Daniel 7:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the kingdom {H4437} and dominion {H7985}, and the greatness {H7238} of the kingdom {H4437} under {H8460} the whole {H3606} heaven {H8065}, shall be given {H3052} to the people {H5972} of the saints {H6922} of the most High {H5946}, whose kingdom {H4437} is an everlasting {H5957} kingdom {H4437}, and all {H3606} dominions {H7985} shall serve {H6399} and obey {H8086} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the kingdom, the rulership and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. Their kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey them.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Then the sovereignty, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey Him.’

American Standard Version

And the kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High: his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:27 presents the climactic resolution of Daniel's vision of four terrifying earthly empires, declaring that ultimate sovereignty, dominion, and greatness under the whole heaven will be irrevocably transferred from transient human powers to the eternal, righteous kingdom of God's holy people. This verse underscores the divine triumph over all oppressive forces, establishing an everlasting reign where all earthly authorities will serve and obey the Most High and His saints.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the interpretive conclusion to Daniel's profound vision in Daniel 7. The chapter opens with Daniel's dream of four monstrous beasts emerging from the sea, symbolizing successive world empires (Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman, or similar interpretations). Following these, a "little horn" arises, speaking boastfully and persecuting the saints. The narrative then shifts dramatically to a heavenly court scene where the "Ancient of Days" presides, judgment is rendered against the oppressive beast, and "one like a Son of Man" is presented, receiving everlasting dominion. Daniel 7:27 directly follows the angel's interpretation of these events, providing a definitive summary of the outcome: the transfer of all earthly power to the "people of the saints of the most High," whose kingdom is eternal and universally obeyed. It is the hopeful climax to a vision filled with terrifying imagery of human depravity and oppression.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel received this vision during the Babylonian exile, a period when God's people were under the dominion of powerful, pagan empires. The imagery of beasts rising from the sea would have evoked ancient Near Eastern mythological motifs of chaos and destructive power, familiar to Daniel's audience. The concept of earthly kingdoms rising and falling was a lived reality for the Jews, who had witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and their subjugation by Babylon, soon to be followed by Persia. In this context, the promise of an "everlasting kingdom" given to "the people of the saints of the most High" offered profound hope and reassurance that despite present suffering and foreign rule, God's ultimate plan for His people and His sovereign rule would prevail over all human empires, which were depicted as temporary and beastly.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 7:27 encapsulates several pivotal themes central to the book of Daniel and biblical eschatology. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's ultimate control over history and the destiny of nations, as seen in the rise and fall of empires detailed in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue") and [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts"). Another crucial theme is the **Triumph of God's People**, where the persecuted "saints" are ultimately vindicated and given dominion, contrasting sharply with the temporary reign of the oppressive "little horn" (as described in [Daniel 7:21-22](/daniel/7-21 "Daniel 7:21-22 - The Little Horn's War Against the Saints")). The **Everlasting Nature of God's Kingdom** is also paramount, standing in stark opposition to the transient and destructive nature of human kingdoms. This eternal reign, first introduced in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures Forever"), is reaffirmed here as the ultimate reality, ensuring stability and justice. Finally, **Universal Submission** highlights that all earthly powers will eventually acknowledge and serve the kingdom of the Most High, demonstrating its absolute and unparalleled authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kingdom (Aramaic, _malkûw'_):** This term, repeated multiple times in the verse, signifies not only a realm or territory but also the abstract concept of dominion, kingly rule, and royal authority. Its repetition emphasizes the complete transfer of all forms of governance and power. In Daniel, it highlights the contrast between the temporary, beastly kingdoms of humanity and the eternal, divine reign.
* **saints (Aramaic, _qaddîysh'_):** Referring to those who are "sacred" or "holy," this term denotes God's consecrated people, set apart for His purposes. In the context of Daniel 7, these are the faithful who endure persecution from the "little horn." Their designation as "saints" underscores their unique relationship with God and their ultimate vindication and inheritance of the kingdom.
* **everlasting (Aramaic, _ʻâlam'_):** This word conveys the concept of remote time, extending indefinitely into the future or past, often translated as "forever." When applied to God's kingdom, it emphatically contrasts with the finite lifespan of human empires, highlighting the permanent, unchangeable, and eternal nature of God's reign and the dominion granted to His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,"**: This opening clause comprehensively describes the totality of earthly power and authority. "Kingdom" (malkûw) and "dominion" (sholṭân) together encompass all forms of governmental rule and authority. The phrase "greatness of the kingdom" (rᵉbûw) adds a qualitative dimension, emphasizing the majesty and vastness of this power. "Under the whole heaven" signifies its universal scope, encompassing every earthly realm and nation.
* **"shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High,"**: This is the pivotal declaration of transfer. The passive voice "shall be given" points to God as the ultimate giver, the one who orchestrates this divine handover. The recipients are not a single earthly king or empire, but "the people of the saints," God's consecrated community. "The most High" (ʻelyôwn) is a supreme title for God, emphasizing His transcendent sovereignty and authority to bestow such a universal kingdom.
* **"whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom,"**: This clause defines the nature of the kingdom received by the saints. Unlike the temporary empires of the beasts, this kingdom is "everlasting" (ʻâlam), possessing an eternal duration. This characteristic guarantees its permanence, stability, and ultimate victory over all transient earthly powers, providing ultimate assurance and hope.
* **"and all dominions shall serve and obey him."**: This final clause underscores the universal and absolute authority of this everlasting kingdom. "All dominions" (sholṭân) refers to every form of authority, whether political, spiritual, or human, signifying complete and total submission. "Serve and obey" (pᵉlach and shᵉmaʻ) indicates not just passive acknowledgment but active submission and allegiance, confirming the kingdom's ultimate and unchallenged supremacy over all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 7:27 is rich in **Contrast**, serving as the ultimate antithesis to the preceding descriptions of temporary, beastly human empires. The fleeting, destructive nature of earthly rule is starkly juxtaposed with the eternal, righteous dominion of God's kingdom. **Repetition** of the word "kingdom" (malkûw) throughout the verse emphasizes the central theme of sovereign rule and its ultimate destination. **Hyperbole** is present in phrases like "the whole heaven" and "all dominions," underscoring the absolute and universal scope of the coming kingdom's authority. The verse also functions as a **Prophetic Summary**, providing a concise and definitive statement of the vision's eschatological outcome, moving from the terrifying present to a glorious, divinely ordained future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 7:27 is a profound theological statement on God's ultimate sovereignty and the eschatological hope for His people. It reveals that despite the apparent triumph of oppressive human powers throughout history, God's divine plan culminates in the establishment of an eternal kingdom ruled by Him and shared with His faithful. This transfer of dominion signifies not merely a change of rulers but a fundamental shift from human-centered, often tyrannical, governance to a righteous, divine administration that will endure forever. It affirms the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and ultimate restoration, where God reclaims His rightful place as the sole and supreme ruler over all creation, bringing justice and peace through His everlasting reign.

* [Psalm 145:13](/psalms/145-13 "Psalm 145:13 - The Everlasting Kingdom of God")
* [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Reign of Jesus")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become God's")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 7:27 offers immense comfort and a powerful call to perseverance for believers living in a world often dominated by systems and ideologies contrary to God's will. It reminds us that no earthly power, however mighty or oppressive, is ultimate or eternal. The vision reorients our perspective from the temporal to the eternal, encouraging us to invest our lives in the values and purposes of God's everlasting kingdom rather than the fleeting pursuits of this world. It assures us that suffering and injustice are temporary, and ultimate victory belongs to God and His faithful. This truth empowers us to live with hope, courage, and a deep sense of purpose, knowing that our present faithfulness contributes to a future reality where righteousness reigns supreme and all authority bows before the Most High.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of an "everlasting kingdom" challenge your perspective on current global events or personal struggles?**
* **In what ways can you actively live as a "saint of the Most High" today, reflecting the values of the coming kingdom in your daily life?**
* **How does the assurance that "all dominions shall serve and obey him" impact your trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty?**

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

Answer: The "people of the saints of the most High" refer to God's consecrated, set-apart people. In the immediate context of Daniel, this primarily referred to the faithful remnant of Israel who endured persecution. However, in the broader sweep of biblical theology, particularly from a New Testament perspective, this phrase expands to include all true believers in God, whether Jew or Gentile, who are united in Christ. They are those who belong to God, are called to holiness, and persevere in faith despite opposition. This group is distinct from the oppressive earthly powers and is destined to inherit and reign with God in His eternal kingdom, as seen in passages like [Revelation 5:10](/revelation/5-10 "Revelation 5:10 - Priests and Kings Reigning on Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 7:27 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the "one like a Son of Man" described earlier in the chapter. While the verse states the kingdom is given to "the people of the saints," the New Testament reveals that this inheritance is mediated through and centered upon Christ. He is the true King, the head of this everlasting kingdom, and His people share in His reign. Jesus Himself spoke extensively about the "kingdom of God," inaugurating it through His first coming and promising its full consummation at His return. The dominion given to the "Son of Man" in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion") is precisely the authority that Christ received upon His resurrection and ascension, when "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). Therefore, the "people of the saints" inherit this kingdom because they are "in Christ," co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The promise that "all dominions shall serve and obey him" points directly to the universal lordship of Jesus, to whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Thus, Daniel 7:27 is a powerful prophetic declaration of Christ's eternal, universal reign and the shared inheritance of His redeemed people.

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

Psalms 72:11

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

Luke 1:33

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

Psalms 22:27

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

Daniel 7:18

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

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.