What does Daniel 8:16 mean?
"And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision." - Daniel 8:16

The Bible verse Daniel 8:16 in the King James Version reads: "And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision."
This verse is part of the book of Daniel, which is a prophetic book that is included in both the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The book of Daniel is filled with visions and prophecies, and the verse in question comes from a vision that Daniel received. In this particular vision, Daniel sees a ram and a goat, and he is troubled by the meaning of the vision. In response to his distress, a man's voice calls out for the archangel Gabriel to help Daniel understand the vision.
The themes in this verse are tied to the broader themes in the book of Daniel and in the Bible as a whole. One of the prominent themes in the book of Daniel is the idea of divine intervention and communication. In this verse, we see how God communicates with his people through the angel Gabriel, who is tasked with helping Daniel understand the vision he has received. This theme emphasizes the importance of seeking understanding and knowledge from God, and it shows how God provides guidance and wisdom to those who seek it.
Another theme in this verse is the idea of prophecy and revelation. Throughout the book of Daniel, Daniel receives numerous visions and prophecies about the future. These prophecies often involve the rise and fall of kingdoms and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. The verse in question emphasizes the role of the angels in conveying these prophecies to Daniel and helping him understand their meaning. This theme highlights the sovereignty of God and his power to reveal the future to his people.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. The book of Daniel was written during a time when the Jewish people were under foreign rule, and they were facing persecution and oppression. The visions and prophecies in the book of Daniel provided hope and reassurance to the Jewish people, as they revealed that God was ultimately in control of world events and that his kingdom would ultimately prevail.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse as well. The voice between the banks of Ulai represents the divine messenger who calls for Gabriel to help Daniel understand the vision. The use of this imagery conveys a sense of mystery and otherworldliness, emphasizing the supernatural nature of the vision and the divine source of the message. The fact that the voice specifically calls on Gabriel to help Daniel also highlights the significance of this particular angel in conveying God's messages to his people.
In conclusion, the Bible verse Daniel 8:16 in the King James Version conveys important themes of divine communication, prophecy, and revelation. It provides insight into the way God communicates with his people and reveals his plans for the future. The verse also offers hope and assurance to those who are facing difficult circumstances, showing that God is ultimately in control and that his kingdom will ultimately prevail. The symbolism in the verse adds depth to its meaning, emphasizing the supernatural and divine nature of the message being conveyed. Overall, this verse is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and his willingness to guide and instruct those who seek understanding from him.
Have questions about Daniel 8:16?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Daniel 8:16 Artwork
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."
"And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision." - Daniel 8:16
Daniel 2:16 - "Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation."
Daniel 7:8
Daniel 6:16 - "Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee."
Daniel 8:27 - "And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it."
Daniel 8:15 - "¶ And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man."
Daniel 8:1 - "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."
Daniel 4:8 - "¶ But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,"
Daniel 3:8 - "¶ Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews."
Ezra 8:2 - "Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush."
Daniel 1:8 - "¶ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself."
Daniel 1:16 - "Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse."
Daniel 8:20 - "The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia."
Daniel 8:27 (KJVA) 27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.
Daniel 8:21 - "And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king."
"Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation." - Daniel 2:16
Daniel 3:16 - "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter."
Daniel 8:8 - "Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven."
Daniel 8:27 (KJVA) 27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.
Daniel 8:27 (KJVA) 27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.
Daniel 12:8 - "And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?"
Daniel 8:14 - "And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."
Daniel 5:8 - "Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof."
Daniel 8:10 - "And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them."
Daniel 10:16 - "And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength."
Daniel 8:26 - "And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days."
Daniel 6:8 - "Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not."
Daniel 8:12 - "And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered."
"Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee." - Daniel 6:16