¹In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel , whose name was called Belteshazzar ; and the message was true, even a great warfare . He understood the message , and had understanding of the vision .

²In those days I , Daniel , was mourning three whole weeks .

³I ate no pleasant food . No meat or wine came into my mouth . I didn’t anoint myself at all , until three whole weeks were fulfilled .

⁴In the twenty-fourth day of the first month , as I was by the side of the great river , which is Hiddekel ,[#10:4 or, Tigris River]

⁵I lifted up my eyes and looked , and behold , there was a man clothed in linen, whose waist was adorned with pure gold of Uphaz.

⁶His body also was like beryl , and his face as the appearance of lightning , and his eyes as flaming torches . His arms and his feet were like burnished bronze . The voice of his words was like the voice of a multitude .

⁷I , Daniel , alone saw the vision , for the men who were with me didn’t see the vision , but a great quaking fell on them , and they fled to hide themselves .

⁸So I was left alone and saw this great vision . No strength remained in me ; for my face grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength .

⁹Yet I heard the voice of his words . When I heard the voice of his words , then I fell into a deep sleep on my face , with my face towards the ground .

¹⁰Behold , a hand touched me , which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands .

¹¹He said to me , “Daniel , you greatly beloved man , understand the words that I speak to you , and stand upright , for I have been sent to you , now .” When he had spoken this word to me , I stood trembling .

¹²Then he said to me , “Don’t be afraid , Daniel ; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand , and to humble yourself before your God , your words were heard . I have come for your words ’ sake .

¹³But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days ; but , behold , Michael , one of the chief princes , came to help me because I remained there with the kings of Persia .

¹⁴Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days , for the vision is yet for many days .”

¹⁵When he had spoken these words to me , I set my face towards the ground and was mute.

¹⁶Behold , one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips . Then I opened my mouth , and spoke and said to him who stood before me , “My lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows have overtaken me , and I retain no strength .

¹⁷For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? For as for me , immediately there remained no strength in me . There was no breath left in me .”

¹⁸Then one like the appearance of a man touched me again , and he strengthened me .

¹⁹He said , “Greatly beloved man, don’t be afraid . Peace be to you . Be strong . Yes , be strong .”

When he spoke to me , I was strengthened , and said , “Let my lord speak , for you have strengthened me .”

²⁰Then he said , “Do you know why I have come to you ? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia . When I go out , behold , the prince of Greece will come .

²¹But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth. There is no one who holds with me against these but Michael your prince .