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Daniel 10:8
ESV So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength.
NIV So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless.
NASB So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my complexion turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength.
CSB I was left alone, looking at this great vision. No strength was left in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless.
NLT So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak.
KJV Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

What does Daniel 10:8 mean?

The vision of the dazzling man (Daniel 10:4–6) affected Daniel greatly. He didn't run away and hide as the other men did (Daniel 10:7), despite being the only one who could see the celestial figure. It is often the case that seeing a real live angel inspires intense fear (Daniel 8:18; Matthew 28:5; Luke 1:12–13; 2:9–10; Acts 10:3–4). This physical response demonstrates that Daniel was certainly fearful.

At the time of this encounter, Daniel had been mourning for three weeks, perhaps in response to his vision of a great conflict (Daniel 10:1–3). That included not eating luxurious foods or using cosmetic oils. Yet, according to this verse, Daniel's fear caused him to lose his "radiant appearance." That likely refers to the natural color of his healthy face. In other words, Daniel went pale and his intense emotions were visible to others.

Daniel's reaction here is the result of merely seeing this being, who is probably the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; Luke 1:26), some think is a preincarnate Christ, and others think is a different angelic being. When the being speaks with a roaring voice, Daniel seems to pass out cold (Daniel 10:9) and needs to be revived (Daniel 10:9–11).
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