Daniel 7 1

Daniel 7:1 kjv

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.

Daniel 7:1 nkjv

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.

Daniel 7:1 niv

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying in bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream.

Daniel 7:1 esv

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter.

Daniel 7:1 nlt

Earlier, during the first year of King Belshazzar's reign in Babylon, Daniel had a dream and saw visions as he lay in his bed. He wrote down the dream, and this is what he saw.

Daniel 7 verses

Daniel 7 1 meaning

Daniel chapter 7 begins a new phase in the book, focusing on visions given directly to Daniel, distinct from his interpretations of others' dreams. In the first year of Belshazzar's reign over Babylon, Daniel experienced a profound dream, accompanied by mental visions. Recognizing the divine origin and crucial importance of this revelation concerning future world empires and God's ultimate kingdom, he diligently recorded it and subsequently summarized its core message for others, emphasizing the seriousness of its contents. This verse transitions the book from historical narratives about Daniel's life to the direct revelation of God's future plans.

Daniel 7 1 Context

This verse marks a significant transition within the Book of Daniel. The preceding chapters (1-6) recount historical narratives about Daniel and his companions in the Babylonian and Medo-Persian courts, often featuring dreams or decrees interpreted by Daniel for others (like Nebuchadnezzar's dream in chapter 2). Chapter 7, however, inaugurates the prophetic, apocalyptic section of the book (chapters 7-12), where Daniel himself receives direct divine revelations, largely in the form of dreams and visions, concerning the future course of Gentile world powers and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

Historically, this vision is dated to the first year of Belshazzar's reign, placing it chronologically before the events of Daniel chapter 5, which describes the fall of Babylon. This indicates Daniel was already advanced in age and had served through the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar and his successors for many decades. The timing is crucial as it portrays God giving a comprehensive vision of future empires (matching and expanding on chapter 2) to His prophet before the current Babylonian empire has even fallen, highlighting divine foreknowledge and control over all earthly kingdoms. Belshazzar, a known historical figure from archaeological findings (son and co-regent of Nabonidus), signifies a late stage of Babylonian power, hinting at its imminent demise which sets the stage for the unfolding of prophetic events.

Daniel 7 1 Word analysis

• In the first year: Establishes precise chronological dating for the vision, typical for biblical prophetic books to emphasize historical grounding.
• of Belshazzar king of Babylon: Belshazzar (Aramaic: בלשאַצַּר, Bēlshaʾtstsar, meaning "Bel protect the king") was the son and co-regent of Nabonidus, the last Neo-Babylonian king. This historical marker, once doubted, is now confirmed by archaeological findings (e.g., the Nabonidus Cylinder), affirming the Bible's accuracy. It places the vision late in the Babylonian Empire's history, immediately preceding its fall to the Medo-Persians (Dan 5).
• Daniel: (Aramaic: דָּנִיֵּאל, Dāniyyêl, meaning "God is my judge"). The recipient of this profound, direct revelation, signifying his advanced spiritual stature and prophetic calling, especially given his long faithful service in the Babylonian court.
• had a dream and visions of his head: This phrase combines two forms of divine revelation.
  • dream (Aramaic: חלם, chelem): Implies a nocturnal experience, often less distinct in common understanding but potent as a vehicle for prophecy (Gen 20:3, Job 33:15).
  • visions of his head (Aramaic: חזוי ראשׁה, chazwey ra’sheh): Suggests vivid, internal, clear mental pictures, often more defined and purposeful than typical dreams. The plural "visions" intensifies the scope and nature of the revelation. "Of his head" points to an internal, subjective experience given by God, not an external, waking event. These were not mere hallucinations but divinely orchestrated communications.
• upon his bed: A common biblical setting for receiving revelation, symbolizing a time of quietness, vulnerability, and receptivity, allowing for deep spiritual communication undisturbed by daily activities (Job 33:15).
• then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters: These two actions highlight the crucial significance and intended purpose of the revelation.
  • wrote the dream: Recording the vision immediately ensures its preservation and accuracy, signaling its importance not just for Daniel but for future generations (Hab 2:2, Rev 1:19). This is the shift from Daniel interpreting others' dreams to himself documenting direct divine revelation.
  • told the sum of the matters: Daniel not only recorded but also publicly conveyed the essence or main points of the vision. This indicates both his initial grasp of its gravity and his prophetic responsibility to communicate its core message, even if full understanding would come later (Dan 8:27, 12:8-9). It suggests a structured summary, focusing on the most critical aspects.

Daniel 7 1 Bonus section

The entire section of Daniel from chapter 2:4 through chapter 7:28 is written in Aramaic, indicating that these sections, which deal with Gentile world empires, were potentially intended to be broadly accessible to a wider Semitic-speaking audience. The shift in language specifically connects the dream of Nebuchadnezzar's statue (Dan 2) with Daniel's vision of the four beasts (Dan 7), establishing a prophetic unity and progression of the theme of world empires and their fate. Daniel's role shifts from a counselor and interpreter of human dreams to a direct recipient and chronicler of divine, apocalyptic truth. This marks him as one of the preeminent prophetic voices of the Old Testament. The phrase "sum of the matters" (אֵזְגַֽרָא֙ מִלִּין, ’ezgarā’ millīn) implies not just recounting but providing an "outline" or "account" of the principal points, underscoring its structured nature and importance.

Daniel 7 1 Commentary

Daniel 7:1 opens a monumental section of biblical prophecy, transitioning from narrative history to intense apocalyptic revelation. Coming in the reign of Belshazzar, this vision roots Daniel's foresight in the waning days of Babylon, signaling the imminent shifts in world power, all preordained by God. Daniel's experience of a "dream and visions of his head" underscores the depth and multi-faceted nature of the divine communication. The fact that he was "upon his bed" emphasizes a personal, profound, and often intimate encounter with God, set apart from his daily service to earthly kings. His immediate response to "write the dream" and "tell the sum of the matters" is vital. It highlights the divine imperative for accurate recording and dissemination of prophetic truth. This revelation was not merely for Daniel's private contemplation but was a foundational prophecy concerning successive world empires and the ultimate establishment of the "Ancient of Days'" kingdom, establishing a timeline that directly leads to the New Testament and the fulfillment in Christ's kingdom. The transition in the book also reflects a broader shift: from God intervening within human kingdoms (chapters 1-6) to Him revealing the overthrow of all human kingdoms for His eternal one (chapters 7-12).