Daniel 8:16
Daniel 8:16 in Multiple Translations
And I heard the voice of a man calling from between the banks of the Ulai: “Gabriel, explain the vision to this man.”
And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
And the voice of a man came to my ears between the sides of the Ulai, crying out and saying, Gabriel, make the vision clear to this man.
I also heard a human voice calling from the River Ulai, “Gabriel, explain to this man the meaning of the vision.”
And I heard a mans voyce betweene the bankes of Vlai, which called, and sayde, Gabriel, make this man to vnderstand the vision.
And I hear a voice of man between [the banks of] Ulai, and he calleth and saith: Gabriel, cause this [one] to understand the appearance.
I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, which called and said, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.”
And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
And I heard the voice of a man between Ulai: and he called, and said: Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
And I heard a man call out from the other side of the Ulai Canal, saying, “Gabriel, explain to him the meaning of the vision that he saw!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 8:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Daniel 8:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֶשְׁמַ֥ע
קוֹל
אָדָ֖ם
בֵּ֣ין
אוּלָ֑י
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙
וַ/יֹּאמַ֔ר
גַּבְרִיאֵ֕ל
הָבֵ֥ן
לְ/הַלָּ֖ז
אֶת
הַ/מַּרְאֶֽה
וָ/אֶשְׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
קוֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
בֵּ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
אוּלָ֑י
ʼÛwlay
H195
Ulai
N-proper
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֹּאמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גַּבְרִיאֵ֕ל
Gabrîyʼêl
H1403
Gabriel
N-proper
הָבֵ֥ן
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
לְ/הַלָּ֖ז
hallâz
H1975
this
Prep | Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מַּרְאֶֽה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 8:16
וָ/אֶשְׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
קוֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
בֵּ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
אוּלָ֑י
ʼÛwlay
H195
"Ulai"
N-proper
The name of a river in Persia, mentioned in the book of Daniel 8:2-16. The Ulai river played a significant role in the prophet Daniel's visions and dreams, as recorded in the Bible.
Definition: § Ulai = "my leaders (mighties)" river of Elam
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Ulai. See also: Daniel 8:2; Daniel 8:16.
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
גַּבְרִיאֵ֕ל
Gabrîyʼêl
H1403
"Gabriel"
N-proper
Gabriel is an archangel, a messenger of God, who appeared to Daniel, Zechariah, and Mary. His name means 'warrior of God' or 'man of God', reflecting his role as a powerful messenger. He is a significant figure in biblical history.
Definition: Gabriel = "warrior of God" or "man of God" an archangel; the angel God used to send messages of great importance to man; sent to Daniel, to Zacharias, and to Mary Also named: Gabriēl (Γαβριήλ "Gabriel" G1043)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Garbriel. See also: Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21.
הָבֵ֥ן
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
לְ/הַלָּ֖ז
hallâz
H1975
"this"
Prep | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. In the Bible, it's used to identify a particular person, place, or thing, like in Genesis where God says this is the tree of life.
Definition: this, this one (without subst), yonder
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: side, that, this. See also: Judges 6:20; 2 Kings 4:25; Zechariah 2:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מַּרְאֶֽה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
Study Notes — Daniel 8:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 8:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 8:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 8:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 8:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 8:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 8:16
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 8:16
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 8:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 8:16
- Sermons on Daniel 8:16
Context — Gabriel Interprets Daniel’s Vision
14He said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be properly restored.”
15While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there stood before me one having the appearance of a man.
16And I heard the voice of a man calling from between the banks of the Ulai: “Gabriel, explain the vision to this man.”
17As he came near to where I stood, I was terrified and fell facedown. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.” 18While he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me, helped me to my feet,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 1:19 | “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. |
| 2 | Luke 1:26 | In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, |
| 3 | Daniel 8:2 | And in the vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa, in the province of Elam. I saw in the vision that I was beside the Ulai Canal. |
| 4 | Daniel 12:5–7 | Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing there, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank. One of them said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long until the fulfillment of these wonders?” And the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by Him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, and times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has finally been shattered, all these things will be completed.” |
| 5 | Hebrews 1:14 | Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? |
| 6 | Revelation 22:16 | “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.” |
| 7 | Acts 10:13 | Then a voice said to him: “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!” |
| 8 | Daniel 10:14 | Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision concerns those days.” |
| 9 | Daniel 10:21 | But first I will tell you what is inscribed in the Book of Truth. Yet no one has the courage to support me against these, except Michael your prince. |
| 10 | Daniel 10:11–12 | He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man who is highly precious. Consider carefully the words that I am about to say to you. Stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had said this to me, I stood up trembling. “Do not be afraid, Daniel,” he said, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. |
Daniel 8:16 Summary
[In Daniel 8:16, a voice calls out to Gabriel, telling him to explain a vision to Daniel. This shows that God is willing to help us understand His plans and purposes, even when they seem unclear or confusing, as seen in (Psalm 32:8-9). The voice is coming from between the banks of the Ulai river, which serves as a reminder that God can speak to us in any place and at any time, as seen in (Acts 16:9-10). This verse encourages us to be open to hearing from God and to seek His guidance, just like Daniel did, and to trust that He will provide us with the understanding we need, as promised in (Proverbs 3:5-6).]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is speaking to Gabriel in Daniel 8:16?
The voice of a man is speaking to Gabriel, instructing him to explain the vision to Daniel, as seen in Daniel 8:16, and this voice is likely from God Himself, similar to how God spoke to Moses in Exodus 3:4-6.
Why does Gabriel need to explain the vision to Daniel?
Gabriel needs to explain the vision to Daniel because Daniel was trying to understand it but was unable, as stated in Daniel 8:15, and God wants to make sure Daniel comprehends the vision and its significance, as seen in Daniel 8:16-17.
What is the significance of the Ulai river in Daniel 8:16?
The Ulai river is the location where Daniel heard the voice of a man calling to Gabriel, and it serves as a setting for the divine encounter, similar to how other bodies of water are used in the Bible, such as the Jordan River in Joshua 3:13-17.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Daniel?
This verse is part of a larger vision given to Daniel, as seen in Daniel 8:1-27, and it helps to set the stage for the rest of the book, which deals with the rise and fall of kingdoms and the ultimate triumph of God's people, as prophesied in Daniel 2:44 and Daniel 7:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like Daniel, trying to understand a vision or a situation but needing guidance from God?
- How can I, like Daniel, be open to receiving guidance and explanation from God, even when it is difficult to understand?
- What are some ways that God has spoken to me in the past, and how can I be more attentive to His voice in the present?
- How does the fact that God is willing to explain His visions and plans to us, as seen in Daniel 8:16, impact my trust and faith in Him?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 8:16
And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai,.... Near to which Daniel was, Daniel 8:2 and it seemed to him as if the appearance of the man was in the midst of the river, between the banks of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 8:16
And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. A man's voice ... called, and said, Gabriel - meaning, The strength of God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 8:16
A man’ s voice, i.e. of him but now before mentioned, namely, Christ. To understand the vision, i.e. by declaring it more plainly to him: this shows Christ to be God, in commanding and sending his angel. Gabriel signifies the strength of God.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 8:16
Daniel 8:16 And I heard a man’ s voice between [the banks of] Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this [man] to understand the vision. Ver. 16. And I heard a man’ s voice.] This was the man Christ Jesus, the great doctor of his Church, and commander of angels, viro similis, quia incarnandus. Make this man to understand.] Angels and ministers make men to understand secrets, "give the knowledge of salvation to God’ s people," not by infusion, but by instruction.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 8:16
(16) Between the . . . Ulai.—The city, as it would appear, stood between the two branches of the river. The two branches were the Eulæus and the Choaspes.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 8:16
16. between Ulai] This singular expression can, it seems, mean only ‘between (the banks of) Ulai’ (Daniel 8:2): the voice seemed to come to Daniel from above the waters of the river (cf. Daniel 12:6-7). Gabriel] mentioned also in Daniel 9:21 as explaining to Daniel Jeremiah’s prophecy of the 70 years, and in Luke 1:19; Luke 1:26, as foretelling the birth of John the Baptist to Zacharias, and acting as the angel of the Annunciation to Mary. Gabriel is also often mentioned in non-canonical Jewish writings. In Enoch ix. 1 and xx. 7, he is one of the four (or seven) principal angels or ‘archangels’ (see their names on Daniel 10:13); in xl. 3–7, 9, he is one of the four ‘presences’ (Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and Phanuel; so liv. 6, lxxi. 8, 9, 13), who bless, or make intercession, or ward off the accusing ‘Satans,’ before God (comp. Luke 1:19, ‘I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God’); in Daniel 10:9 he is commissioned to destroy the wicked giants. Gabriel is also mentioned not unfrequently in the later (post-Christian) Jewish literature (Weber, System der altsynag. Theologie, pp. 162, 163–4, 167–8, 306): so, for instance, in the Targ. of Pseudo-Jon. on Genesis 37:15, he is the ‘man’ who shews Joseph the way to his brethren, and in the Targ. on Job 25:2 he is said to stand on God’s left hand, while Michael is at His right. See, further, on Daniel 10:13.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 8:16
And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai - See the notes at Daniel 8:2.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 8:16
15, 16. This is the first time in Scripture that an angel is given a name.
Sermons on Daniel 8:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spirit-Filled Salutations by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the power of greetings filled with the Holy Spirit, drawing from the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth before the birth of Jesus. It highlights the import |
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I Have Commanded the Ravens . . by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of being where God desires us to be, using the example of Elijah who remained faithful whether in solitude or in the presence of others. He rea |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 3 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon delves into the topic of abortion, urging listeners to consider the perspective of the fetus and the sanctity of life. It emphasizes the need to listen to God's guidanc |
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The Spiritual & Natural Man - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | The sermon transcript discusses the great wisdom and sovereignty of God and how it all begins with a fourfold portrait of man. The speaker emphasizes that the Christian life starts |
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Mary's Treasure by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the visitation of Mary by the angel Gabriel. Mary, a young woman, was visited by the chief angel because this was an important message from Go |
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The Miraculous Conception by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ and its implications for humanity. The birth of Jesus by divine intervention through Mary demonstrates t |
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Son of God or Son of Man by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the identity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, drawing from prophecies in the Old Testament that were precisely fulfilled in his life, death, and resurrect |