the ancient Near East.
c. 538 BC
First Return of Exiles
Following the fall of Babylon, Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. Many Jews return to Jerusalem.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed and dedicated, a monumental achievement for the returning exiles. However, the Persian period that follows is marked by ongoing challenges and political complexities.
c. 332 BC
Alexander the Great conquers Persia
Alexander the Great's conquest of the Persian Empire ushers in the Hellenistic period. Greek culture and influence begin to spread throughout the region, eventually leading to increased tensions with Jewish traditions.
c. 175 BC
Antiochus IV Epiphanes rules
Antiochus IV Epiphanes ascends to the Seleucid throne. His reign becomes infamous for its attempts to Hellenize Judea and suppress Jewish religious practices, setting the stage for future conflict.
c. 167 BC— this verse
Maccabean Revolt Begins
The Maccabean Revolt breaks out in response to Antiochus IV's oppressive policies, including the desecration of the Second Temple. This period of intense struggle and religious persecution is a key focus of Daniel's prophecies.
This verse uses a similar phrase, 'the latter days,' setting a pattern for prophetic language that looks toward future events and their ultimate fulfillment concerning God's people.
Isaiah 2:2This passage also speaks of 'the latter days' as a time when the Lord's house will be established, linking the concept of future prophetic fulfillment to a time of divine sovereignty and restoration.
Acts 2:17Quoting Joel, Peter declares that in the 'last days,' God will pour out His Spirit, showing how the New Testament understands the 'latter days' to culminate in the outpouring of God's presence and power.
Romans 8:18Paul speaks of the sufferings of the present time not being worth comparing to the 'glory that is to be revealed,' highlighting the expansive scope of God's future plans for His people that extends beyond immediate circumstances.
ellicottDaniel 10:14: "Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days."
(14) The latter days .—Comp. Daniel 2:28 ; Daniel 8:17 . The time is here more narrowly defined as “those days,” that is, the period when the vision of Daniel 11 shall receive its complete fulfilment. The “vision” is identical with “the thing” ( Daniel 10:1 ), or “the vision” ( Daniel 10:16 ). It must be carefully borne in mind that there is no reference to…
jfbDaniel 10:14: "Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days."
- what shall befall thy people in the latter days—an intimation that the prophecy, besides describing the doings of Antiochus, reaches to the concluding calamities of Israel's history, prior to the nation's full restoration at Christ's coming—calamities of which Antiochus' persecutions were the type.vision is for many days—that is, extends far into the fu…
This angel's explanation reveals that the vision Daniel received isn't just about immediate events, but stretches far into "the latter days." The "many days" signifies that God's plan unfolds over vast stretches of time, far beyond what Daniel could have imagined, assuring him that the vision's ultimate fulfillment is still in the future.
After a heavenly battle and significant delay, the angelic messenger has finally reached Daniel to reveal the future. This message is not just about immediate concerns but is a profound prophecy concerning his people, stretching far into the "latter days," meaning future epochs, even to the time of the Messiah and beyond. The vision Daniel is about to receive is extensive, promising to unfold God's grand plan over a long sweep of history.
After a heavenly battle and significant delay, the angelic messenger has finally reached Daniel to reveal the future. This message is not just about immediate concerns but is a profound prophecy concerning his people, stretching far into the "latter days," meaning future epochs, even to the time of the Messiah and beyond. The vision Daniel is about to receive is extensive, promising to unfold God's grand plan over a long sweep of history.
"and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”" — This angel's explanation reveals that the vision Daniel received isn't just about immediate events, but stretches far into "the latter days." The "many days" signifies that God's plan unfolds over va…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026