Daniel 8:1 Meaning and Explanation
“In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In Belshazzar's third year Daniel receives a second vision, following the one he had seen earlier.
What Does Daniel 8:1 Mean?
The book now shifts from the dreams of pagan kings to visions given directly to the prophet. Daniel marks the time carefully, the third year of Belshazzar, the same Babylonian court whose downfall is drawing near. This vision comes after the great vision of the four beasts in the previous chapter, so the reader is meant to read the two together.
The doubling of the phrase, 'unto me, even unto me Daniel,' carries a note of wonder and weight. God does not leave His servant in the dark about the rise and fall of nations. To one faithful man in exile, heaven entrusts the shape of history. It is a reminder that the Lord speaks to those who wait on Him, and that what He shows is meant to steady the heart, not merely to satisfy curiosity.
Daniel 8:1 in the Original Language
chazon (חָזוֹן), 'vision' -- a revelatory sight granted by God, especially to a prophet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel 8:1
What does Daniel 8:1 mean?
In Belshazzar's third year Daniel receives a second vision, following the one he had seen earlier.