Old Testament
Daniel 9:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So now, our God, hear the prayer and the pleas of your servant. For your own sake, Lord, let your face shine on your ruined sanctuary.
Compare translations
Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.
What Daniel 9:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Daniel is reaching out to God with a heartfelt prayer. He acknowledges his role as a servant and pleads for God's attention. Daniel is asking God to look favorably upon the temple, which has fallen into ruin. He emphasizes that this request is not just for the sake of the people, but for God's own honor. By asking God to let His face shine, Daniel is seeking restoration and hope. This reflects a deep desire for connection and healing, both for the place of worship and the community. Daniel's prayer is a reminder that we can approach God with our needs and concerns, trusting in His compassion and mercy. It shows that even in times of despair, we can seek God's presence and favor, believing that He cares for our struggles and desires to bring renewal. This verse encourages us to be honest in our prayers, recognizing our dependence on God for restoration and guidance in our lives. It highlights the importance of seeking God’s help in difficult times, reminding us of His willingness to listen and respond.
How to apply Daniel 9:17 to your life
When facing challenges, remember to bring your concerns to God in prayer. Like Daniel, be honest about your struggles and seek His guidance. Trust that God cares for your situation and desires to bring healing and hope into your life. Allow His presence to shine in your circumstances, bringing comfort and strength to you and those around you. Embrace the power of prayer as a means of connection with God and a source of encouragement.
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Daniel's Prayer (Daniel 9:1–27)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Daniel 9:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Daniel 9:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Daniel
- Author
- Daniel the prophet
- Written
- Around 530 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Exiled Jews and future generations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Daniel 9:17 mean?
Daniel 9:17 is a prayer where Daniel asks God to listen to his pleas and restore the ruined temple. He emphasizes that this request is for God's own honor, seeking His favor and presence in a time of despair.
What is the significance of 'let your face shine' in Daniel 9:17?
The phrase 'let your face shine' in Daniel 9:17 symbolizes seeking God's favor and blessing. It expresses a desire for God's presence to bring restoration and hope to the desolate sanctuary.
How can I apply Daniel 9:17 to my life?
You can apply Daniel 9:17 by bringing your struggles to God in prayer, being honest about your needs, and trusting in His desire to bring healing and hope to your situation.
What themes are present in Daniel 9:17?
Key themes in Daniel 9:17 include prayer, restoration, God's mercy, community, and hope. These themes highlight the importance of seeking God's help during difficult times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.