Daniel 7:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet,

NIV: "Then I wanted to know the meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and most terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws—the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left.

NASB: Then I desired to know the exact meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its claws of bronze, and which devoured, crushed, and trampled down the remainder with its feet,

CSB: "Then I wanted to be clear about the fourth beast, 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.

NLT: Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, the one so different from the others and so terrifying. It had devoured and crushed its victims with iron teeth and bronze claws, trampling their remains beneath its feet.

KJV: Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;

NKJV: “Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet;

Though gifted in dreams and visions (Daniel 1:17), Daniel was fallible. His recent vision (Daniel 7:1) made him unsettled and nervous (Daniel 7:15). So, he wisely asked one of the angelic beings in his dream for an explanation (Daniel 7:16). So far, the being has explained that the four beasts represent four kingdoms of earth (Daniel 7:16–17), in parallel to those seen in Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2:31–35). In a hopeful addition, Daniel is told that God's people will inherit a kingdom that can never be destroyed (Daniel 7:18).

The first three animals in Daniel's vision shared enough parts with real-world animals to be associated with lions, eagles, bears, and leopards. The fourth, however, was simply described as "terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong" with iron teeth and—in a detail included here—bronze claws (Daniel 7:7). Presumably, this is like no natural animal Daniel has ever seen. He asks for further details about this monster that brought destruction and devastation.

This "beast," history's final Gentile kingdom, conquers the previous Gentile kingdoms and shows no mercy as it does so. It mauls and crushes them with its bronze feet (Daniel 7:7–8). Imperial Rome dominated as an empire. It showed no mercy as its powerful armies marched across country after country in the Mediterranean region (Daniel 2:40). Yet the government ruling during the end times will somehow be even crueler. Its leader, one of the beasts of the book of Revelation (Revelation 13:1–2), will be empowered by Satan. This tyrant will demand absolute submission and worship, and whoever refuses to worship him will not be allowed to buy or sell (Revelation 13:15–17).

Daniel will also ask about this beast's arrangement of horns (Daniel 7:20), prompting an explanation of both (Daniel 7:23–27).

Daniel 7:15–28 offers a detailed interpretation of Daniel's dream and visions (Daniel 7:1–14). The interpretation deals mainly with the fourth beast with teeth of iron and claws of bronze. It ends with the prediction that God will judge this fourth beast and give an everlasting kingdom to the Messiah. The New Testament reveals that this Promised One is Jesus Christ (Acts 13:23).

Daniel experiences a troubling vision in the form of a dream. He sees animal-like beasts representing successive kingdoms. The last of these is uniquely powerful and led by a mysterious figure. This person, depicted as a "little horn," will be known for usurping power, blasphemy against God, and intense persecution of the saints. Yet his time will be short and it will end in God's successful judgment.

This chapter is the intersection of two different divisions in the book of Daniel. This is the last passage written in Aramaic, the common language of the world at that time. It is also the first segment focusing on prophecy, shifting from a record of events in the past to show a glimpse of the future. This passage connects to other descriptions of the end times, such as those found in Revelation chapters 13, 19, and 20.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.