Daniel 7:18

KJV

But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the saints {H6922} of the most High {H5946} shall take {H6902} the kingdom {H4437}, and possess {H2631} the kingdom {H4437} for {H5705} ever {H5957}, even for {H5705} ever {H5957} and ever {H5957}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, yes, forever and ever.'

Berean Standard Bible

But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever—yes, forever and ever.’

American Standard Version

But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:18 stands as a profound declaration of divine sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of God's people amidst the tumultuous rise and fall of earthly empires. Following Daniel's terrifying vision of four powerful, oppressive beasts representing successive world kingdoms, this verse delivers a radical reversal of expectations. It unequivocally proclaims that despite the temporary dominance and persecution inflicted by human powers, it is the "saints of the most High" who will ultimately receive, possess, and eternally reign in the kingdom, establishing an everlasting dominion that contrasts sharply with the finite nature of all human rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 7:18 is nestled within Daniel's vision of the four beasts, recounted in [Daniel 7:1-28](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Vision of the Four Beasts"). This vision parallels and expands upon the statue vision in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream"), depicting a succession of world empires. The preceding verses ([Daniel 7:1-14](/daniel/7-1 "Daniel 7:1-14 - The Four Beasts and the Ancient of Days")) describe the terrifying characteristics of these beasts, culminating in the judgment of the "Ancient of Days" and the bestowal of an "everlasting dominion" upon "one like the Son of Man" ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion")). The immediate context leading up to verse 18 involves Daniel's distress and desire for understanding concerning the fourth beast, particularly its "little horn" that makes war with the saints ([Daniel 7:15-22](/daniel/7-15 "Daniel 7:15-22 - Daniel Seeks Interpretation")). Verse 18, therefore, serves as a pivotal interpretive key, shifting the focus from the empires' destructive power to the ultimate, enduring victory of God's chosen people, providing a direct answer to Daniel's fear and a profound contrast to the "little horn's" temporary triumph.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Daniel was written during a period of significant upheaval for the Jewish people, spanning the Babylonian exile and the subsequent Persian rule. Daniel himself served in the courts of foreign kings, experiencing firsthand the power and sometimes oppressive nature of these empires. The visions in Daniel 7, particularly the fourth beast and the "little horn," are widely interpreted as prophetic representations of future empires, including the Greco-Roman period and possibly even later anti-God powers. The concept of "kingdom" (Aramaic: _malkûw_) would have been intensely familiar to Daniel's original audience, who lived under foreign dominion and yearned for the restoration of their own kingdom and sovereignty. The promise of the "saints" taking and possessing an eternal kingdom would have been a radical message of hope and divine justice in an era where earthly powers seemed insurmountable and God's people faced persecution and displacement. This vision speaks to the enduring tension between human political power and divine ultimate authority, a theme resonant across various historical periods.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 7:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God**, asserting that despite the apparent chaos and tyranny of human history, God, as the "Most High," remains in ultimate control, orchestrating events according to His eternal purpose. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Ultimate Victory for God's People**, assuring that the "saints," though persecuted and seemingly vulnerable, are destined for triumph and eternal reign, not defeat. This provides immense comfort and a call to perseverance. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Eternality of God's Kingdom**, contrasting the fleeting nature of human empires with the enduring, unending dominion that God establishes and shares with His people. This theme is foundational to biblical eschatology, pointing to a future reality where God's righteous rule is fully realized, as also seen in the Son of Man's everlasting dominion in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saints (Aramaic, _qaddîysh'_):** This term (H6922) refers to those who are "sacred," "holy," or "set apart." In this context, it designates God's consecrated people, those who are devoted to Him and distinct from the pagan nations. It implies a moral and spiritual separation, indicating that their identity and destiny are tied to their relationship with the "Most High." Their holiness is not inherent but derived from their divine connection.
* **Most High (Aramaic, _ʻelyôwn'_):** This title (H5946) signifies the supreme, exalted nature of God. It emphasizes His transcendence, His ultimate authority, and His position as sovereign over all earthly powers and cosmic forces. The "saints" are not merely God's people, but specifically the people of the "Most High," highlighting the unparalleled power and majesty of the One who grants them the kingdom.
* **possess (Aramaic, _chăçan'_):** This verb (H2631) means "to hold in occupancy" or "to take possession of." It conveys a sense of secure and lasting ownership, not merely a temporary seizure. The repetition of "possess the kingdom" underscores the permanence and certainty of the saints' future dominion, contrasting sharply with the transient nature of the beasts' reigns.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the saints of the most High":** This opening phrase immediately establishes a stark contrast ("But") with the preceding descriptions of terrifying earthly empires. It identifies the beneficiaries of the promised kingdom not as powerful earthly rulers or armies, but as a distinct group—God's "saints," those consecrated and set apart for Him. Their identity is intrinsically linked to the "Most High," signifying their divine election and protection.
* **"shall take the kingdom":** This clause describes the active reception of authority. The verb "take" (Aramaic: _qᵉbal_) implies receiving, acquiring, or accepting. It signifies a divinely appointed transfer of power, where the kingdom is not seized by force from human hands but is rather bestowed upon the saints by the sovereign will of God. This action marks a decisive shift in dominion from the temporary earthly powers to God's chosen people.
* **"and possess the kingdom":** This phrase reinforces and elaborates on the previous one, emphasizing the secure and enduring nature of their dominion. "Possess" (Aramaic: _chăçan_) denotes holding in occupancy, implying a permanent and unchallengeable ownership. It's not a fleeting moment of power but a lasting inheritance, a stable and secure reign that will not be overthrown.
* **"for ever, even for ever and ever":** This emphatic repetition underscores the eternal duration of the saints' possession of the kingdom. The Aramaic phrase _ʻad ʻâlamîn wᵉʻad ʻâlam ʻalmāyā_ is a superlative expression of eternity, meaning "for ages and ages of ages." It highlights the absolute and unending nature of this divine kingdom, standing in stark contrast to the finite, temporary reigns of the human empires depicted earlier in the vision. This eternal aspect is a core promise of the Messianic age.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 7:18 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Contrast** is paramount, setting the eternal, righteous reign of the "saints of the most High" against the temporary, oppressive rule of the four beasts. This juxtaposition highlights the ultimate futility of human tyranny in the face of divine sovereignty. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "possess the kingdom" and especially in the emphatic "for ever, even for ever and ever." This serves to underscore the certainty, permanence, and absolute duration of the saints' dominion, leaving no doubt about its unending nature. The verse also utilizes **Prophetic Language** and **Symbolism**, where the "kingdom" is not merely a political entity but a spiritual reality, representing God's ultimate reign and the participation of His people in it. The shift from terrifying beasts to the "saints" also embodies a powerful **Reversal** of fortune, offering hope and assurance of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 7:18 is a cornerstone of biblical eschatology, offering a profound theological statement about the ultimate trajectory of history and the destiny of God's people. It asserts that despite the apparent dominance of evil and the suffering of the righteous, God's sovereign plan will culminate in the establishment of an eternal, righteous kingdom. This kingdom is not merely a future hope but a present reality that will fully break into history, displacing all human systems that oppose God. The "saints" are not passive recipients but active participants in this divine inheritance, signifying their co-reign with the "Most High." This promise provides an enduring framework for understanding divine justice, the triumph of good over evil, and the ultimate vindication of those who remain faithful to God through tribulation. It connects the Old Testament prophetic vision to the New Testament's understanding of the Kingdom of God and the Church's role within it.

* [Psalm 145:13](/psalms/145-13 "Psalm 145:13 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")
* [Luke 12:32](/luke/12-32 "Luke 12:32 - The Father's Good Pleasure to Give the Kingdom")
* [Revelation 5:10](/revelation/5-10 "Revelation 5:10 - Priests and Kings to Reign on Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 7:18 offers immense encouragement and a vital perspective for believers navigating a world often characterized by political instability, moral decay, and spiritual opposition. It serves as a powerful reminder that no earthly power, however formidable or oppressive, can ultimately thwart the sovereign plan of God. In moments of discouragement or fear, this verse anchors our hope in an eternal reality, assuring us that our ultimate citizenship and inheritance are not in fleeting human kingdoms but in the unshakeable, everlasting dominion of the Most High. This truth should inspire steadfastness, perseverance in faith, and a willingness to endure hardship, knowing that our present sufferings are temporary compared to the glorious future awaiting God's faithful people. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our lives in the values of God's kingdom rather than succumbing to the pressures or allurements of transient earthly powers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of an eternal kingdom for the saints reframe your perspective on current global events or personal struggles?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge the notion that earthly power or political systems hold ultimate authority?**
* **What practical steps can you take today to live more fully as a "saint of the Most High" who is destined to inherit an eternal kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "saints of the most High" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "saints of the most High" (Aramaic: _qaddîyshê ʻelyônîn_) refer to God's consecrated, holy people. In the Old Testament context, this primarily designated the faithful remnant of Israel who remained devoted to God amidst idolatry and foreign influence. The term emphasizes their set-apart status and their special relationship with the Supreme God. The New Testament expands this understanding to include all believers in Christ, who are called to be holy and are set apart by God's grace through faith, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 1:1](/ephesians/1-1 "Ephesians 1:1 - Paul's Greeting to the Saints"). Ultimately, these are the people who belong to God and are loyal to His covenant, destined to share in His eternal reign.

**What does it mean for the saints to "take" and "possess" the kingdom "for ever, even for ever and ever"?**

Answer: This signifies a divinely ordained transfer of authority and a secure, unending dominion. "Take" (Aramaic: _qᵉbal_) implies receiving or acquiring the kingdom, indicating it is a gift and an inheritance from God, not something seized by human might. "Possess" (Aramaic: _chăçan_) emphasizes holding in occupancy, denoting a lasting and unchallengeable ownership. The emphatic repetition of "for ever, even for ever and ever" (Aramaic: _ʻad ʻâlamîn wᵉʻad ʻâlam ʻalmāyā_) is a superlative expression of eternity, meaning "for ages and ages of ages." It underscores that this kingdom is not temporary like earthly empires but is absolute, unending, and will never be overthrown. This promise contrasts sharply with the fleeting nature of the kingdoms represented by the beasts in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Vision of the Four Beasts").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 7:18 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true "Son of Man" (as revealed in [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Comes")), and through Him, in His Church. While the Old Testament "saints" anticipated this kingdom, it is Christ who inaugurated it through His first coming, proclaiming, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Proclaims the Kingdom")). He is the King of this eternal kingdom, and His victory over sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) secured its foundation. The "saints of the most High" who "take and possess the kingdom" are those who are united with Christ by faith, for it is through Him that believers become co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-heirs with Christ")) and are granted the privilege to reign with Him ([Revelation 20:6](/revelation/20-6 "Revelation 20:6 - Reigning with Christ")). The eternal nature of the kingdom promised in Daniel 7:18 is realized in Christ's everlasting dominion, which "shall have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")), and in the glorious future when He returns to fully establish His righteous reign and His saints will reign with Him "forever and ever" ([Revelation 22:5](/revelation/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - Reigning Forever and Ever")).

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 7:27

And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Revelation 5:10

And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Isaiah 60:12

For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, [those] nations shall be utterly wasted.

Isaiah 60:14

The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Revelation 20:4

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Revelation 2:26

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Revelation 2:27

And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.