Daniel 7 25

Daniel 7:25 kjv

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Daniel 7:25 nkjv

He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time.

Daniel 7:25 niv

He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time.

Daniel 7:25 esv

He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.

Daniel 7:25 nlt

He will defy the Most High and oppress the holy people of the Most High. He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time.

Daniel 7 verses

Daniel 7 25 Meaning

This verse describes a future period where the "holy ones" will wage war against the fourth beast, and ultimately triumph over it. Their victory results in them taking possession of the kingdom, a dominion that will last eternally. It signifies a divine intervention and a judgment against oppressive powers, establishing an everlasting reign for the faithful.

Daniel 7 25 Context

Daniel chapter 7 presents a series of visions detailing four successive world empires symbolized by beasts. The fourth beast, a particularly terrifying and destructive entity, represents a final oppressive power. The vision shifts to a future time where this oppressive power will be active. Verse 25 specifically addresses a duration of its power and its ultimate fate. This prophecy occurs within the broader narrative of God's sovereign control over history and His ultimate vindication of His people. Historically, this chapter was interpreted by its original audience as a message of hope amidst the oppressive Babylonian and subsequent empires.

Daniel 7 25 Word Analysis

• אֲמַר (amar): Hebrew word meaning "to speak," "to say," "to tell."
• מִלִּין (millin): Aramaic word meaning "words."
• דְּבַר (dvar): Aramaic word meaning "word," "thing," "matter," "deed."
• עַל־ (al-): Aramaic preposition meaning "against," "upon."
• עָלָּאָה (alah): Aramaic word meaning "Most High."
• קֳדָשׁוֹֹּ (’(qodash): Aramaic word meaning "holy ones," "saints."
• יְשַׁנּוּן (yeshannun): Aramaic verb, root shin-nun-waw, often interpreted as "wear down," "alter," or "consume." The niph'al or pu'al stem is often seen here, suggesting a passive or resulting action. However, the interpretation is debated, with some scholars suggesting it relates to "changing times" or "wearing out."
• מַלְכָּהּ (malkahh): Aramaic word meaning "her kingdom" or "his kingdom."
• יַחַזְר֗וּן (yachazrun): Aramaic verb, root cheth-zayin-resh, meaning "possess," "inherit," "hold."
• לְעָלְמִין (’(lalamin): Aramaic for "forever," "for all ages."
• עַד־ (’(ad-): Aramaic prefix meaning "until."

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Speak words against the Most High": This phrase describes blasphemy or defiant pronouncements directed towards God, characterizing the arrogance and impiety of the oppressive power.
• "Wear down the saints of the Most High": This suggests a sustained persecution and attempted oppression of God's faithful people. The sense of "wearing down" implies not necessarily annihilation, but a prolonged campaign to exhaust and diminish them.
• "Intend to change the appointed times and law": This points to the beast's desire to usurp divine authority by altering God's established order, calendars, and divine statutes.
• "They shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time": This designates a specific, limited period for the beast's dominion and power to persecute, a common prophetic timeframe in Daniel.
• "But the court shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to abolish and destroy it until the end": This describes the divine judgment, a celestial court or tribunal that will revoke the beast's authority, leading to its ultimate eradication.
• "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High": This signifies the transfer of sovereign power from the oppressive worldly kingdoms to God's people, establishing an eternal, universal kingdom.
• "His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him": This final clause emphatically declares the nature of the new kingdom – it is perpetual and all-encompassing in its loyalty to God and His people.

Daniel 7 25 Bonus Section

The concept of "times, and times, and half a time" (1:16:26) is a significant temporal marker in Daniel, signifying a period of intense tribulation, typically interpreted as 3.5 prophetic years or 1260 days. This specific duration emphasizes that the suffering and oppression of God's people, while severe, will be limited and have a predetermined end. The imagery of "the court" sitting is reminiscent of celestial tribunal scenes found in the Old Testament, like in Psalm 82 or Job 1, underscoring God's role as the ultimate judge of all nations and powers. The final transfer of kingdom to the "saints of the Most High" directly anticipates the New Testament concept of the church as the inheritor of God's kingdom, reigning with Christ.

Daniel 7 25 Commentary

Daniel 7:25 serves as a pivotal moment in the vision, shifting from the description of oppressive powers to the ultimate divine intervention and the establishment of an eternal kingdom. The text outlines the tactics of the fourth beast: it will blaspheme God, persecute the saints, and attempt to subvert God's divine timing and law. This tribulation, however, is not unending. A heavenly judgment, referred to as "the court," will convene, stripping the beast of its authority and leading to its destruction. This divine act paves the way for the "kingdom and dominion" to be given to the saints, marking the beginning of an everlasting reign for God's people. This prophecy offers profound comfort and assurance to believers facing persecution, highlighting God's sovereign control and His promise of ultimate justice and an eternal inheritance.