Daniel 7:20

KJV

And of the ten horns that [were] in his head, and [of] the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even [of] that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look [was] more stout than his fellows.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of {H5922} the ten {H6236} horns {H7162} that were in his head {H7217}, and of the other {H317} which came up {H5559}, and before {H4481}{H6925} whom three {H8532} fell {H5308}; even of that horn {H7162} that {H1797} had eyes {H5870}, and a mouth {H6433} that spake {H4449} very great things {H7260}, whose look {H2376} was more {H4481} stout {H7229} than {H4481} his fellows {H2273}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and what the ten horns on its head meant; and the other horn which sprang up and before which three fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth speaking arrogantly and seemed greater than the others.

Berean Standard Bible

I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn whose appearance was more imposing than the others, with eyes and with a mouth that spoke words of arrogance.

American Standard Version

and concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, and before which three fell, even that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake great things, whose look was more stout than its fellows.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:20 provides a profoundly detailed and ominous description of the "little horn" that emerges from the terrifying fourth beast, a central figure in Daniel’s apocalyptic vision. This verse intensifies the prophetic portrait by highlighting the horn's aggressive usurpation of power, its unique intellectual capacity symbolized by "eyes," its extreme verbal arrogance and blasphemy expressed through a "mouth that spake very great things," and its imposing, dominant presence that surpasses its peers. This elaboration establishes the horn's distinct identity as a formidable, oppressive, and anti-divine entity, deepening the understanding of its role as a significant antagonist in end-times prophecy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 7:20 is a crucial explanatory detail within Daniel's pivotal vision of four successive world empires, presented as symbolic beasts. The preceding verses introduce the fourth beast, distinct in its terrifying power and iron teeth, representing an empire "diverse from all the kingdoms" [Daniel 7:7](/daniel/7-7 "Daniel 7:7 - The Fourth Beast's Terrifying Nature"). From this beast, ten horns emerge, symbolizing ten kings or kingdoms. The immediate context, [Daniel 7:8](/daniel/7-8 "Daniel 7:8 - The Little Horn's Emergence"), first introduces the "little horn" that rises among them, uprooting three of the initial ten. Verse 20 serves as Daniel's focused inquiry, seeking a more precise understanding of this particular horn, its unique characteristics—the "eyes," the "mouth speaking great things," and its superior "stoutness"—and its actions, specifically the displacement of three horns. This detailed description sets the stage for the angel's subsequent interpretation in [Daniel 7:23-26](/daniel/7-23-26 "Daniel 7:23-26 - Interpretation of the Fourth Beast and Little Horn"), where the horn's nature, persecution of the saints, and eventual judgment are further revealed, making verse 20 a pivotal point of descriptive emphasis.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's prophetic visions, while looking to the future, are deeply embedded in the historical and cultural milieu of the ancient Near East. The succession of empires (Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman) that dominated the region formed the backdrop against which these prophecies would be understood. The imagery of "horns" as symbols of power, strength, and dominion was widespread in ancient Near Eastern iconography and literature, often representing kings or kingdoms (e.g., [Psalm 75:10](/psalms/75-10 "Psalm 75:10 - The Horns of the Wicked")). The concept of a ruler or entity speaking "great things" would have resonated with the imperial rhetoric of ancient despots who frequently boasted of their unparalleled might, divine favor, or even claimed divine status for themselves, often engaging in blasphemous self-exaltation. The "eyes" on the horn, an unusual feature, could evoke ancient wisdom traditions that associated eyes with intelligence, foresight, or even magical insight, suggesting a cunning and perceptive adversary rather than mere brute force. The cultural context of apocalyptic literature, like Daniel, often employed vivid, sometimes grotesque, animalistic imagery to depict nations and rulers, emphasizing their inherent nature and the theological truth of God's ultimate sovereignty over human history.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 7:20 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it powerfully develops the theme of **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Arrogance and Rebellion**. The "little horn" embodies the pinnacle of human pride and blasphemy, directly challenging the authority of the Most High, a motif echoed in Nebuchadnezzar's hubris in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation") and Belshazzar's sacrilege in [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast"). Secondly, the verse intensifies the theme of **Conflict and Persecution of God's People**. Although the direct conflict is elaborated in subsequent verses ([Daniel 7:21](/daniel/7-21 "Daniel 7:21 - The Horn's War Against the Saints")), the description of the horn's aggressive rise and formidable nature in verse 20 foreshadows the severe oppression it will inflict upon the saints. Thirdly, the detailed characteristics of the horn—its cunning ("eyes"), its blasphemous speech ("mouth that spake very great things"), and its overwhelming power ("more stout than his fellows")—deepen the theme of **The Nature of Evil and the Antagonist in the Last Days**. This verse provides a foundational prophetic portrait of an ultimate adversary to God and His people, whose traits resonate with later New Testament descriptions of the Antichrist and the beast, highlighting the intellectual, verbal, and political dimensions of ultimate rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Horn (Aramaic, _qeren'_):** This term (H7162) consistently symbolizes power, strength, and dominion in biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts, particularly representing kings or kingdoms in apocalyptic literature. In Daniel 7, the "ten horns" represent ten rulers or kingdoms arising from the fourth beast. The "other" horn, initially described as "little" in [Daniel 7:8](/daniel/7-8 "Daniel 7:8 - The Little Horn's Emergence"), demonstrates a unique and aggressive power by displacing three of its predecessors. This action signifies its superior might, expansionist nature, and usurping authority, distinguishing it as a dominant force.
* **Spake (Aramaic, _mᵉlal'_):** The verb (H4449) means "to speak" or "to say." Here, it describes the action of the horn's mouth. When combined with "very great things," it takes on a highly charged negative connotation, implying boasting, blasphemy, and arrogant pronouncements against divine authority. This verbal aspect signifies a direct challenge to God's supremacy and a self-exaltation that crosses into sacrilege, highlighting the horn's defiance and hubris.
* **Very great things (Aramaic, _rabrab'_):** This word (H7260) denotes something "huge" in size or "domineering" in character. In the context of speech ("spake very great things"), it refers to arrogant, boastful, and blasphemous declarations. It signifies an entity that speaks with immense self-importance, making audacious claims that challenge divine authority, perhaps even claiming divine prerogatives for itself. This emphasizes the horn's overweening pride and its direct opposition to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the ten horns that [were] in his head":** This clause re-establishes the context of the fourth beast's multiple powers, emphasizing that the focus is now shifting to a specific development among these ten existing authorities. It sets the stage for the emergence of the unique and distinct horn, drawing attention to its origin within the established framework of the beast's dominion.
* **"and [of] the other which came up, and before whom three fell":** This describes the distinct emergence and aggressive nature of the "little horn." It is "other" (H317, _ʼochŏrîy_), implying its unique character and deviation from the norm. Its ascent (H5559, _çᵉliq_) is marked by the violent overthrow (H5308, _nᵉphal_) of three of the pre-existing ten horns. This act of displacement signifies its power, ambition, and willingness to assert dominance through force and political maneuvering, establishing its preeminence.
* **"even [of] that horn that had eyes":** The demonstrative "that" (H1797, _dikkên_) emphasizes this specific horn as the object of Daniel's intense focus. The presence of "eyes" (H5870, _ʻayin_) on a horn, which is typically a symbol of brute strength, suggests a combination of cunning, intelligence, foresight, and perhaps even surveillance or oversight. This entity is not merely physically powerful but also highly perceptive, strategic, and capable of intellectual manipulation, making it a particularly dangerous adversary.
* **"and a mouth that spake very great things":** This highlights the horn's verbal arrogance and blasphemous nature. Its "mouth" (H6433, _pum_) is used to utter "very great things" (H7260, _rabrab_), which, in this prophetic context, implies boasting, challenging divine authority, and making audacious, self-exalting, and overtly blasphemous claims. This signifies a direct verbal assault on God and His sovereignty.
* **"whose look [was] more stout than his fellows":** The "look" (H2376, _chêzêv_) refers to its appearance, demeanor, or perhaps its outward manifestation of power. Being "more stout" (H7229, _rab_) than its "fellows" (H2273, _chabrâh_) means it appeared more powerful, imposing, formidable, or even arrogant than the other horns/rulers. This suggests an overwhelming presence, an intimidating aura, and a perceived superiority that sets it apart from its peers, reinforcing its dominant and defiant character.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 7:20 is profoundly rich in **Symbolism**, a defining characteristic of apocalyptic literature. The "horns" are symbolic of kings or kingdoms, and the "fourth beast" itself is a potent symbol of a powerful, oppressive empire. The "little horn" is a specific symbol of an ultimate, anti-God ruler or kingdom that emerges from this empire. The "eyes" on the horn are particularly striking, symbolizing not merely physical sight but intelligence, cunning, foresight, and possibly a watchful, all-seeing nature, contrasting with the typical representation of brute, unthinking force. The "mouth that spake very great things" is a powerful symbol of verbal arrogance, blasphemy, and self-exaltation against the divine. The phrase "whose look was more stout than his fellows" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overwhelming dominance, intimidating presence, and exceptional power of this horn, suggesting a degree of might and arrogance far beyond that of its counterparts. The overall imagery creates a vivid and terrifying prophetic portrait of an antagonist.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 7:20's detailed description of the "little horn" contributes significantly to the broader biblical understanding of end-times prophecy and the nature of evil. This figure, characterized by its aggressive rise, intellectual cunning, and blasphemous speech, serves as a prototype for the ultimate antagonist to God and His people. The theological implication is that in the final days, there will arise a powerful, intelligent, and overtly anti-God entity that seeks to usurp divine authority and oppress the faithful. This prophecy underscores God's foreknowledge of such opposition and His ultimate triumph over all human and demonic powers, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty in history. The "little horn" is not merely a political figure but a spiritual adversary, whose "great things" spoken are a direct affront to the Most High, demonstrating the depth of rebellion against the Creator.

* [Revelation 13:5-6](/revelation/13-5-6 "Revelation 13:5-6 - The Beast's Blasphemous Mouth and Authority")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness and His Self-Exaltation")
* [Daniel 8:23-25](/daniel/8-23-25 "Daniel 8:23-25 - The King of Fierce Countenance and His Deceit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 7:20, while describing a future, formidable power, offers profound insights and practical applications for believers today. It calls us to spiritual discernment, recognizing that true power is not found in human arrogance, political might, or persuasive rhetoric, but in humble submission to God and adherence to His truth. The "eyes" and "mouth" of the little horn serve as a potent warning that deception often comes cloaked in apparent intelligence, strategic cunning, and compelling, yet ultimately blasphemous, speech. We are challenged to be vigilant, to critically test all claims and ideologies against the unchanging truth of God's Word, and to not be intimidated by those who boast against God or oppress His people. This verse strengthens our resolve to stand firm in faith, knowing that such powers, no matter how "stout" or seemingly invincible, are ultimately temporary and subject to God's sovereign judgment. It encourages us to cultivate a steadfast hope in God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, which will never be overthrown by any earthly or demonic power, providing a foundation for resilience in the face of opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of the "little horn" challenge our understanding of power and authority in the world today, particularly in political and ideological spheres?**
* **In what ways might the "mouth that spake very great things" manifest in contemporary society, media, or political discourse, and how can believers respond?**
* **How can we cultivate spiritual discernment and wisdom to recognize and resist ideologies or figures that boast against God or seek to usurp divine authority?**
* **What comfort or encouragement can we draw from Daniel 7:20, knowing that God foresees and ultimately judges all oppressive powers, assuring His people of final victory?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "eyes" on the little horn?**

Answer: The "eyes" (Aramaic, _ʻayin'_, H5870) on the little horn are highly symbolic and crucial to understanding its nature. While horns typically represent brute power and dominion, the addition of eyes suggests intelligence, cunning, and perhaps a watchful, strategic, or even a surveillance-like quality. This indicates that the power represented by this horn is not merely physically strong or militarily dominant but also intellectually astute, deceptive, and capable of deep insight, foresight, or oversight, making it a formidable and calculating adversary. This characteristic distinguishes it from the other horns, emphasizing its unique and more dangerous nature, combining raw power with shrewd intellect.

**How does the "mouth that spake very great things" relate to other biblical prophecies?**

Answer: The "mouth that spake very great things" (Aramaic, _mᵉlal'_ H4449 and _rabrab'_ H7260) highlights the horn's extreme arrogance and blasphemy. This characteristic resonates strongly with other biblical prophecies concerning end-times antagonists. For example, the beast in [Revelation 13:5-6](/revelation/13-5-6 "Revelation 13:5-6 - The Beast's Blasphemous Mouth and Authority") is given "a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months." Similarly, the "man of lawlessness" in [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness and His Self-Exaltation") "opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God." These parallels suggest a consistent prophetic portrait of a figure who directly challenges God's authority through arrogant and blasphemous speech, making audacious claims against the divine and seeking to usurp worship due only to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 7:20 vividly portrays an oppressive, anti-God power, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the stark contrast and triumphant sovereignty of Jesus Christ. The "little horn" represents the epitome of human and demonic rebellion against God, culminating in a final, arrogant challenge to divine authority and an attempt to persecute God's people. However, the very chapter in which this horn appears also introduces the "Son of Man" [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Comes with Clouds"), a figure who receives everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never be destroyed [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion"). This Son of Man is Jesus Christ, who, unlike the horn that speaks "very great things" in blasphemy, spoke words of truth, grace, and eternal life [John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life"). While the horn's look was "more stout than his fellows," Christ's true strength is seen not in earthly dominance or self-exaltation but in His humble sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, through which He disarmed principalities and powers, triumphing over them [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). Ultimately, the "little horn" will be judged and consumed [Daniel 7:26](/daniel/7-26 "Daniel 7:26 - The Judgment of the Horn"), but Christ's kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him [Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Saints Receive the Kingdom"). Thus, Daniel 7:20, in its depiction of the adversary, ultimately magnifies the unparalleled and eternal reign of Christ, who is the true King over all kings and the Lord of all lords, the righteous judge of all who oppose God [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

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 7:8

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

Daniel 7:23

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

Daniel 8:9

And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant [land].

Daniel 8:11

Yea, he magnified [himself] even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily [sacrifice] was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.

Daniel 11:36

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

Daniel 11:37

Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

Daniel 7:11

I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld [even] till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.