The description of this heavenly being isn't just about fancy clothes; the "linen" points to purity and sanctity, like a priest's garment, while the "fine gold of Uphaz" signifies immense value and royalty. This combination highlights a figure who is both holy and majestic, hinting at a divine authority far beyond a mere mortal.
I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Daniel is in deep mourning by the Tigris River, wrestling with a profound vision about the future of his people. Suddenly, he looks up and sees a majestic figure appear, described with incredible detail and splendor, unlike any ordinary human he has ever encountered. This radiant being's appearance signals a new phase of revelation, about to unfold in the following verses.
Daniel’s vision isn’t just a story; it’s packed with symbols. What does this celestial being’s clothing tell us about his identity and purpose?
The description of this figure is intentionally radiant and symbolic.
Priestly Purity
The linen garments are reminiscent of the attire worn by the high priest in ancient Israel (Exodus 28:42). This points to holiness, purity, and a sacred office. It immediately signals that this is no ordinary person.
Royal Readiness
The fine gold belt, 'from Uphaz,' speaks of immense value and royalty. Girding the loins was practical for movement, but a golden belt signifies authority and preparedness for action. It’s a sign of a king ready to rule or a servant ready to serve with great dignity.
Heavenly Majesty
Combined, these garments paint a picture of divine glory. This isn't just symbolic; it’s a visual representation of God’s presence and power, showing this messenger is set apart, holy, and authoritative.
Who is this 'certain man' Daniel sees? The text offers clues that point beyond a simple human or even a regular angel.
The description of this messenger is so magnificent that scholars and biblical commentators have long debated his exact identity.
More Than Human
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While called a 'man,' the attire (linen and gold) and the overwhelming glory that follows in the passage (described in verses 6-9) set him apart from ordinary mortals. He inspires awe and terror, not typical human interaction.
Angelic or Divine?
Many commentators suggest he is a high-ranking angel, perhaps even Michael, given the context of angelic conflict in Daniel. However, others argue that the sheer radiance and the way he speaks of divine missions, pointing towards God's ultimate plan, suggest he might be more than an angel.
A Christophany?
Some interpretations point to this being a ' Christophany' – a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. The attire, particularly the priestly linen and the golden girdle, aligns with descriptions of Christ in Revelation, signifying his priestly and royal roles. Regardless of the precise identity, the appearance is meant to be a powerful manifestation of divine authority and a precursor to heavenly revelation.
Understand the original words
bad · Hebrew Noun
A plant-based fiber from the flax plant, often symbolizing purity, holiness, and priestly or heavenly office in the biblical narrative.
tarshish · Hebrew Noun
A precious stone, often associated with divine radiance, purity, and the presence of God; frequently used in apocalyptic literature to describe the glorious nature of heavenly beings.
This passage describes Jesus in a very similar way, clothed in a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest, highlighting the divine majesty and priestly attire shared with the figure Daniel sees.
Exodus 28:42The linen clothing is noted as the attire of priests, symbolizing holiness and purity, which connects to the sacred and heavenly nature of the messenger Daniel encounters.
Daniel 12:6-7This later passage describes two figures discussing the timing of future events, one of whom confirms the divine message, suggesting the figure Daniel sees is a high-ranking heavenly messenger involved in revealing God's plans.
Jeremiah 10:9This verse also mentions 'fine gold from Uphaz,' linking the description of the messenger's belt to a specific, precious commodity, reinforcing the richness and exotic origin of the divine attire.
jfbDaniel 10:5: "Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:"
- lifted up mine eyes—from the ground on which they had been fixed in his mourning.certain man—literally, "one man." An angel of the highest order; for in Da 8:16 he commands Gabriel to make Daniel to understand the vision, and in Da 12:6 one of the two angels inquires of him how long it would be till the end predicted.linen—the raiment of priests,…
bensonDaniel 10:5: "Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:"
Daniel 10:5-6 . I lifted up mine eyes — Being by the river-side, in deep contemplation, I looked up, and saw a person appear before me, clothed in linen, &c. — “Who this certain person was we may be at no loss to determine, if we consider him as described in the attire of the high-priest, and compare the passage with Exodus 28:29 ., and the descripti…
The description of this heavenly being isn't just about fancy clothes; the "linen" points to purity and sanctity, like a priest's garment, while the "fine gold of Uphaz" signifies immense value and royalty. This combination highlights a figure who is both holy and majestic, hinting at a divine authority far beyond a mere mortal.
Daniel is in deep mourning by the Tigris River, wrestling with a profound vision about the future of his people. Suddenly, he looks up and sees a majestic figure appear, described with incredible detail and splendor, unlike any ordinary human he has ever encountered. This radiant being's appearance signals a new phase of revelation, about to unfold in the following verses.
Daniel is in deep mourning by the Tigris River, wrestling with a profound vision about the future of his people. Suddenly, he looks up and sees a majestic figure appear, described with incredible detail and splendor, unlike any ordinary human he has ever encountered. This radiant being's appearance signals a new phase of revelation, about to unfold in the following verses.
"I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs…" — The description of this heavenly being isn't just about fancy clothes; the "linen" points to purity and sanctity, like a priest's garment, while the "fine gold of Uphaz" signifies immense value and r…
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Last reviewed October 2026
