Daniel 2:40

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context

Daniel 2 presents King Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream of a great image, interpreted by the prophet Daniel. This dream outlines a succession of world empires. The statue's head of gold represented Babylon, the chest and arms of silver symbolized Medo-Persia, and the belly and thighs of bronze depicted the Greek Empire. Verse 40 specifically describes the legs of iron, representing the fourth kingdom. Historically, this is widely understood to symbolize the Roman Empire, known for its formidable military strength, extensive conquests, and ability to subdue vast territories.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Imperial Strength and Conquest: The primary theme is the unparalleled strength and destructive capability of this fourth kingdom. Like iron, it would "break in pieces and bruise" all opposition, indicating its brutal efficiency in warfare and administration, dominating through sheer power.
  • Divine Foresight: This prophecy highlights God's sovereign knowledge of future events, revealing the course of human history long before it unfolds. It underscores that God alone can reveal mysteries and the future of earthly kingdoms.
  • Succession of Empires: The verse is part of a larger prophetic timeline, showing how one dominant world power would give way to another. This iron kingdom would itself transition into a final, divided phase before the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the word "iron" (Aramaic: parzĕl) to convey the nature of this kingdom. Iron is characterized by its hardness, durability, and ability to break other materials. This imagery vividly portrays the kingdom's military might and its capacity to crush and absorb previous empires. The repetition of "breaketh in pieces and subdueth" emphasizes its overwhelming power and the totality of its dominion over conquered lands and peoples.

Related Scriptures

  • The description of this kingdom's destructive power sets the stage for the feet of iron and clay (Daniel 2:41-43), which represent a later, divided phase of this empire, marked by internal weakness despite its strength.
  • This vision parallels Daniel's own vision of four beasts in Daniel 7:7, where the fourth beast is also described as "dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth," further emphasizing its destructive nature.
  • Ultimately, the iron kingdom, like all earthly powers, is superseded by the everlasting kingdom of God, symbolized by the stone cut without hands (Daniel 2:44-45).

Practical Application

  • God's Sovereignty: This prophecy reminds us that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations according to His divine plan. No earthly power, however mighty, operates outside His ultimate control.
  • The Transience of Earthly Power: Even the strongest and most destructive kingdoms are temporary. The iron kingdom, like those before it, eventually gives way, pointing to the ultimate and eternal reign of God.
  • Hope in God's Kingdom: For believers, this prophecy offers profound hope. Despite the rise of powerful, destructive empires throughout history, God's kingdom will ultimately prevail and fill the whole earth, bringing eternal peace and righteousness that will never be destroyed.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?
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