Daniel 7:15-28
Holman Christian Standard Bible
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) the true meaning of 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 know the true meaning of 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 10 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 was more visible 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 10 horns(J) are 10 kings who will rise from this kingdom. Another, 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 interpretation. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts terrified me greatly,(R) and my face turned pale,[e] but I kept the matter to myself.”(S)
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Daniel 7:15 Lit was distressed in the middle of its sheath
- Daniel 7:25 Lit wear out
- Daniel 7:25 Lit change times
- Daniel 7:25 Or for three and a half years
- Daniel 7:28 Lit my brightness changed on me
Daniel 7:15-28
Common English Bible
Beasts interpreted
15 Now this caused me, Daniel, to worry.[a] My visions disturbed me greatly. 16 So I went to one of the servants who was standing ready nearby. I asked him for the truth about all this.
He spoke to me and explained to me the meaning of these things. 17 “These four giant beasts are four kings that will rise up from the earth, 18 but the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingship. They will hold the kingship securely forever and always.”
19 Next I wanted greater clarity about the fourth beast, the one that was different from all the others and utterly terrifying with its iron teeth and bronze claws. As it ate and crushed, its feet smashed whatever was left over. 20 I wanted greater clarity about the ten horns on its head, and the other horn that came up, along with the three that fell out to make room for it—but especially about the horn that had eyes and a mouth that bragged, and that seemed more important than the others. 21 As I watched, this same horn waged war against the holy ones and defeated them, 22 until the Ancient One came. Then judgment was given in favor of the holy ones of the Most High. The set time arrived, and the holy ones held the kingship securely.
23 This is what he said:
“The fourth beast means
that there will be a fourth kingship on the earth.
It will be different from all the other kingships.
It will devour the entire earth, trample it, crush it.
24 The ten horns mean
that from this kingship will rise ten kings,
and after them will rise yet another.
He will be different from the previous ones.
He will defeat three kings.
25 He will say things against the Most High
and will exhaust the holy ones of the Most High.
He will try to change times set by law.
And for a period of time,
periods of time,
and half a period of time,
they will be delivered into his power.
26 Then the court will sit in session.
His rule will be taken away—
ruined and wiped out for all time.
27 The kingship, authority, and power
of all kingdoms under heaven
will be given to the people,
the holy ones of the Most High.
Their kingship is an everlasting one; every authority will serve them and obey.”
28 The account ends here.
Now as for how I, Daniel, felt about this: My thoughts disturbed me greatly. My mood darkened considerably, and I kept thinking about this matter.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Daniel 7:15 Or my spirit was distressed in its sheath; Aram uncertain
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