Daniel 7:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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:

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:16 marks a crucial turning point in Daniel's vision, transitioning from the overwhelming reception of symbolic imagery to an active pursuit of divine understanding. Overwhelmed by the profound and terrifying prophetic revelation of the four beasts and the heavenly court, Daniel takes the initiative to approach an angelic figure, seeking clarity and the precise interpretation of the complex events he has witnessed, demonstrating a deep desire to comprehend God's unfolding plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Daniel's terrifying vision of four great beasts rising from the sea, symbolizing successive world empires (Daniel 7:1-8). The vision then shifts to a majestic scene of divine judgment in the heavenly court, where the "Ancient of Days" presides (Daniel 7:9-10), culminating in the presentation of "one like the Son of man" who receives an everlasting dominion and kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). The dramatic and often disturbing imagery, particularly the "little horn" and its blasphemous actions, leaves Daniel deeply troubled. His proactive step in Daniel 7:16 to seek an explanation from an angelic attendant sets the stage for the detailed interpretation that follows in Daniel 7:17-27, where the meaning of the beasts and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom are revealed. This verse highlights Daniel's human response to overwhelming divine revelation and his immediate need for understanding.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's visions occur during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense uncertainty and distress for the Jewish people. They were living under foreign dominion, and prophetic messages often served to provide hope, explain their present circumstances, and point to God's ultimate sovereignty over history. The use of symbolic animal imagery was common in ancient Near Eastern apocalyptic literature, representing nations or rulers. Daniel's role as a dream interpreter for Nebuchadnezzar (as seen in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation") and [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Second Dream")) would have conditioned him to seek and expect divine interpretation for profound visions. The presence of angelic intermediaries to explain divine mysteries is a recurring motif in biblical prophecy, particularly in apocalyptic texts like [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of the Cherubim") and [Zechariah](/zechariah/1 "Zechariah 1 - The Vision of the Horses").
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 7:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Interpretation**. God not only reveals profound truths through visions but also graciously provides the necessary understanding, often through angelic messengers, ensuring His people can comprehend His sovereign plans. Secondly, it highlights the importance of **Seeking Understanding** in the face of complex divine truth. Daniel's proactive "asking" demonstrates a diligent pursuit of spiritual insight, a posture commended throughout Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 2:3-5](/proverbs/2-3 "Proverbs 2:3-5 - Seeking Wisdom")). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Sovereignty of God over History**. Despite the terrifying imagery of earthly empires, the ultimate interpretation will reveal God's control and the eventual establishment of His eternal kingdom, a theme central to [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and God's Kingdom") and [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **asked (Aramaic, _bᵉʻâʼ_):** This word signifies a strong desire or petition, not merely a casual inquiry. Daniel is not idly curious but earnestly seeking to comprehend the profound and disturbing vision. It implies a sense of urgency and a recognition that the meaning is not immediately apparent, requiring divine assistance. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of diligently seeking God for understanding.
* **truth (Aramaic, _yatstsîyb_):** Derived from a root meaning "fixed" or "sure," this term emphasizes Daniel's desire for an accurate, reliable, and certain interpretation. He seeks the definitive reality behind the symbolic imagery, not just a possible explanation. This highlights the objective nature of divine revelation and the importance of discerning genuine truth from mere speculation, especially in prophetic matters.
* **interpretation (Aramaic, _pᵉshar_):** This term specifically refers to the unraveling or solving of a mystery, dream, or vision. It's the same word used in Daniel's interpretations of Nebuchadnezzar's dreams (e.g., [Daniel 2:45](/daniel/2-45 "Daniel 2:45 - The Interpretation of the Stone")). Its use here underscores that the vision is not self-explanatory but requires a divinely given key to unlock its meaning, transforming enigmatic symbols into comprehensible prophetic messages.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I came near unto one of them that stood by":** Daniel, having been deeply troubled by the vision, takes the initiative to approach one of the angelic figures present in the heavenly scene. This demonstrates his active engagement with the revelation and his recognition that understanding requires divine assistance, which is often mediated through spiritual beings in apocalyptic literature.
* **"and asked him the truth of all this.":** Daniel's question is direct and earnest. He doesn't merely ask for "an" interpretation but for "the truth" (Aramaic: _yatstsîyb_), indicating a desire for the definitive, accurate, and certain meaning behind the complex and disturbing visions he has just witnessed. His focus is on comprehending the reality represented by the symbolic imagery.
* **"So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.":** The angelic being responds to Daniel's request, fulfilling the role of a divine messenger and interpreter. The phrase "made me know" (Aramaic: _yᵉdaʻ_) signifies a clear and thorough imparting of understanding, transforming Daniel's confusion into comprehension. The "interpretation" (Aramaic: _pᵉshar_) is the unraveling of the prophetic mystery, providing the key to unlock the meaning of the beasts and the subsequent events.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Dialogue** as Daniel directly addresses the angelic figure, initiating the interpretive sequence of the vision. This shifts the narrative from passive reception of revelation to active engagement and inquiry. The use of **Symbolism** is implicit, as Daniel's request for "the truth of all this" and "the interpretation of the things" acknowledges that the preceding vision (the beasts, the Ancient of Days, the Son of Man) is highly symbolic and not to be understood literally. The angelic response then serves as a **Hermeneutical Key**, providing the necessary framework for understanding the complex prophetic imagery. The verse also functions as a **Narrative Transition**, moving the reader from the awe and terror of the vision itself to the systematic, divinely provided explanation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 7:16 underscores the divine pattern of revelation followed by interpretation, demonstrating God's desire for His people to comprehend His sovereign plan. Just as God revealed future events to Daniel, He also provided the means to understand them, often through angelic mediation. This highlights the accessibility of divine truth, not as an impenetrable mystery, but as something God intends to be known, even if it requires diligent seeking and supernatural assistance. The verse sets the stage for the detailed explanation of the four world empires and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom, affirming God's overarching control over human history and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret")
* [Revelation 1:1](/revelation/1-1 "Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's earnest pursuit of understanding in Daniel 7:16 provides a profound model for believers today. When confronted with the complexities of God's Word, particularly prophetic or challenging passages, our response should be one of diligent inquiry and humble petition for divine illumination. We are not meant to remain bewildered by revelation, but to actively seek its truth and interpretation. This involves prayerful reliance on the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Holy Spirit Guides into All Truth")), diligent study of Scripture, and sometimes, seeking wisdom from those God has gifted to teach and explain His Word. God delights in revealing Himself to those who genuinely seek Him, desiring that His people grasp His unfolding purposes for history and their place within His eternal kingdom. Our spiritual growth is directly tied to our willingness to ask, to seek, and to knock on the door of divine understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is my typical response when I encounter a difficult or confusing passage in Scripture?**
* **In what ways can I more actively "ask for the truth" and "seek the interpretation" of God's Word in my daily life?**
* **How does Daniel's example encourage me to trust that God desires to reveal His truth to me, even when it seems overwhelming?**

### FAQ

**Why was Daniel so troubled by the vision that he needed an interpretation?**

Answer: Daniel was deeply troubled by the vision primarily because of its terrifying imagery and profound implications. The four monstrous beasts, especially the fourth beast with its "little horn" speaking blasphemies and making war against the saints, depicted a future of great oppression and suffering for God's people (as described in [Daniel 7:7-8](/daniel/7-7 "Daniel 7:7-8 - The Fourth Beast and the Little Horn")). While the vision culminated in the triumph of the "Son of Man" and the establishment of an everlasting kingdom ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion")), the immediate impact of the terrifying earthly powers was overwhelming. Daniel, as a prophet, understood that these were not mere dreams but divine revelations with real-world consequences, necessitating a clear understanding of their meaning for his people and future generations. His distress stemmed from the weight of the prophetic burden and the need to grasp God's specific message within the complex symbolism.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 7:16, where Daniel seeks and receives the interpretation of the vision, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate Interpreter and the fulfillment of all prophecy. The angelic explanation that follows this verse culminates in the revelation of "one like the Son of Man" ([Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Comes")), who is given eternal dominion and an everlasting kingdom. This figure is clearly identified in the New Testament as Jesus Christ, who not only embodies the fulfillment of this prophetic vision but also serves as the one who fully reveals God's truth. Just as Daniel needed an intermediary to understand God's plan, humanity needed Christ to fully comprehend God's redemptive purposes. Jesus Himself is the "truth" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and through His life, death, and resurrection, He provides the ultimate "interpretation" of God's sovereign plan for history and salvation. He is the one who "opened the minds" of His disciples to understand the Scriptures ([Luke 24:45](/luke/24-45 "Luke 24:45 - Jesus Opens the Minds of His Disciples")), and through the Holy Spirit, He continues to illuminate His Word for believers today ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Holy Spirit Guides into All Truth")), ensuring that the mysteries of God's kingdom are made known.

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

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.