Daniel 7:20
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.
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}.
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.
I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and the other horn that came up, before which three of them fellโthe horn whose appearance was more imposing than the others, with eyes and with a mouth that spoke words of arrogance.
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.
Cross-References
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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.
Commentary
Daniel 7:20 (KJV) provides a more detailed description of the "little horn" introduced in Daniel's prophetic vision of four great beasts, particularly focusing on its distinct characteristics and rise to power among the ten horns of the fourth beast.
Context
This verse is part of Daniel's vivid dream in Daniel chapter 7, which depicts four successive world empires through symbolic beasts. The fourth beast, described in Daniel 7:7, is particularly terrifying and distinct, often interpreted as representing the Roman Empire or a future global empire. From this beast arise ten horns, symbolizing ten kings or kingdoms. Verse 20 focuses on a mysterious "other" or "little horn" that emerges among these ten, asserting its dominance by displacing three of them.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "spake very great things" for the horn's mouth (Hebrew: ืจึทืึฐืจึฐืึธื - ravr'van) literally means "great things" or "magnificent things," but in this context, it carries the negative connotation of boasting, arrogance, and blasphemy. Similarly, "stout" (Hebrew: ืจึทืึฐืจึฐืึธื - ravr'van, again, though grammatically different usage) here implies greater in power, more imposing, or more arrogant, rather than merely large in size. This repetition of the root emphasizes the overwhelming nature of this entity's self-exaltation and perceived strength.
Related Scriptures
The characteristics of this "little horn" in Daniel bear striking resemblance to descriptions of the Antichrist figure found in other prophetic books. For instance, its blasphemous mouth and persecution of the saints align closely with the beast described in Revelation 13:5-6, which is given "a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies." The Apostle Paul also speaks of a "man of sin" who "opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God" in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, further reinforcing the prophetic portrait of a powerful, self-exalting end-times ruler.
Practical Application
Understanding Daniel 7:20 helps believers recognize the nature of future oppressive powers and the characteristics of those who would challenge God's authority. It serves as a reminder to be discerning and to not be swayed by powerful, arrogant figures who boast against divine truth. This prophecy encourages vigilance and steadfastness in faith, knowing that ultimately, God's kingdom will prevail over all earthly powers, as seen in Daniel 7:27, where "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."
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