Daniel 8 8

Daniel 8:8 kjv

Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.

Daniel 8:8 nkjv

Therefore the male goat grew very great; but when he became strong, the large horn was broken, and in place of it four notable ones came up toward the four winds of heaven.

Daniel 8:8 niv

The goat became very great, but at the height of its power the large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven.

Daniel 8:8 esv

Then the goat became exceedingly great, but when he was strong, the great horn was broken, and instead of it there came up four conspicuous horns toward the four winds of heaven.

Daniel 8:8 nlt

The goat became very powerful. But at the height of his power, his large horn was broken off. In the large horn's place grew four prominent horns pointing in the four directions of the earth.

Daniel 8 verses

Daniel 8 8 Meaning

The ram that had horns, representing the kings of Media and Persia, is shattered, and in its place, a he-goat with a single, conspicuous horn arises. This horn represents the first king of Greece, Alexander the Great. The shattering signifies the overthrow and destruction of the Medo-Persian Empire by the rising Grecian power.

Daniel 8 8 Context

Chapter 8 of Daniel details visions of future empires. The preceding verses (1-4) describe a ram with two horns representing the dual monarchy of Media and Persia. This verse immediately follows the introduction of this symbol and immediately precedes the introduction of the he-goat that will overcome the ram. Historically, this corresponds to the rise of Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic empire, which conquered the Persian Empire. This chapter serves as a prophecy given to Daniel to reveal future geopolitical powers and their impact on God's people.

Daniel 8 8 Word analysis

• And: Continues the narrative flow from the preceding vision.
• as: Indicates a simultaneous occurrence or transition.
• I: Refers to the prophet Daniel as the recipient of the vision.
• was: Past tense, signifying the continuous action within the visionary experience.
• considering: Denotes thoughtful observation and reflection upon the previous symbols.
• behold: An interjection drawing attention to a new and significant element of the vision.
• male: Specifies the gender of the animal, symbolic of dominance and strength.
• goat: An animal known for its powerful nature, used symbolically for a kingdom or ruler.
• came: Implies a movement from a specific direction (westward, as per previous verses).
• from: Denotes the origin of the he-goat.
• the: Definite article, specifying a particular he-goat.
• west: Indicates the geographical direction from which this new power emerged.
• even: Emphasizes the remarkable or astonishing nature of what follows.
• touched: Signifies the extent of its power and dominion.
• none: Denotes the absence of opposition or resistance.
• of: Indicates possession or relationship.
• the: Definite article.
• earth: Represents the inhabited world or the geopolitical landscape of that era.
• visible: Emphasizes its prominent and noticeable appearance.
• so: Connects the appearance to its striking characteristic.
• that: Introduces the defining feature.
• great: Amplifies the significance and power of the horn.
• horn: A prominent feature of goats, symbolizing regal power and kingship.
• between: Specifies the location of the prominent horn.
• its: Possessive pronoun referring to the he-goat.
• eyes: Parts of the head, near the horns.

words-group by words-group analysis

• "And as I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west...": This phrase marks the pivotal transition in the vision, shifting focus from the Medo-Persian ram to the approaching Grecian he-goat. The prophet's contemplation of the previous symbol sets the stage for the dramatic entrance of the next dominant power.
• "...touching none of the earth visible": This figurative language does not imply invisibility. Instead, it emphasizes the overwhelming speed and dominance of the he-goat's movement. It swept across the earth with such swiftness and might that it seemed to bypass normal territorial boundaries or resistances, covering vast distances rapidly. It highlights its meteoric rise to power, conquering lands with astonishing ease.

Daniel 8 8 Bonus section

The symbol of a single, prominent horn is characteristic of how Alexander the Great was often depicted and recognized for his singular, dominant role in founding the Greek empire. The swiftness described also accurately reflects Alexander's military campaigns, which conquered vast territories in a remarkably short period. This prophecy aligns with other biblical prophecies, such as those in Daniel 7 and 11, which depict successive empires and kings. The phrase "touching none of the earth visible" can also be interpreted as the he-goat not establishing permanent dominion in a traditional sense; the vast empire Alexander conquered fragmented after his death.

Daniel 8 8 Commentary

This verse signifies the rise of the Grecian empire, symbolized by the he-goat, which swiftly conquered the Medo-Persian Empire (represented by the ram). The "great horn between its eyes" specifically refers to Alexander the Great, the first king and founder of this powerful, yet short-lived, empire. The overwhelming nature of its arrival and conquest ("touching none of the earth visible") highlights Alexander's rapid and decisive victories across the ancient world. This event, foreseen prophetically, underscores God's sovereign control over history and the succession of world powers.