Daniel 7:25

KJV

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall speak {H4449} great words {H4406} against {H6655} the most High {H5943}, and shall wear out {H1080} the saints {H6922} of the most High {H5946}, and think {H5452} to change {H8133} times {H2166} and laws {H1882}: and they shall be given {H3052} into his hand {H3028} until {H5705} a time {H5732} and times {H5732} and the dividing {H6387} of time {H5732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will speak words against the Most High and try to exhaust the holy ones of the Most High. He will attempt to alter the seasons and the law; and [the holy ones] will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.

Berean Standard Bible

He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.

American Standard Version

And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High; and he shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:25 is a profound prophetic declaration within Daniel's vision of four successive world empires, specifically detailing the blasphemous, persecutory, and usurping actions of the "little horn" power that emerges from the fourth beast. This verse unveils the character of an oppressive ruler who directly opposes the Most High God and His people, seeking to alter divine order and authority, yet whose reign is strictly limited by a divinely appointed period, ultimately culminating in God's sovereign judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 7:25 is situated within Daniel's first major prophetic vision, a night vision recorded in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"). This chapter introduces four great beasts, symbolizing a succession of powerful earthly kingdoms. The fourth beast is uniquely terrifying and powerful, from which ten horns emerge, followed by a "little horn" that uproots three of the initial horns. Verse 25 specifically elaborates on the audacious character and actions of this "little horn," describing its rebellion against God and its persecution of God's people. This description immediately precedes the climactic heavenly court scene in [Daniel 7:9-14](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9-14 - The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man"), where the Ancient of Days takes His seat, judgment is rendered, and an everlasting kingdom is given to "one like the Son of Man," providing a stark contrast to the temporary reign of the little horn.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Daniel was written during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval, with the Jewish people experiencing exile and foreign domination. Daniel's visions, including the one in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - A Vision of Empires"), provided a theological framework for understanding these events, assuring the exiles that God remained sovereign over earthly kingdoms. While the specific identities of the four beasts and the "little horn" have been debated throughout history, they generally represent oppressive empires (often interpreted as Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, or a future confederation) that would rise to power and challenge God's authority. The concept of a ruler speaking "great words against the Most High" would have resonated with the experience of pagan kings who demanded worship or blasphemed the God of Israel, such as Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace") or Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose actions in the intertestamental period bore striking similarities to the "little horn's" description.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Daniel and biblical prophecy. The theme of **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as even the most powerful and blasphemous earthly rulers operate within God's predetermined plan and limited timeframe. The **Perseverance of the Saints** is highlighted, acknowledging that God's people will face intense persecution but are ultimately protected and vindicated by God. The **Conflict between God's Kingdom and Earthly Kingdoms** is central, portraying a cosmic struggle where worldly powers attempt to usurp divine authority, symbolized by the attempt to "change times and laws." Finally, the theme of **Eschatological Hope** is subtly present, as the specified duration of the little horn's power ("a time and times and the dividing of time") assures believers that this period of oppression is finite, leading to the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom, as seen in [Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Kingdom Given to the Saints").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wear out (Aramaic, _bᵉlâʼ'_):** This Aramaic verb, corresponding to a Hebrew root often meaning "to consume" or "to become old," is used here in a mental or spiritual sense. It signifies a prolonged, grinding oppression designed to exhaust, afflict, and demoralize the saints. It implies a relentless, wearing down process rather than a swift, decisive destruction, suggesting psychological and spiritual pressure alongside physical persecution.
* **laws (Aramaic, _dâth'_):** This term refers to a royal edict or statute, a decree, or a law. In this context, it speaks of the established order, whether civil, moral, or religious. The "little horn's" ambition to change "laws" indicates an attempt to subvert foundational societal and divine principles, replacing God's established order with its own arbitrary and blasphemous decrees. This is an act of ultimate rebellion against the divine legislator.
* **time (Aramaic, _ʻiddân'_):** This Aramaic word denotes a "set time" or "appointed occasion," often technically referring to a year. Its repetition in the phrase "a time and times and the dividing of time" is crucial for understanding the duration of the little horn's power. It signifies a divinely appointed and strictly limited period, emphasizing God's ultimate control over the unfolding of prophetic events, even amidst intense tribulation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall speak great words against the most High":** This clause describes the "little horn's" profound arrogance and blasphemy. "Great words" (Aramaic, _millâh_) signifies boastful, arrogant, and defiant utterances, directly challenging the authority, character, and sovereignty of God. This is not mere human pride but a direct, open rebellion against the divine ruler of the cosmos, seeking to elevate itself above all that is called God.
* **"and shall wear out the saints of the most High":** Following blasphemy, the little horn turns its attention to God's people. To "wear out" (Aramaic, _bᵉlâʼ_) implies a sustained, exhausting persecution designed to demoralize, oppress, and perhaps even eliminate those who remain faithful to God. This highlights the intense suffering and tribulation that God's chosen ones will endure under this tyrannical power, a testament to their steadfastness in faith.
* **"and think to change times and laws":** This reveals the little horn's ambition to usurp divine authority. "Times" (Aramaic, _zᵉmân_) refers to appointed seasons or durations, while "laws" (Aramaic, _dâth_) refers to decrees or statutes. This ambition signifies an attempt to redefine fundamental aspects of existence—whether calendrical, religious, moral, or even the very order of creation—thereby replacing God's established order with its own chaotic and blasphemous system. It is a direct assault on God's role as Creator and Lawgiver.
* **"and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time":** This final clause provides a crucial limitation to the little horn's power and a measure of hope. The saints are "given into his hand" (Aramaic, _yad_, indicating power or authority), signifying a period where God permits this oppressive rule. However, this permission is not indefinite. The phrase "a time and times and the dividing of time" is a symbolic prophetic duration, widely interpreted as 3.5 years (one year + two years + half a year), or equivalently 42 months or 1260 days. This precise temporal limit underscores God's ultimate sovereignty; despite the intensity of the persecution, it is finite and subject to His divine decree.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 7:25 is rich in **Symbolism**, particularly in the figure of the "little horn" itself, which represents an oppressive, blasphemous power that arises from the final world empire. The phrase "great words against the most High" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme arrogance and audacious nature of this figure's rebellion against God. The entire verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, pointing to a future period of intense tribulation and persecution for God's people, while simultaneously offering the assurance of a divinely appointed end to this suffering. The specific temporal phrase "a time and times and the dividing of time" is a form of **Prophetic Numerology**, where symbolic numbers convey precise, divinely ordained durations, linking this passage to other eschatological texts in the Bible.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 7:25 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the nature of evil in eschatological prophecy, revealing the ultimate ambition of anti-God powers: to blaspheme God, persecute His people, and usurp His divine authority over creation and time. Yet, it simultaneously affirms God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most formidable adversaries are ultimately constrained by His will and operate within His predetermined timeline. This verse underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the temporary nature of evil's triumph, providing a theological anchor for believers enduring persecution, reminding them that God's ultimate justice and vindication are assured.

* [Revelation 12:14](/revelation/12-14 "Revelation 12:14 - Woman Fleeing to the Wilderness")
* [Revelation 13:5](/revelation/13-5 "Revelation 13:5 - The Beast's Authority for Forty-Two Months")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 7:25 offers profound insights for believers living in any age, particularly those facing opposition or witnessing societal shifts that challenge biblical truth. It calls us to recognize that true evil often manifests as a direct assault on God's character, His people, and His established order. This verse encourages a posture of steadfast endurance, reminding us that even when God's people are "given into his hand," their suffering is not without purpose and is strictly limited by divine decree. It cultivates a deep trust in God's ultimate sovereignty over history, assuring us that no earthly power, however formidable, can thwart His eternal plan. Our primary allegiance must remain with the Most High, even when it means standing against prevailing cultural or political currents that seek to "change times and laws." This passage is a call to discernment, resilience, and unwavering faith in the face of blasphemy and persecution, knowing that God's kingdom will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "little horn's" ambition to "change times and laws" manifest in contemporary society, and how should believers respond?**
* **What does it mean to "wear out the saints," and how can we spiritually prepare ourselves and support others who are enduring such prolonged pressure?**
* **In what ways does the precise time limit ("a time and times and the dividing of time") offer comfort and hope amidst tribulation?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate sovereignty, even over oppressive rulers, impact your view of current world events?**

### FAQ
**What is the "little horn" in Daniel 7:25?**

Answer: The "little horn" is a symbolic figure described in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts") as emerging from the fourth terrifying beast, which represents a powerful, final world empire. This horn is distinct from the others, characterized by its eyes like a man and a mouth speaking "great words." In [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's Actions"), it is further described as a blasphemous, persecuting, and law-changing power that sets itself against God and His saints. While interpretations vary, many scholars identify it with an oppressive, anti-God ruler who will arise in the end times, often associated with the Antichrist figure mentioned in the New Testament.

**What does "a time and times and the dividing of time" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a symbolic prophetic measurement of duration, found in several biblical passages, including [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's Limited Reign") and the book of Revelation. In prophetic language, a "time" is generally understood to represent one year. Therefore, "times" refers to two years, and "the dividing of time" (or "half a time") refers to half a year. Combined, this totals 3.5 years. This duration is equivalent to 42 months (as seen in [Revelation 13:5](/revelation/13-5 "Revelation 13:5 - The Beast's Authority for Forty-Two Months")) or 1260 days (as seen in [Revelation 11:3](/revelation/11-3 "Revelation 11:3 - The Two Witnesses' Prophecy")). It signifies a divinely appointed, specific, and limited period of tribulation or prophetic activity, emphasizing that God retains ultimate control over the timing of all events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 7:25, while describing an oppressive, anti-God power, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the temporary reign of the "little horn" and the eternal, sovereign reign of Jesus Christ. The "little horn's" blasphemous words against the Most High are utterly defeated by the true [Word of God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), Jesus Christ, who perfectly revealed the Father and silenced all opposition through His atoning work. The "wearing out" of the saints by this tyrannical power is ultimately overcome by Christ, who is the [Shepherd of His flock](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd") and promises that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). The little horn's audacious attempt to "change times and laws" is rendered futile by Christ, who is the [Lord of time and history](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Alpha and Omega") and the [fulfillment of the Law](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). His kingdom is not of this world, yet it is destined to [crush and put an end to all other kingdoms](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures Forever") and stand forever. The limited duration of the little horn's power ("a time and times and the dividing of time") points forward to Christ's definitive victory over all evil at His second coming, when He will [tread the winepress of the wrath of God](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Judgment") and establish His righteous, eternal reign, ensuring that the saints ultimately inherit the kingdom under the [Son of Man](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Comes").

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

2 Thessalonians 2:4

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Daniel 12:7

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

Revelation 12:14

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

Revelation 13:5

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months.

Revelation 13:11

¶ And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

Revelation 12:6

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.

Daniel 12:11

And from the time [that] the daily [sacrifice] shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, [there shall be] a thousand two hundred and ninety days.