Daniel 7:19

Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth [were of] iron, and his nails [of] brass; [which] devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;

Then {H116} I would {H6634} know the truth {H3321} of {H5922} the fourth {H7244} beast {H2423}, which was {H1934} diverse {H8133} from {H4481} all {H3606} the others, exceeding {H3493} dreadful {H1763}, whose teeth {H8128} were of iron {H6523}, and his nails {H2953} of brass {H5174}; which devoured {H399}, brake in pieces {H1855}, and stamped {H7512} the residue {H7606} with his feet {H7271};

"Then I wanted to know what the fourth beast meant, the one that was different from all the others, so very terrifying, with iron teeth and bronze nails, which devoured, crushed and stamped its feet on what was left;

Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others—extremely terrifying—devouring and crushing with iron teeth and bronze claws, then trampling underfoot whatever was left.

Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth beast, which was diverse from all of them, exceeding terrible, whose teeth were of iron, and its nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet;

Commentary

Commentary on Daniel 7:19

Daniel 7:19 captures the prophet Daniel's intense desire for deeper understanding regarding the fourth and most terrifying beast in his prophetic vision. This verse marks a pivotal moment where Daniel, having witnessed the initial vision, specifically seeks clarification on the unique and destructive nature of this particular entity.

Context

This verse follows Daniel's vivid vision of four great beasts emerging from the sea, each symbolizing a successive earthly kingdom (Daniel 7:3). While the first three beasts had characteristics that could be generally associated with known empires like Babylon (lion), Persia (bear), and Greece (leopard), the fourth beast, initially described in Daniel 7:7, was profoundly different and far more alarming. Its unparalleled dreadfulness and destructive power troubled Daniel deeply, prompting his earnest inquiry to the angelic interpreter for a full explanation of its identity and significance.

Key Themes

  • Unprecedented Terror and Power: The description "exceeding dreadful" and its physical attributes—"whose teeth [were of] iron, and his nails [of] brass"—underscore its unparalleled destructive capacity. This imagery powerfully echoes the iron kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2:40), signifying a powerful, unyielding, and oppressive dominion that would crush all before it.
  • Devastating Impact: The actions "devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet" vividly portray its absolute subjugation and destruction of all opposition. This beast represents a kingdom that would leave nothing untouched, asserting complete and brutal dominance over nations and peoples.
  • Divine Revelation Sought: Daniel's persistent questioning highlights the importance of seeking God's interpretation of prophetic visions. His earnestness to "know the truth" demonstrates a model for believers to diligently pursue understanding of God's word and His unfolding plans. God graciously provides further detail about this beast in subsequent verses, particularly its interpretation in Daniel 7:23.

Linguistic Insights

The Aramaic word for "diverse" (shana) emphasizes the truly unique and distinct character of this fourth beast compared to the preceding empires. It was not merely another powerful kingdom but fundamentally different in its nature and operation, setting it apart from all that came before. The phrase "exceeding dreadful" translates the Aramaic d'hil, conveying not just intense fear, but also a sense of awe and perhaps the monstrous, highlighting its terrifying and overwhelming nature.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that throughout history, powerful and oppressive regimes have risen, causing immense suffering and devastation. However, the prophetic nature of Daniel's vision assures believers that God is not unaware or powerless in the face of such evil. Even the most terrifying earthly powers are ultimately subject to God's sovereign plan. The detailed description of the beast's destructive nature underscores the essential need for divine intervention and the profound hope found in the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom, which will never be destroyed but will endure forever (Daniel 7:27). It encourages us to seek understanding of God's word and His purposes, trusting that He reveals what is necessary for our faith and hope in His ultimate triumph.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Daniel 7:7

    After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.

  • Daniel 2:40

    And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all [things]: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.

  • Daniel 2:43

    And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
← Back