Daniel 10:6
His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
Daniel 10:6 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse describes the appearance of a divine being or celestial being, possibly representing an angel or a figure of divine authority. The use of vivid imagery such as describing the body as being like beryl (a type of precious gemstone), face like lightning, eyes as lamps of fire, arms and feet like polished brass, and a voice like a multitude, all work together to convey a sense of power, grandeur, and awe-inspiring presence. The comparison of the figure's body to precious and radiant materials suggests a divine nature and purity, while the description of his face as lightning and eyes as lamps of fire symbolize a fiery intensity and strength. The image of polished brass for the arms and feet further accentuates the idea of strength, durability, and resilience. Overall, this verse serves to paint a portrait of a majestic and powerful being, perhaps to inspire reverence and awe in those who are witnessing or interacting with him.
Theological Overview
In this powerful verse from the book of Daniel, we witness a striking description of the divine being that the prophet encounters. The use of vivid imagery such as beryl, lightning, fire, and polished brass conveys the awe-inspiring nature of this heavenly being. The beryl stone was often associated with purity and strength in ancient times, symbolizing the divine nature of the figure before Daniel. The mention of lightning and lamps of fire in the eyes suggests power and divine insight, while the description of the arms and feet as polished brass symbolizes strength and endurance. The voice of the being is likened to the voice of a multitude, emphasizing the authority and majesty of the divine message being delivered. This verse serves as a reminder of the grandeur and power of God, as well as the importance of heeding His divine words.
Daniel 10:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like unto burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
World English Bible
his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
Douay-Rheims
And his body was like the chrysolite, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as a burning lamp: and his arms, and all downward even to the feet, like in appearance to glittering brass: and the voice of his word like the voice of a multitude.
Geneva Bible (1599)
His body also was like the Chrysolite, and his face (to looke vpon) like the lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his armes and his feete were like in colour to polished brasse, and the voyce of his wordes was like the voyce of a multitude.