Daniel 7:27 meaning summary explained with word-by-word analysis enriched with context, commentary and Cross References from KJV, NIV, ESV and NLT.
Daniel 7:27 kjv
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Daniel 7:27 nkjv
Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.'
Daniel 7:27 niv
Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.'
Daniel 7:27 esv
And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.'
Daniel 7:27 nlt
Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him."
Daniel 7 27 Cross References
| Verse | Text (Shortened) | Reference (Short Note) |
|---|---|---|
| I. God's Eternal & Universal Kingdom | ||
| Dan 2:44 | In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed... it will itself endure forever. | God's kingdom established by divine initiative, eternal. |
| Isa 9:7 | Of the increase of His government... there will be no end, upon the throne of David... | Messiah's reign will be everlasting. |
| Lk 1:33 | He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. | The Messiah's everlasting reign. |
| Rev 11:15 | The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever. | Fulfillment: Earthly kingdoms become Christ's. |
| Ps 145:13 | Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations. | God's sovereignty is eternal and unwavering. |
| Rev 22:5 | They will reign forever and ever. | Saints share in eternal reign. |
| II. Saints Inheriting and Reigning | ||
| Dan 7:18 | But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, yes, forever and ever. | Direct parallel, confirming saints' inheritance. |
| Ps 37:29 | The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. | Righteous (saints) inherit the earth eternally. |
| Mat 5:5 | Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. | Meek (saints) will inherit the earth. |
| Rom 8:17 | And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. | Believers are co-heirs with Christ. |
| Rev 5:10 | You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth. | Saints reigning on earth with Christ. |
| Rev 20:4, 6 | I saw thrones, and those who sat on them, and judgment was given to them... they will reign with Him for a thousand years. | Saints participating in Messianic reign. |
| 1 Cor 6:2 | Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? | Saints involved in judging the world. |
| III. Universal Submission and Obedience | ||
| Phil 2:10-11 | At the name of Jesus every knee will bow... and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. | Universal submission to Christ's lordship. |
| Ps 72:11 | And let all kings bow down before him, All nations serve him. | All rulers and nations serving the Messianic king. |
| Ps 86:9 | All nations whom You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord. | Future universal worship of God. |
| Isa 60:12 | For the nation and the kingdom which will not serve you will perish. | Nations that refuse to serve God's people (and thus God) will face judgment. |
| Rev 15:4 | For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You. | Universal worship acknowledging God's holiness. |
| Zech 14:16-17 | Then it will come about that any who are left... will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts. | Nations surviving the final judgment will worship God. |
| Col 1:16 | For by Him all things were created... all things have been created through Him and for Him. | Christ's universal sovereignty as Creator. |
| Eph 1:21 | Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion... | Christ's exalted position over all powers. |
| IV. God as the Highest One/Most High | ||
| Pss 7:17 | I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. | Affirmation of God as the Most High. |
| Dan 4:17, 25, 32 | In order that the living may know that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind. | God's absolute sovereignty over human kingdoms emphasized in Daniel. |
Daniel 7 verses
Daniel 7 27 meaning
Daniel 7:27 declares the ultimate transfer of all earthly sovereignty, dominion, and greatness from the transient, oppressive kingdoms of the world to the people of the saints of the Most High God. This divine kingdom, belonging to the Highest One, is described as an everlasting and eternal reign, under which all other dominions will submit in service and obedience. It marks the eschatological triumph of God's righteous rule and His faithful people over all earthly powers and persecutions, fulfilling His divine plan for everlasting dominion.
Daniel 7 27 Context
Daniel chapter 7 presents Daniel's prophetic dream vision of four successive gentile empires represented by beasts, followed by the appearance of the "Ancient of Days" (God the Father) and "one like a Son of Man" (the Messiah, Jesus Christ). This vision provides a prophetic timeline from Daniel's era through to the ultimate eschatological culmination, focusing on the rise and fall of worldly powers, their opposition to God, and their persecution of His people. The preceding verses (Dan 7:23-26) interpret the fourth terrifying beast and a "little horn" as a final, exceedingly powerful, and blasphemous kingdom that persecutes the saints of the Most High for a set period. Daniel 7:27 directly follows this interpretation, providing the hopeful resolution: despite the intense oppression by these worldly kingdoms, God's justice will prevail, and ultimate, everlasting authority will be transferred to His holy people. Historically, the original audience, facing various foreign dominations (Babylonian, Persian, Hellenistic), found solace and assurance in God's ultimate sovereignty and the promised triumph of His kingdom. The verse directly contrasts God's eternal, righteous rule with the transient, corrupt rule of human empires, acting as a polemic against the pagan ideologies that exalted human rulers to divine status.
Daniel 7 27 Word analysis
- Then (וְהַמַּלְכוּ) – wəhammałḵû: The opening connective "Then" signals the conclusion of the judgment and the immediate consequence of the fall of the fourth beast and the little horn. It marks a decisive shift from worldly dominion to divine, eternal rule.
- the kingship (מַלְכוּתָא) – małḵûṯā’ (Aramaic): Refers to "royalty, kingdom, reign, sovereign authority." This word, central to Daniel, denotes the essence of political and spiritual rule. Here, it signifies the very institution of kingship, previously held by the beasts.
- and the dominion (וְשֻׁלְטָנָא) – wəšułṭānā’ (Aramaic): Means "dominion, authority, power to rule." It speaks to the practical exercise and extent of control, emphasizing administrative and authoritative sway. It complements "kingship" by stressing active governance.
- and the greatness (וּרְבוּתָא) – ûrrəḇûṯā’ (Aramaic): Translates to "majesty, exaltation, magnificence." This term adds the dimension of honor, glory, and esteemed status that accompanies supreme rule. Together with "kingship" and "dominion," it forms a complete picture of comprehensive authority.
- of the kingdoms (דִּי מַלְכְוָתָא) – dî małḵəwāṯā’ (Aramaic): Literally "of the kingdoms." Refers specifically to the earthly, gentile kingdoms, particularly the four beasts described earlier, implying their complete subjugation and loss of power.
- under the whole heaven (תְּחֵות כָּל־שְׁמַיָּא) – təḥēwāṯ kāl-šəmayyā’ (Aramaic): Emphasizes the universal and comprehensive scope of this transfer of power. No earthly realm or authority will be outside the reach of this new dominion.
- will be given (יְהִיבַת) – yəhîḇaṯ (Aramaic): This is a passive verb, "it will be given," which underscores divine initiative. It implies that this transfer of power is not a human accomplishment or military conquest, but a sovereign act of God. He is the ultimate dispenser of all authority.
- to the people (לְעַם) – lə‘am (Aramaic): Designates a "people" or "nation." In a covenantal context, this refers to God's chosen people, distinguished by their unique relationship with Him.
- of the saints (קַדִּישֵׁי) – qaddîšēy (Aramaic): Means "holy ones, consecrated ones." In Daniel, this refers to the faithful remnant of Israel who remain loyal to God amidst pagan pressures and persecution. In a broader theological sense, it applies to all believers consecrated to God, particularly in the New Testament understanding.
- of the Highest One (עֶלְיוֹנִין) – ‘Elyōnîn (Aramaic): Plural of majesty for "Most High," unequivocally identifying God as the supreme, sovereign deity. The "saints of the Highest One" are thus directly associated with and belong to God Himself. This confirms their divine appointment and protected status.
- His kingdom (מַלְכוּתֵהּ) – małḵûṯēh (Aramaic): Refers directly to the kingdom of "the Highest One," highlighting that the ultimate dominion remains God's. The saints' reign is thus derivative and participative, serving under His overarching sovereignty.
- will be an everlasting kingdom (מַלְכוּת עָלַם) – małḵûṯ ‘ālam (Aramaic): Crucially signifies the eternal, unending nature of God's rule. This stands in stark contrast to the finite and temporary nature of all human kingdoms, which inevitably rise and fall.
- and all the dominions (וְכֹל שֻׁלְטָנַיָּא) – wəḵōl šułṭānnayyā’ (Aramaic): Expands on "the dominion" from earlier, reiterating that absolutely all forms of authority, all existing powers, will eventually be subsumed.
- will serve (יִפְלְחוּן) – yifləḥûn (Aramaic): Means "to serve, to do service, to minister, to worship." This term implies devoted, loyal action. It speaks to homage, allegiance, and fulfilling duties to the sovereign.
- and obey Him (וְיִשְׁתַּמְּעוּן לֵהּ) – wəyištammə‘ûn lēh (Aramaic): Translates as "to listen to, to hearken, to obey." This goes beyond mere service; it signifies active compliance, submission to the divine will, and recognition of supreme authority.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "The kingship and the dominion and the greatness": This trio of terms—kingship, dominion, and greatness—forms a comprehensive depiction of all-encompassing power and authority. It includes the structural power, the executive power, and the honor/majesty associated with ruling. No aspect of sovereign rule is excluded.
- "of the kingdoms under the whole heaven": This phrase clarifies the scope: it is the full, global, universal authority that earthly kingdoms currently wield. The implication is that this comprehensive power, presently held by human empires, will be completely transferred.
- "will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One": This core statement highlights the divine origin of the transfer ("will be given"). It is a conferment from God to "the people," a corporate entity, identified as "saints"—God's consecrated, faithful ones. Being "of the Highest One" identifies them as God's chosen instruments for this eternal rule, underscoring His ultimate sovereignty behind their reign.
- "His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom": This clarifies whose kingdom is being established in ultimate power—it is God's ("His kingdom"). The phrase "everlasting kingdom" is paramount, denoting its timeless, immutable nature. This eternal duration contrasts sharply with the finite nature of human empires described by the beasts.
- "and all the dominions will serve and obey Him": This climactic declaration signifies the universal, willing submission of every form of authority, everywhere, to the reign of the Highest One. "Serve and obey" indicates both active allegiance and full compliance, underscoring the total and willing submission to divine sovereignty that will characterize this new age. This future state embodies complete order and perfect submission to God's ultimate rule, a fulfillment of the Kingdom of God on earth.
Daniel 7 27 Bonus section
The Aramaic term ‘Elyōnîn ("Highest One/Most High") is a significant designation for God used repeatedly in Daniel, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty over all earthly rulers (e.g., Dan 4:17, 25, 32). This particular usage reinforces that the kingdom inherited by the saints is ultimately His kingdom, granted through His sovereign will. The corporate aspect of "the people of the saints" reigning (rather than solely an individual Messiah) is a distinctive feature of Daniel 7, signifying the integral role of God's covenant community in His eschatological plan. This co-regency concept foreshadows New Testament teachings about believers being co-heirs with Christ and reigning with Him (Rom 8:17, 2 Tim 2:12, Rev 20:4-6). This verse serves as a culmination of prophetic themes across the Old Testament, fulfilling earlier promises of a coming everlasting kingdom and a people who will inherit the earth (e.g., Ps 2, Isa 60). The definitive transition "under the whole heaven" highlights the ultimate and irreversible establishment of God's kingdom as truly global and all-encompassing.
Daniel 7 27 Commentary
Daniel 7:27 presents the climactic resolution to the vision of terrifying beasts and the persecuting "little horn," shifting the focus from oppressive human rule to God's eternal dominion. It functions as a powerful declaration of divine justice and hope for the persecuted. The transfer of "kingship and dominion and greatness" is not a political coup but a divinely ordained event, emphasizing that all true authority resides with God. This authority is not taken by force but "given" by God to His faithful "people, the saints of the Highest One." This implies a corporate dimension to the Messianic kingdom; the reign of Christ (the "Son of Man" in Dan 7:13-14) is inextricably linked with the reign of His followers. While Christ is the ultimate King, the saints share in His dominion, as confirmed elsewhere (Dan 7:18; Rev 20:4, 6). The permanence of "an everlasting kingdom" profoundly contrasts with the temporal nature of all worldly powers, offering assurance that God's plan cannot be thwarted. Ultimately, this verse anticipates a future reality where every power will serve and obey God, bringing about universal peace and righteousness. This triumph encourages believers to endure persecution, knowing their suffering is temporary and their future glory is eternal.