Daniel 7:13

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

I saw {H1934}{H2370} in the night {H3916} visions {H2376}, and, behold {H718}, one like the Son {H1247} of man {H606} came {H858} with {H5974} the clouds {H6050} of heaven {H8065}, and came {H4291} to {H5705} the Ancient {H6268} of days {H3118}, and they brought him near {H7127} before {H6925} him.

"I kept watching the night visions, when I saw, coming with the clouds of heaven, someone like a son of man. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence.

In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence.

I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Commentary

This powerful verse from the prophet Daniel offers a glimpse into a future heavenly scene, central to both Jewish messianic expectation and Christian theology. It describes a figure who appears human ("like the Son of man") but arrives with divine authority ("with the clouds of heaven"), approaching the eternal God ("the Ancient of days") to receive dominion.

Context

Daniel chapter 7 presents a vision Daniel received during the reign of Belshazzar, depicting four great beasts rising from the sea, representing successive earthly kingdoms. Following the description of these oppressive earthly powers, the scene shifts dramatically to a heavenly court. The "Ancient of days" is seated, judgment is rendered against the beasts, and their dominion is taken away. Verse 13 introduces the figure who will receive eternal dominion after the fall of these earthly kingdoms. This shift from earthly chaos to divine order and ultimate authority is the immediate backdrop for the arrival of the "Son of man."

Key Themes

  • The Son of Man: This is the central figure, described as "like the Son of man." This title emphasizes both his human-like appearance and, in later verses of this chapter, his supreme authority and eternal kingdom. It is a title Jesus frequently used to refer to himself, linking his earthly ministry and future glory to this prophecy.
  • Coming with Clouds: The arrival "with the clouds of heaven" signifies a divine or heavenly origin and movement. In the Old Testament, clouds are often associated with God's presence, glory, and judgment. This imagery is later used in descriptions of Christ's ascension and promised return.
  • Approach to the Ancient of Days: The figure comes to the "Ancient of days," who represents God the Father in his eternal, sovereign, and judicial capacity. This highlights the divine approval and delegation of authority to the Son of Man.
  • Receiving Dominion: Although not explicit in verse 13 itself, the subsequent verses (Daniel 7:14) clarify that the purpose of this figure's approach is to receive "dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."

Linguistic Insights

The original text of Daniel 7 is in Aramaic. The phrase "Son of man" is "bar 'enash" (ื‘ึทืจ ืึฑื ึธืฉื), literally meaning "son of man" or "human being." In this context, however, it clearly refers to a unique, exalted figure. "Ancient of days" is "'attiq yomin" (ืขึทืชึผึดื™ืง ื™ื•ึนืžึดื™ืŸ), emphasizing God's eternal nature and venerable authority.

Significance and Application

Daniel 7:13 is highly significant because it is one of the clearest Old Testament prophecies pointing towards a divine, yet human-like, figure who receives ultimate authority directly from God. Jesus' frequent use of the title "Son of Man" for himself (e.g., Matthew 24:30, Mark 13:26) directly references this prophecy, identifying himself as the fulfillment of Daniel's vision. The vision assures believers that despite the rise and fall of earthly powers, God's eternal kingdom, administered by the Son of Man, will ultimately prevail. This offers hope and confidence in God's sovereign plan and the ultimate victory of Christ's kingdom.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 26:64 (75 votes)

    Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

  • Revelation 1:7 (71 votes)

    Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

  • Luke 21:27 (60 votes)

    And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

  • Revelation 14:14 (51 votes)

    And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud [one] sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

  • Matthew 24:30 (47 votes)

    And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

  • Mark 14:61 (40 votes)

    But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

  • Mark 14:62 (40 votes)

    And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.