Interpretation of the Vision

¹⁵ “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was deeply distressed within me,^[a] and the visions in my mind terrified me.^{(A) 16} I approached one of those who were standing by and asked him^(B) to clarify all this. So he let me know the interpretation of these things:^{(C) 17} ‘These huge beasts, four in number, are four kings who will rise from the earth. ¹⁸ But the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever, yes, forever and ever.’^(D)

¹⁹ “Then I wanted to be clear about the fourth beast,^(E) the one different from all the others, extremely terrifying, with iron teeth and bronze claws, devouring, crushing, and trampling with its feet whatever was left. ²⁰ I also wanted to know about the ten horns^(F) on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three fell—the horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke arrogantly,^(G) and that looked bigger than the others. ²¹ As I was watching, this horn waged war^(H) against the holy ones and was prevailing over them ²² until the Ancient of Days arrived and a judgment^(I) was given in favor of the holy ones of the Most High, for the time had come, and the holy ones took possession of the kingdom.

²³ “This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms. It will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it. ²⁴ The ten horns^(J) are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. Another king, different from the previous ones, will rise after them and subdue three kings. ²⁵ He will speak words against the Most High^(K) and oppress^[b] the holy ones^(L) of the Most High. He will intend to change religious festivals^[c] and laws,^(M) and the holy ones will be handed over to him for a time, times, and half a time.^{[d](N) 26} But the court will convene,^(O) and his dominion will be taken away, to be completely destroyed forever.^{(P) 27} The kingdom, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom,^(Q) and all rulers will serve and obey him.’

²⁸ “This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts terrified me greatly,^(R) and my face turned pale,^[e] but I kept the matter to myself.”^(S)