Daniel 7:16

I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

I came near {H7127} unto {H5922} one {H2298} of {H4481} them that stood by {H6966}, and asked {H1156} him {H4481} the truth {H3330} of all {H3606} this {H1836}. So he told {H560} me, and made me know {H3046} the interpretation {H6591} of the things {H4406}.

I approached one of those standing by and asked him what all this really meant. He said that he would make me understand how to interpret these things.

I approached one of those who were standing there, and I asked him the true meaning of all this. So he told me the interpretation of these things:

I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

Daniel 7:16 marks a pivotal moment in Daniel's profound vision, where he transitions from receiving the vision to actively seeking its divine interpretation. Overwhelmed by the symbolic imagery, Daniel approaches an angelic figure to gain clarity on the terrifying and complex prophetic revelation he has just witnessed.

Context

The preceding verses (Daniel 7:1-14) describe Daniel's terrifying vision of four great beasts rising from the sea, representing successive world empires, culminating in a powerful, blasphemous horn. This vision is followed by a scene of divine judgment in the heavenly court (Daniel 7:9-10), and the presentation of "one like the Son of man" (Daniel 7:13-14) who receives an everlasting kingdom. Troubled by these complex images, Daniel actively seeks clarity. This verse highlights his initiative in approaching "one of them that stood by," presumably an angelic being, to understand the true meaning of the prophecy.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Interpretation: God not only reveals profound truths through visions but also provides the necessary understanding. Daniel's experience underscores that God desires His people to comprehend His plans and prophetic messages.
  • Seeking Understanding: Daniel's proactive step in asking for the "truth of all this" demonstrates the importance of diligently seeking spiritual insight into God's Word and prophetic messages. This quest for knowledge is commended.
  • The Role of Angels: Angels often serve as divine messengers and interpreters in prophetic visions, bridging the gap between heavenly revelation and human comprehension.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the truth of all this" (Aramaic: qushṭa' dikkol-den) emphasizes Daniel's desire for the accurate and reliable meaning behind the symbolic vision. The word "interpretation" (Aramaic: pishra') is significant, as it refers to the unraveling or solving of a mystery or dream, a concept also seen in Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dreams in Daniel Chapter 2. This highlights God's consistent provision of understanding for His revealed will.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly sets up the detailed interpretation found in the subsequent verses, from Daniel 7:17 through Daniel 7:27, where the angelic being explains the meaning of the beasts and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the saints. Daniel's seeking of understanding mirrors other biblical figures who sought divine wisdom, such as Solomon (1 Kings 3:9) or the general call to seek wisdom from God in James 1:5.

Practical Application

Daniel's example encourages believers today to not merely read Scripture but to earnestly seek its meaning and application. When faced with complex or challenging passages, especially prophetic ones concerning the end times, we can trust that God provides understanding. This often comes through the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), diligent study, and prayer. God desires for us to grasp His unfolding plan for history and eternity, and He is faithful to illuminate His Word for those who genuinely seek Him.

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.

  • Revelation 7:13

    ¶ And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

  • Revelation 7:14

    And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

  • Daniel 7:10

    A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

  • Revelation 5:5

    And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

  • Zechariah 2:3

    And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

  • Zechariah 1:8

    I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that [were] in the bottom; and behind him [were there] red horses, speckled, and white.

  • Zechariah 1:11

    And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.
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