Daniel 7 22

Daniel 7:22 kjv

Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

Daniel 7:22 nkjv

until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.

Daniel 7:22 niv

until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the holy people of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.

Daniel 7:22 esv

until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.

Daniel 7:22 nlt

until the Ancient One ? the Most High ? came and judged in favor of his holy people. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom.

Daniel 7 verses

Daniel 7 22 meaning

Daniel 7:22 signifies a pivotal moment in divine judgment where the supreme, eternal God, "the Ancient of Days," actively intervenes. This intervention is a judicial decision specifically rendered in favor of His persecuted "holy people." The judgment reverses their suffering and confirms their ultimate right to inherit and possess the eternal kingdom, fulfilling God's predetermined plan and demonstrating His sovereignty over all earthly powers.

Daniel 7 22 Context

Daniel Chapter 7 presents Daniel's first apocalyptic vision, providing a counter-narrative to human empires by revealing God's ultimate sovereignty. The chapter vividly describes four terrifying beasts, symbolizing successive world empires (Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, and a final, fearsome empire), followed by the emergence of a "little horn" that relentlessly persecutes the "saints of the Most High" (Dan 7:21). The scene then shifts dramatically to a heavenly courtroom presided over by "the Ancient of Days" (Dan 7:9-10). It is in this judicial setting that the judgment is delivered. Verse 22 functions as a critical turning point, detailing the outcome of this divine trial: the cessation of the horn's oppression, the vindication of God's people, and their ultimate inheritance of an everlasting kingdom, replacing all earthly empires. The vision, situated within the broader context of Daniel 7-12, offers profound hope and assurance to God's people, facing oppression, that their sufferings are temporary and part of God's overarching plan for the triumph of His eternal kingdom. This vision also subtly counters the power claims of contemporary empires (e.g., Hellenistic rulers) by asserting that true power and final authority reside with the God of Israel.

Daniel 7 22 Word analysis

• until (ʿad dı̂ - Aramaic): This temporal conjunction signals a definitive end to the preceding action (the horn making war against the saints) and marks the precise moment of a crucial shift in divine intervention and the unfolding of God's plan. It implies a set, unchangeable timetable for God's ultimate action.
• the Ancient of Days (ʿattîq yômı̂n - Aramaic): A unique and powerful title for God, emphasizing His eternal existence, primeval nature, wisdom, and absolute authority as the supreme judge. He is not merely "old" but without beginning, from everlasting to everlasting, predating all creation and all earthly kingdoms. This title asserts His infinite perspective and incontestable sovereignty.
• came (metâ - Aramaic): A simple yet significant verb denoting active arrival and direct intervention. The Ancient of Days doesn't merely observe but descends to execute judgment, initiating the final resolution.
• and pronounced judgment (wĕdîn yehab - Aramaic, literally "and judgment was given" or "bestowed"): This phrase describes a judicial act, a divine decree. It's a formal, legal verdict delivered in the heavenly court (as seen in Dan 7:9-10), indicating a decisive ruling.
• in favor of (lĕqaddîšîy - Aramaic, lit. "to/for the holy ones"): Crucially, the judgment is not against but for God's people. It's an act of vindication, acquittal, and exoneration for those who were previously persecuted and accused by the little horn.
• the holy people (qaddîšîy - Aramaic, "saints" or "holy ones"): Refers to those who are set apart for God. In Daniel, this primarily signifies the faithful remnant of Israel, enduring persecution, but by extension, it refers to all God's consecrated followers who remain faithful amidst opposition. Their identity is defined by their relationship to God.
• of the Most High (ʿEl·yônîn - Aramaic): A majestic plural form of Elyon, "Most High God," highlighting God's supreme transcendence and ultimate power over all other gods, earthly rulers, and principalities. These "holy people" belong to the one, supreme sovereign.
• and the time came (ûzimmnâ metâ - Aramaic): Reinforces the temporal precision introduced by "until." This emphasizes that the events are part of God's predestined plan and unfold at His appointed timing, not randomly or coincidentally.
• when they possessed (dî nehăson - Aramaic, "that they might inherit" or "take possession of"): This signifies the final, enduring acquisition and full control of the kingdom. It implies an inheritance and a ruling authority, an active and definitive receiving of power.
• the kingdom (malkûtâ - Aramaic): This is the eternal, divine kingdom first revealed in Dan 2. It is contrasted with the temporary, beastly kingdoms of human history. It's a kingdom characterized by righteousness, justice, and endless reign, administered by God's redeemed people.

Daniel 7 22 Bonus section

• The dramatic shift in Dan 7:22 (from "until the Ancient of Days came") strongly emphasizes the sovereignty of God over time and history. No matter how powerful human empires appear, their time is strictly bounded by God's appointment.
• This verse represents a theological triumph of righteousness over wickedness, where divine justice prevails absolutely. The courtroom drama established earlier in Dan 7:9-10 finds its decisive outcome here, leading to a glorious outcome for God's faithful.
• The concept of the "saints" receiving and possessing the "kingdom" in Daniel is crucial for understanding the future role of believers, linking to the New Testament concept of co-reigning with Christ and inheriting the eternal Kingdom of God (Rev 5:10; 20:4, 2 Tim 2:12).
• The "judgment" is restorative for God's people. It doesn't mean their suffering was wrong or wasted, but that it leads directly to their glorification and receiving the eternal inheritance, proving their faith.

Daniel 7 22 Commentary

Daniel 7:22 stands as a beacon of eschatological hope within the biblical narrative, marking the ultimate turning point in God's cosmic plan. Following a period of intense suffering inflicted upon God's people by worldly powers, the arrival of the Ancient of Days signals a divinely mandated cessation of this oppression. This is not a passive observation but an active judicial intervention where the eternal, supreme Judge renders a verdict not merely on, but for, His holy ones. The judgment here is a vindication, transforming their status from persecuted victims to rightful heirs. It's the moment when the tables are turned, the unjust accusations are overturned, and God's sovereign will is powerfully exerted. The subsequent possession of the kingdom by the saints is the inevitable outcome of this righteous judgment, confirming that God's plan culminates not in human triumph but in the establishment of His everlasting rule through His people. This verse reassures believers across all ages that God has the final word, their suffering is temporary, and their ultimate inheritance is secure in His kingdom.