Daniel 7:12

KJV

As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.

KJV (with Strong's)

As concerning the rest {H7606} of the beasts {H2423}, they had their dominion {H7985} taken away {H5709}: yet their lives {H2417} were prolonged {H3052} for {H5705} a season {H2166} and time {H5732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for the other animals, their rulership was taken away; but their lives were prolonged for a time and a season.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was removed, but they were granted an extension of life for a season and a time.

American Standard Version

And as for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:12 describes the aftermath for the first three beasts in Daniel's vision, representing successive earthly empires. While their overt political and military dominion was decisively removed by the rise of the next dominant power, their underlying existence, influence, or cultural remnants were not immediately annihilated. Instead, their "lives" were permitted to continue for a divinely appointed, limited duration, underscoring God's meticulous sovereignty over the ebb and flow of human history and the temporary nature of all earthly kingdoms in contrast to His eternal reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 7:12 is situated within Daniel's pivotal vision of four great beasts emerging from the sea, which symbolize a succession of powerful Gentile empires. This verse immediately follows the dramatic judgment scene of the fourth, terrifying beast (often identified with the Roman Empire and its end-time manifestations) where its dominion is utterly destroyed and its body given to the burning flame in [Daniel 7:11](/daniel/7-11 "Daniel 7:11 - Destruction of the Fourth Beast"). In contrast, Daniel 7:12 specifically addresses the fate of "the rest of the beasts"—the lion-like (Babylon), bear-like (Medo-Persia), and leopard-like (Greece) empires. The verse serves to highlight a distinction in their demise compared to the ultimate destruction of the fourth beast, setting the stage for the glorious and everlasting kingdom of the Son of Man described in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in Daniel 7, like the statue in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue"), provides a panoramic sweep of world history from Daniel's time through the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Daniel lived during the Babylonian exile, witnessing the decline of Babylon and the rise of Medo-Persia. The empires symbolized by the beasts were real, oppressive powers that dominated the ancient Near East. The concept of "dominion taken away" reflects the historical reality of empires conquering and superseding one another. However, the "prolonged lives" of the earlier beasts reflect the historical reality that even after their political power waned, their cultural, linguistic, and administrative influences often persisted for generations, shaping subsequent societies. For example, Babylonian and Persian administrative structures and Greek language and philosophy continued to impact the world long after their political supremacy ended.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Daniel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty**, illustrating that God is meticulously in control of the rise and fall of all earthly powers; no empire operates outside His predetermined plan, even in its decline. Secondly, it highlights the **Temporary Nature of Earthly Power** in stark contrast to the eternal and unshakeable kingdom of God. While human kingdoms rise and fall, God's reign endures forever, a theme powerfully articulated in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures Forever") and [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion"). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the concept of **Gradual Decline vs. Ultimate Destruction**, differentiating the fate of the first three beasts (whose lives were prolonged) from the final, decisive judgment upon the fourth beast, underscoring the unique nature of the end-time judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dominion (Aramaic, _sholṭân'_):** From the root meaning "to rule," this term refers to the empire's abstract or concrete power, authority, and sovereignty. In Daniel 7:12, it signifies the political and military control that these beasts once wielded over vast territories and peoples. Its removal indicates a definitive end to their reigning power, a historical reality seen in the succession of empires.
* **Lives (Aramaic, _chay'_):** Derived from the verb "to live," this word refers to the continued existence or vitality of the beasts, even after their dominion was stripped away. It doesn't imply a restoration of their former power but rather that their essence, influence, or remnants of their culture and people continued to exist, albeit in a diminished capacity, for a period. This suggests that the fall of an empire is often a process, not an instantaneous obliteration of all its components.
* **Season (Aramaic, _zᵉmân'_), and Time (Aramaic, _ʻiddân'_):** These two Aramaic terms are often used together in Daniel to denote a divinely appointed, specific, yet limited duration. _Zᵉmân_ refers to an appointed occasion or a fixed period, while _ʻiddân_ also signifies a set time or a specific point in time, sometimes even a year. Their pairing here emphasizes that the prolongation of the beasts' "lives" was not indefinite or random but precisely measured and controlled by God, fitting within His larger prophetic timetable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As concerning the rest of the beasts":** This clause explicitly distinguishes the first three beasts (lion, bear, leopard) from the fourth, dreadful beast whose complete destruction was just described in Daniel 7:11. It indicates that their fate is different from the ultimate annihilation awaiting the final empire.
* **"they had their dominion taken away":** This signifies the cessation of their political and military supremacy. As each subsequent empire rose, it conquered and superseded the previous one, stripping it of its ruling authority. This reflects the historical progression of empires as seen in the ancient world.
* **"yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time":** This is a crucial distinction. While their *dominion* was removed, their *existence* or *influence* was not immediately extinguished. The phrase "prolonged" (from Aramaic _yᵉhab_, meaning "to give" or "to put," here idiomatically implying continuance) indicates a divinely permitted extension. The "season and time" denotes a specific, limited, and divinely determined duration, emphasizing God's control over the lingering effects of these former powers.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 7:12 employs several key literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, as the "beasts" themselves are symbolic representations of powerful earthly kingdoms. The distinction between their "dominion taken away" and their "lives prolonged" is a form of **Contrast**, highlighting the different fates awaiting the various empires. This contrast also serves as a **Prophecy**, foretelling the historical reality that while empires fall, their cultural and societal legacies often endure for a period. The phrase "season and time" is a **Merism**, using two related terms to express the single concept of a divinely appointed, limited duration, underscoring the precise and sovereign nature of God's control over historical events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 7:12 offers profound theological insights into God's absolute sovereignty over human history. It teaches that even the most formidable earthly powers are ultimately temporary and subject to God's divine timetable. The removal of dominion signifies the end of an empire's political reign, yet the prolongation of their "lives" for a "season and time" reveals that God's plan often involves a gradual unfolding, where the lingering influences of past eras continue to exist, albeit without their former supremacy. This nuanced portrayal assures believers that God orchestrates both the rise and fall of nations, and even their residual impact, all for His ultimate purposes, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

* [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures Forever")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")
* [Revelation 17:12-14](/revelation/17-12 "Revelation 17:12-14 - Kings and the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 7:12 provides a powerful lens through which to view the transient nature of all human power and the enduring sovereignty of God. In a world often dominated by political upheaval, the rise and fall of nations, and the lingering effects of historical injustices or cultural shifts, this verse offers immense comfort and perspective. It reminds us that no earthly regime, ideology, or cultural movement, no matter how influential or oppressive, is outside of God's ultimate control. While their "dominion" may be removed, their "lives" may be prolonged for a "season and time," meaning their influence might persist for a divinely appointed period. This calls believers to patience and discernment, recognizing that God's redemptive plan unfolds systematically, often involving a gradual process of decline and transition rather than instantaneous obliteration. Our hope and allegiance must ultimately rest not in the shifting sands of human governance, but in the unshakeable, eternal kingdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the distinction between "dominion taken away" and "lives prolonged" challenge our understanding of how God works in history?**
* **What "lingering influences" from past societal or political systems do we see in our world today, and how might Daniel 7:12 inform our response to them?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's precise timing ("season and time") for earthly powers impact our trust in His sovereignty during times of uncertainty or perceived delay?**

### FAQ
**What do "the rest of the beasts" refer to in Daniel 7:12?**

Answer: "The rest of the beasts" refers to the first three beasts described in Daniel's vision: the lion-like beast (representing Babylon), the bear-like beast (representing Medo-Persia), and the leopard-like beast (representing Greece). This verse distinguishes their fate from that of the fourth, dreadful beast, whose complete destruction is described immediately prior in [Daniel 7:11](/daniel/7-11 "Daniel 7:11 - Destruction of the Fourth Beast").

**Why were their lives prolonged if their dominion was taken away?**

Answer: This distinction highlights God's nuanced control over history. While their political and military "dominion" (supreme ruling power) was indeed removed as each successive empire rose, their "lives" – meaning their existence, cultural influence, people, and perhaps even remnants of their territories – were not immediately annihilated. This reflects the historical reality that empires often leave lasting legacies in terms of language, law, philosophy, and customs, which can persist for a "season and time" (a divinely appointed, limited duration) even after their political supremacy has ended. For example, Greek culture and language continued to dominate the Near East for centuries after the fall of the Greek empire, influencing the world into the New Testament era.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 7:12, by highlighting the temporary nature of all earthly dominion and the precise divine control over their decline, serves as a powerful backdrop for the ultimate and eternal reign of Christ. While the first three beasts experienced a prolongation of their "lives" even after their dominion was removed, the vision culminates in the absolute and everlasting dominion given to "one like the Son of Man" in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion"). This figure, unequivocally identified as Jesus Christ in the New Testament, is the one whose kingdom "shall not be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")). The temporary "season and time" for the lingering influences of human empires contrasts sharply with the timeless, unassailable reign of Christ, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The prolonged "lives" of the beasts, though diminished, point to the patience of God, who allows history to unfold according to His plan, ultimately leading to the full manifestation of the kingdom where Christ "must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet" ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Subdued")). Thus, Daniel 7:12, even in its description of fading earthly powers, underscores the certainty of Christ's eventual and eternal triumph over all human kingdoms and their lingering influences.

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 8:7

And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.

Daniel 7:4

The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

Daniel 7:6

After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.