Daniel 7 18

Daniel 7:18 kjv

But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

Daniel 7:18 nkjv

But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.'

Daniel 7:18 niv

But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever?yes, for ever and ever.'

Daniel 7:18 esv

But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.'

Daniel 7:18 nlt

But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever."

Daniel 7 verses

Daniel 7 18 meaning

Daniel 7:18 reveals the eschatological triumph of God's people. After detailing four oppressive world empires and their downfall, the verse declares that "the saints of the Most High" will inherit and perpetually possess a divine kingdom. This signifies a fundamental transfer of ultimate authority from human, earthly powers, characterized by beastly dominion and transience, to the eternal, righteous rule of God's chosen ones, highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty and the everlasting nature of His reign.

Daniel 7 18 Context

Daniel chapter 7 presents a prophetic vision of four successive world empires, symbolized by terrifying beasts. These represent the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman empires (or a sequence often interpreted to extend through history to a final empire). The vision culminates with a "little horn" that speaks arrogant words and persecutes the "saints of the Most High." In stark contrast to the temporal and destructive nature of these earthly kingdoms, verse 18 immediately follows the depiction of their brutal reign and precedes the final judgment scene where the Ancient of Days presides. It serves as a profound reversal and an assurance to God's people that despite persecution and worldly dominance, their ultimate destiny is eternal rule with God. This divine promise acts as a polemic against the idea that human power, however great or oppressive, can ever ultimately defeat God's purposes or His people. It refutes the despair caused by the apparent invincibility of evil empires, proclaiming a certain future where sovereignty is fully vested in God and those allied with Him.

Daniel 7 18 Word analysis

• But: (Lāḵēn, לָכֵן - Aramaic) This conjunction introduces a powerful contrast. It sharply shifts focus from the terrifying beastly powers described previously to the glorious destiny of God's people, signaling a fundamental reversal of power dynamics. It underscores that despite the temporal victories of the wicked, God's ultimate plan prevails.

• the saints: (qaddîšîn, קַדִּישִׁין - Aramaic) Literally "holy ones." This term in Daniel's apocalyptic context can refer to either heavenly beings (angels) or God's consecrated people on earth. In chapter 7, particularly alongside the Son of Man's investiture with kingdom and authority (v. 14) and the giving of judgment to the saints (v. 22, 27), it strongly points to God's elect, the righteous remnant or community of faith on earth, who reflect heavenly holiness. This community is empowered to rule alongside God's divine representative.

• of the most High: (dî ʻIllāyā', דִּי עֶלְיוֹן - Aramaic) Refers to God as "El Elyon," emphasizing His supreme, exalted position above all earthly and heavenly powers. This clarifies that the "saints" belong to, serve, and derive their authority from the one true, sovereign God. Their identity and power are fundamentally linked to His ultimate rule.

• shall take: (yeḥasnsûn, יְהַחְסִנּוּן - Aramaic) Means "they shall take possession of," "obtain," or "inherit." This is an active, definitive declaration of a rightful and assured acquisition of power, not a mere passive reception. It implies a divinely appointed right to rule.

• the kingdom: (malkûtā', מַלְכוּתָא - Aramaic) Refers to the reign, dominion, or kingship. It signifies not just a physical territory but the ultimate authority, power, and exercise of royal rule. This is the divine kingdom, distinct from and superior to all earthly empires.

• and possess: (wīyeḥasinnûnhā, וִיחַסִּנֻּנַּהּ - Aramaic) This is a repetition and intensification of "shall take." The addition of the suffix ha (her, it) strongly reiterates and confirms their permanent holding and exercising of power over the kingdom. It implies continuous, unchallenged control and governance.

• for ever: (leālamîn`, לְעָלְמִין - Aramaic) Meaning "to ages," or "forever." Denotes unending duration, absolute perpetuity without limit.

• even for ever and ever: (weʻadālam ālmīn, וְעַד עָלְמֵי עָלְמַיָּא - Aramaic) An emphatic doubling and superlative form, literally "and until ages of ages" or "to the eternities of eternities." This hyperbolic expression is used to signify ultimate, absolute, and utterly boundless eternity, underscoring the stark contrast with the finite, fleeting nature of the earthly beast kingdoms.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "the saints of the most High": This phrase highlights both the chosen nature and divine connection of the people destined for glory. Their identity is not of earthly origin but directly linked to the sovereign God. Their holiness (qaddîšîn) is either an imparted quality or an inherent status derived from their relationship with "the Most High," signifying their role as agents of His righteous rule.
  • "shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom": The dual verbs emphasize the certainty, active appropriation, and firm grasp of this dominion. It's not a temporary lease but a permanent and authoritative inheritance, showing God's active involvement in establishing His people's rule. The repetition also strengthens the sense of secure and unchallengeable authority.
  • "for ever, even for ever and ever": This highly emphatic phrase uses repetition and intensification to convey absolute and unbounded eternity. It functions as a definitive counter-statement to the temporary nature of all previous human empires and establishes the kingdom of God as the ultimate and final reality, a dominion that will never end, in direct contrast to the short-lived kingdoms of the beasts.

Daniel 7 18 Bonus section

The precise identification of the "saints" in Daniel 7 has been debated by scholars, with some interpreting them primarily as heavenly beings (angels) who administer God's kingdom, while others understand them as God's chosen people on earth (Israel or the church). A synthesis view often holds that "saints" refers to a unified body, encompassing both righteous heavenly and earthly entities who are united in God's eternal plan and rule with the Messiah. The granting of kingdom to these "saints" implies not only salvation and eternal life but also active participation in God's governance. This kingdom is realized both spiritually in the present reign of Christ and in its ultimate, eschatological fullness when He returns. It marks the complete overthrow of human rebellion and demonic opposition, ushering in God's unchallenged dominion where justice and righteousness reign eternally.

Daniel 7 18 Commentary

Daniel 7:18 is the victorious climax of the apocalyptic vision concerning earthly empires. While the previous verses vividly describe the ferocity and widespread dominion of successive, beastly powers that persecute God's people, this verse pronounces a decisive shift: ultimate sovereignty is not theirs. Instead, the "saints of the Most High"—God's consecrated, redeemed people—are assured a permanent, divine kingdom. This is not a passive reception but an active, rightful appropriation and unwavering possession of royal authority. The phrase "for ever, even for ever and ever" emphatically distinguishes this kingdom from all transient human rule, stressing its absolute and unending perpetuity. This vision provides immense hope, assuring believers throughout history that despite the reign of wickedness and suffering they may endure, God's purpose for His elect will ultimately prevail. It underscores that God is ultimately in control, reversing all human assumptions about power, placing His people in an eternal position of authority under His righteous governance.