Daniel 7 16

Daniel 7:16 kjv

I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

Daniel 7:16 nkjv

I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:

Daniel 7:16 niv

I approached one of those standing there and asked him the meaning of all this. "So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things:

Daniel 7:16 esv

I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things.

Daniel 7:16 nlt

So I approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant. He explained it to me like this:

Daniel 7 verses

Daniel 7 16 Meaning

Daniel 7:16 describes the prophet Daniel's proactive step in seeking understanding of his complex and troubling vision. Troubled by what he saw, he approaches one of the heavenly beings present in the celestial court and earnestly asks for the definitive interpretation and "truth" of the vision. In response, the celestial figure acts as God's messenger, revealing to Daniel the meaning of the profound symbolic imagery presented in the preceding verses. This moment signifies a pivotal shift from divine revelation through vision to divine revelation through interpretation.

Daniel 7 16 Context

Daniel chapter 7 recounts a terrifying vision experienced by Daniel himself, rather than an interpreted dream for Nebuchadnezzar. The vision involves four monstrous beasts symbolizing four successive world empires, culminating in a climactic scene with the Ancient of Days on His throne and the "one like a Son of Man" receiving an everlasting kingdom. Daniel is deeply disturbed and terrified by these images, particularly by the little horn (v. 8, 11) and the intensity of the divine judgment scene (v. 9-10). His agitation drives him to seek a clear and reliable understanding. This verse (7:16) marks the transition from the vision's imagery to its much-needed divine explanation. Daniel is actively seeking knowledge from a heavenly source in the celestial court, rather than passively receiving information, emphasizing the urgency of his inquiry regarding future geopolitical and eschatological events.

Daniel 7 16 Word analysis

• I approached (קָרֵ֣ב - qarev): This Aramaic word signifies to "draw near" or "come close." It emphasizes Daniel's active pursuit and initiative. Despite the awe and fear associated with the heavenly scene, Daniel demonstrates courage and an earnest desire for clarity, moving towards the divine attendants. It's not a passive reception but an active engagement with the celestial realm.
• one of those who stood there (חַ֣ד מִן־קָֽיְמַיָּא - chad min qayemaya): Lit. "one from the standers" or "one of the ones standing." This refers to the myriad angelic or heavenly beings that attend the Ancient of Days, described earlier as "thousands upon thousands served him" (v. 10). It highlights the organized celestial court and Daniel's direct access to an interpreter within this divine assembly, signifying the authoritative source of the coming interpretation. While not named, similar figures in Daniel (like Gabriel in chapters 8-9) serve as interpreters.
• and asked him (שְׁאֵלְתֵּהּ - she'elteh): "I asked him," indicating a direct inquiry. This word, often translated "asked" or "enquired," emphasizes Daniel's plea for information, highlighting his perplexity and reliance on divine assistance to grasp the prophetic vision's meaning. It mirrors a common prophetic trope where prophets seek clarification for disturbing visions.
• the truth (יַצִּיבָה - yatztzibah): This Aramaic term conveys "certainty," "accuracy," "reliable truth," or "sureness." Daniel isn't seeking merely an opinion or a partial understanding, but the definitive and dependable explanation. He seeks the "firm reality" or "exact understanding" of the vision, recognizing its immense importance for the future. This emphasizes the objective and authoritative nature of divine revelation.
• concerning all this (עַל־כָּל־דְּנָֽה - 'al-kol-denah): "concerning all these things." Daniel wants a comprehensive interpretation, not just fragmented pieces. This phrase conveys the scope of his inquiry, encompassing all aspects and implications of the preceding terrifying and significant vision.
• So he told me (וַאֲמַ֣ר לִ֗י - va'amar li): "And he said to me." This marks the immediate and direct response to Daniel's request. The angelic being is presented as a willing and authorized interpreter. It signifies the commencement of the divinely ordained revelation process.
• and made known to me (וּפְשַׁ֤ר מִלַּיָּא - ufeshar millaya): "and the interpretation of the words/things." The Aramaic root peshar (פְּשַׁר) is crucial. It means "to interpret," "to solve," or "to loosen." This term is unique to Aramaic sections of Daniel and to the Qumran commentaries (Pesharim), where it refers to divinely authorized exposition of prophetic texts. It's more than just telling; it's the authoritative unlocking of symbolic mysteries, turning abstract visions into comprehensible truth. The revelation is an unfolding of the hidden meaning.
• of the things (מִלַּיָּא - millaya): "of the words," "of the matters," or "of the things." It refers back to the elements and symbols of the vision. The angelic being interprets not just words, but the deep reality signified by the symbolic beasts, horns, and judgment scene.

Daniel 7 16 Bonus section

The Aramaic word peshar (פְּשַׁר) for "interpretation" is distinct from the Hebrew pishron used for dream interpretations in Genesis and Daniel 2. Peshar often implies a deeper, more revelatory uncovering of a hidden meaning, sometimes used in relation to eschatological or highly symbolic prophetic texts. This aligns with Daniel 7's complex and future-oriented vision. The role of the unnamed angelic interpreter in this verse echoes the angel Gabriel's role in later chapters of Daniel (8, 9) where he specifically brings understanding and clarity regarding prophecies. This consistent pattern underscores the divine method of communication: revelation given, perplexity arises, and then authoritative angelic exposition follows to provide truth and certainty to the prophet. This reliance on a divine interpreter removes human speculation and ensures the fidelity of the prophetic message.

Daniel 7 16 Commentary

Daniel 7:16 is a critical juncture in the chapter, signifying the shift from Daniel's unsettling vision to its divine explication. Daniel's active seeking of "the truth" demonstrates the prophetic desire not just to witness but to comprehend God's deep counsel, especially regarding future history and judgment. The response from the angelic messenger highlights the divine provision for understanding; God does not leave His people bewildered by His revelations but provides authoritative interpretation. This confirms that prophetic revelation, while initially mysterious, is ultimately intelligible through divine agency, ensuring accuracy and reliability. The phrase "made known to me the interpretation" signifies the unlocking of cryptic divine mysteries, emphasizing that understanding originates with God and is transmitted through His designated agents.