Daniel 2:40

KJV

And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all [things]: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the fourth {H7244} kingdom {H4437} shall be {H1934} strong {H8624} as iron {H6523}: forasmuch as iron {H6523} breaketh in pieces {H1855} and subdueth {H2827} all {H3606} things: and as {H6903} iron {H6523} that breaketh {H7490} all {H3606} these {H459}, shall it break in pieces {H1855} and bruise {H7490}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The fourth kingdom will be as strong as iron. Iron can break anything into pieces, pulverize it and crush it. So just as iron can crush anything, this kingdom will break the other kingdoms into pieces and crush them.

Berean Standard Bible

Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; for iron shatters and crushes all things, and like iron that crushes all things, it will shatter and crush all the others.

American Standard Version

And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things; and as iron that crusheth all these, shall it break in pieces and crush.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 2:40 vividly describes the nature of the fourth global empire in Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream, portraying it as exceptionally strong and destructive, akin to iron. This kingdom's unparalleled might is emphasized by its capacity to "break in pieces and subdue" all that stands before it, utterly crushing and dominating previous powers and territories. The verse highlights its formidable military and administrative prowess, setting the stage for its eventual interaction with the divine, eternal kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 2 presents King Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream and Daniel's inspired interpretation, which outlines a divinely ordained succession of four world empires, culminating in the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The dream image, a colossal statue composed of various metals, symbolizes these empires. The "head of gold" represents Babylon, the "chest and arms of silver" symbolize Medo-Persia, and the "belly and thighs of bronze" depict the Greek Empire. Verse 40 specifically details the "legs of iron," following the description of the bronze kingdom, and precedes the crucial description of the feet, which are a mixture of iron and clay, indicating a later, divided phase of this same kingdom. This verse, therefore, serves as a pivotal description of the dominant phase of the fourth empire before its eventual fragmentation and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, as seen in [Daniel 2:44-45](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44-45 - God's Everlasting Kingdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a succession of empires was not unique to Daniel's time, but the specificity and divine origin of this prophecy set it apart. Historically, the "legs of iron" are widely understood to represent the Roman Empire (c. 27 BCE – 476 CE in the West), renowned for its unparalleled military strength, engineering prowess, and ruthless efficiency in conquest and administration. Rome's capacity to "break in pieces and subdue" aligns perfectly with its historical expansion, absorbing vast territories and diverse peoples into its dominion through sheer force and a sophisticated system of law and governance. The use of iron as a metaphor speaks to its durability, hardness, and ability to dominate other, softer materials, reflecting Rome's ability to crush and assimilate the empires that preceded it.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Imperial Strength and Conquest**, vividly portraying the destructive and dominating nature of earthly empires. The iron imagery emphasizes this kingdom's formidable power and its capacity to enforce its will through military might. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Human History**, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and control over the rise and fall of nations. Even the most powerful human kingdoms are part of a divine plan, as [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") states, "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings." Finally, it points to the **Transience of Earthly Power** in contrast to the **Enduring Nature of God's Kingdom**. Despite its overwhelming strength, this iron kingdom, like all before it, is temporary and ultimately destined to be superseded by an eternal, divine kingdom, a truth powerfully articulated in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Kingdom of God Endures Forever").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kingdom (Aramaic, _malkûw'_):** This term refers to dominion, either abstractly (the concept of kingship/rule) or concretely (a realm or reign). In Daniel 2:40, it specifically denotes the fourth successive world empire predicted in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, highlighting its political and territorial authority.
* **strong (Aramaic, _taqqîyph'_)::** Corresponding to the Hebrew term for powerful, this word emphasizes the immense might and formidable nature of the fourth kingdom. It suggests a kingdom characterized by its robust military, administrative efficiency, and an unyielding capacity to exert its will.
* **breaketh in pieces (Aramaic, _dᵉqaq'_):** This Aramaic verb means to crumble or crush. Its repeated use in the verse underscores the destructive power of the iron kingdom, indicating its ability to utterly shatter and dismantle opposing forces and existing structures, leaving nothing intact.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron:"** This clause introduces the nature of the fourth empire in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The comparison to "iron" immediately conveys its unparalleled strength, hardness, and durability, setting it apart from the preceding kingdoms of gold, silver, and bronze, which represent progressively weaker metals in terms of intrinsic value but stronger in terms of political and military dominance.
* **"forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all [things]:"** This explanatory clause elaborates on the "iron-like" nature of the kingdom. It highlights iron's inherent ability to shatter and conquer. The phrase "breaketh in pieces" (H1855, _dᵉqaq_) and "subdueth" (H2827, _chăshal_) emphasize the kingdom's ruthless military efficiency and its capacity to utterly dominate and absorb all opposition and existing structures. The "all [things]" signifies its comprehensive and widespread conquests.
* **"and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise."** This final clause reiterates and intensifies the destructive power of the fourth kingdom. The repetition of "break in pieces" (H1855, _dᵉqaq_) reinforces the totality of its destructive capacity. The addition of "bruise" (H7490, _rᵉʻaʻ_) further emphasizes the severity of its impact, suggesting not just breaking but also inflicting deep and lasting damage, leaving its conquered foes utterly crushed and incapacitated. This highlights the kingdom's overwhelming and devastating impact on the world stage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Daniel 2:40 is **Simile**, comparing the fourth kingdom directly to "iron." This comparison effectively conveys the kingdom's attributes: its immense strength, hardness, durability, and destructive capability. The repeated use of verbs like "breaketh in pieces," "subdueth," and "bruise" creates a powerful sense of **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the kingdom's overwhelming and comprehensive power to dominate and crush all opposition. The imagery of iron breaking and bruising also functions as **Metaphorical Language**, vividly portraying the military and political might of this empire without explicitly naming it, allowing the prophecy to transcend specific historical identification while maintaining its symbolic power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 2:40 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over human history, revealing that even the most formidable and destructive earthly powers operate within the confines of His divine plan. The "iron kingdom" serves as a stark reminder of humanity's capacity for conquest and dominion, yet it simultaneously points to the ultimate transience of all human empires. God, who raises up and casts down kings, orchestrates the unfolding of history, ensuring that no earthly power can ultimately thwart His purposes. This divine oversight provides comfort and assurance that despite the chaos and might of human kingdoms, God's ultimate kingdom will prevail.

* [Daniel 7:7](/daniel/7-7 "Daniel 7:7 - The Fourth Beast of Iron Teeth") - This parallel vision describes a fourth beast with "great iron teeth," further emphasizing the destructive and devouring nature of the final earthly empire.
* [Psalm 2:9](/psalms/2-9 "Psalm 2:9 - Rule with a Rod of Iron") - Speaks of the Messiah who will "break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel," foreshadowing a divine, unyielding rule that surpasses all earthly might.
* [Revelation 12:5](/revelation/12-5 "Revelation 12:5 - The Son Who Will Rule with an Iron Scepter") - Describes the male child (Christ) who is "to rule all nations with a rod of iron," echoing the imagery of crushing power, but in the context of righteous, divine authority.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The description of the iron kingdom in Daniel 2:40 invites us to reflect on the nature of power, both human and divine. While human empires rise and fall through conquest and dominance, God's kingdom operates on an entirely different principle – one of enduring righteousness, justice, and peace. This verse reminds us that no matter how overwhelming or oppressive earthly powers may seem, they are ultimately temporary and subject to God's overarching plan. For believers, this instills a profound sense of hope and perspective, encouraging us not to place our ultimate trust or allegiance in transient human systems, but in the eternal, unshakable kingdom of God. It challenges us to consider where our true citizenship lies and how we can live as agents of God's kingdom in a world still dominated by earthly powers, seeking justice and peace rather than conquest and destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the transient nature of the "iron kingdom" inform your view of contemporary global powers and political systems?**
* **In what ways might the church or individual believers be tempted to rely on earthly power or strength, rather than God's sovereignty, in pursuing their mission?**
* **How does the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, as foreshadowed in Daniel, provide hope and resilience in the face of oppressive or destructive forces in the world today?**

### FAQ

**What is the historical identity of the "fourth kingdom" described as strong as iron?**

Answer: While the prophecy does not explicitly name the kingdom, biblical scholars and historians widely interpret the "fourth kingdom" described as "strong as iron" in Daniel 2:40 to represent the Roman Empire. This interpretation is based on Rome's historical characteristics, which align perfectly with the prophetic description: its formidable military strength, its extensive conquests that "broke in pieces and subdued" vast territories, and its long-lasting dominion over the known world following the Greek Empire. The subsequent description of the feet of iron and clay in [Daniel 2:41-43](/daniel/2-41 "Daniel 2:41-43 - The Divided Kingdom") is often seen as representing the later, divided phases of the Roman Empire, including its eventual fragmentation.

**How does the strength of this "iron kingdom" compare to the preceding empires in Nebuchadnezzar's dream?**

Answer: The strength of the "iron kingdom" is depicted as qualitatively different and superior in terms of its destructive and dominating capacity compared to the preceding empires. The head of gold (Babylon), chest of silver (Medo-Persia), and belly of bronze (Greece) represent a progression in military and territorial might, even as their intrinsic value decreases. Iron, though less valuable than gold, silver, or bronze, is far harder and more effective at breaking and crushing other materials. Daniel 2:40 emphasizes this by stating that it "breaketh in pieces and subdueth all [things]," highlighting its unparalleled ability to conquer and assimilate. This suggests a kingdom whose power is not just greater in degree, but more absolute and devastating in its application, reflecting Rome's unparalleled military machine and administrative efficiency in subduing and governing its vast empire.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 2:40, in its vivid portrayal of the "iron kingdom," sets the stage for the ultimate triumph of God's eternal kingdom, which finds its complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the iron kingdom represents the pinnacle of human military and political might, destined to "break in pieces and bruise" all earthly opposition, it is ultimately superseded by a kingdom "cut out of the mountain without hands" ([Daniel 2:45](/daniel/2-45 "Daniel 2:45 - The Stone Strikes the Image")). This "stone" is universally understood to be a prophetic symbol of Christ and His kingdom. Jesus, the true King, does not establish His reign through military conquest and brute force like the iron empire, but through self-sacrificial love and spiritual transformation, as He declared, "My kingdom is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Yet, His kingdom is depicted as having an "iron" authority, not in earthly dominion, but in righteous judgment and unbreakable truth, as He is the one who will "rule all nations with a rod of iron" ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ Rules with a Rod of Iron")). Thus, the terrifying strength of the iron kingdom in Daniel 2:40 ultimately serves to magnify the incomparable and eternal power of Christ's reign, which will never be destroyed but will stand forever, bringing true peace and justice to all the earth ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 7:7

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.

Daniel 11:36

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

Daniel 11:45

And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

Daniel 7:19

Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth [were of] iron, and his nails [of] brass; [which] devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;

Daniel 7:26

But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy [it] unto the end.

Daniel 2:33

His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.

Jeremiah 15:12

Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel?