OET interlinear DAN 10:13

10:13a

However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days: The phrase the prince of the kingdom of Persia appears to refer to an evil supernatural being with power or influence over Persia. Some scholars suggest that this was a fallen angel, that is, a demon.See Steinmann, page 492. It is best not to indicate exactly who or what this being was. Avoid using an expression that implies that this was Cyrus (10:1a). Here are some other ways to translate this:

The commander of the Persian kingdom opposed me for 21 days. (GW)

But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. (NLT)

10:13b

Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: This is the first mention of the archangel Michael in the Hebrew Bible. See how you spelled this name in Jude 9 and Revelation 12:7. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

But Michael, one of the leading princes, came to help me (NET)

Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me (NLT)

Then Michael, one of the most important angels, came to help me (NCV)

one of the chief princes: The Hebrew word that the BSB translates as princes is the plural form of the word “prince” in 10:13a. However, here it refers to supernatural beings who support the cause of God and righteousness. So it may be necessary to translate it differently. God’s chief angels are traditionally called “archangels,” and this is how some versions translate this word here:

one of the archangels (NLT)

10:13c

for I had been left there: There is a textual problem here. Some scholars and translations have followed the Greek translation of Theodotion rather that the Hebrew. They think that it makes more sense in the context. The two options are:

1. The Hebrew text that we have today (the Masoretic Text or MT), which says, “and I was left there.” This is followed by several English translations. For example:

   for I was left there (ESV) (BSB, NIV, GW, NET, KJV, NASB, ESV, REB, NCV, GNT)

2. The old Greek translation, which says “and I left him there.” This is followed by several other English translations. For example:

   so I left him there (RSV) (RSV/NRSV, NLT, NJB)

It is recommended that you follow option (1) and the Masoretic Text.See Lucas, page 259, and Goldingay, page 276, but compare Collins page 362 footnote 32. This probably means that the man wearing linen had been alone struggling with the demonic spiritual rulers of Persia.

with the kings of Persia: There is a textual problem here:

1. The following versions follow the Hebrew text and say “with the kings of Persia.” For example:

   confronting the kings of Persia (NJB) (BSB, GW, NET, KJV, NASB, ESV, CEV, NJB)

2. The following versions say “with the king of Persia,” using a singular form: (NIV, RSV/NRSV, NLT, REB, NCV)

It is recommended that you follow the Hebrew text and use the plural form. This could refer to the demonic spiritual rulers of the pagan Persian Empire, those who tried to influence its human rulers and leaders. The NET is used as the source line in the Display.