New Revised Standard NRS
The Bible in Basic English BBE
1 In the third year of King Cyrus of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. The word was true, and it concerned a great conflict. He understood the word, having received understanding in the vision.
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In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, a secret was unfolded to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a hard work: and he had knowledge of it, and the vision was clear to him.
2 At that time I, Daniel, had been mourning for three weeks.
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In those days I, Daniel, gave myself up to grief for three full weeks.
3 I had eaten no rich food, no meat or wine had entered my mouth, and I had not anointed myself at all, for the full three weeks.
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I had no pleasing food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, and I put no oil on my body till three full weeks were ended.
4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris),
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And on the twenty-fourth day of the first month I was by the side of the great river;
5 I looked up and saw a man clothed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist.
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And lifting up my eyes I saw the form of a man clothed in a linen robe, and round him there was a band of gold, of the best gold:
6 His body was like beryl, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the roar of a multitude.
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And his body was like the beryl, and his face had the look of a thunder-flame, and his eyes were like burning lights, and his arms and feet like the colour of polished brass, and the sound of his voice was like the sound of an army.
7 I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; the people who were with me did not see the vision, though a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled and hid themselves.
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And I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see it; but a great shaking came on them and they went in flight to take cover.
8 So I was left alone to see this great vision. My strength left me, and my complexion grew deathly pale, and I retained no strength.
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So I was by myself, and I saw this great vision, and all my strength went from me; and the colour went from my face.
9 Then I heard the sound of his words; and when I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a trance, face to the ground.
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But the sound of his words came to my ears, and on hearing his voice I went into a deep sleep with my face to the earth.
10 But then a hand touched me and roused me to my hands and knees.
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Then a hand gave me a touch, awaking me, and putting me on my knees and my hands.
11 He said to me, "Daniel, greatly beloved, pay attention to the words that I am going to speak to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you." So while he was speaking this word to me, I stood up trembling.
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And he said to me, O Daniel, you man dearly loved, take in the sense of the words I say to you and get up on to your feet: for to you I am now sent; and when he had said this to me I got on to my feet, shaking with fear.
12 He said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.
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Then he said to me, Have no fear, Daniel; for from the first day when you gave your heart to getting wisdom and making yourself poor in spirit before your God, your words have come to his ears: and I have come because of your words.
13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me twenty-one days. So Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia,
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But the angel of the kingdom of Persia put himself against me for twenty-one days; but Michael, one of the chief angels, came to my help; and when I came he was still there with the angel of the kings of Persia.
14 and have come to help you understand what is to happen to your people at the end of days. For there is a further vision for those days."
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Now I have come to give you knowledge of the fate of your people in the later days; for there is still a vision for the days.
15 While he was speaking these words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and was speechless.
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And after he had said these words to me, I kept my face turned to the earth and was unable to say anything.
16 Then one in human form touched my lips, and I opened my mouth to speak, and said to the one who stood before me, "My lord, because of the vision such pains have come upon me that I retain no strength.
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Then one whose form was like the sons of men put his finger on my lips; and opening my mouth, I said to him who was before me, O my lord, because of the vision my pains have come on me, and I have no more strength.
17 How can my lord's servant talk with my lord? For I am shaking, no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me."
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For how may this servant of my lord have talk with my lord? for, as for me, straight away my strength went from me and there was no breath in my body.
18 Again one in human form touched me and strengthened me.
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Then again one having the form of a man put his hand on me and gave me strength.
19 He said, "Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and courageous!" When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me."
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And he said to me, O man greatly loved, have no fear: peace be with you, be strong and let your heart be lifted up. And at his words I became strong, and said, Let my lord say on, for you have given me strength.
20 Then he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Now I must return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I am through with him, the prince of Greece will come.
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Then he said, It is clear to you why I have come to you. And now I will give you an account of what is recorded in the true writings:
21 But I am to tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth. There is no one with me who contends against these princes except Michael, your prince.
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But I am going back to make war with the angel of Persia, and when I am gone, the angel of Greece will come. And there is no one on my side against these, but Michael, your angel.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.