Daniel 7:28

Hitherto [is] the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

Hitherto {H5705}{H3542} is the end {H5491} of the matter {H4406}. As for me {H576} Daniel {H1841}, my cogitations {H7476} much {H7690} troubled {H927} me, and my countenance {H2122} changed {H8133} in me {H5922}: but I kept {H5202} the matter {H4406} in my heart {H3821}.

This is the end of the account. As for me, Dani'el, my thoughts frightened me so much that I turned pale; but I kept the matter to myself.

Thus ends the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face turned pale. But I kept the matter to myself.”

Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts much troubled me, and my countenance was changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

Commentary

Daniel 7:28 concludes the prophet Daniel's profound and unsettling vision recounted in the seventh chapter, capturing his personal reaction to the weighty divine revelation. It marks the end of the prophetic narrative concerning the rise and fall of earthly empires and the ultimate triumph of God's eternal kingdom.

Context

This verse serves as the concluding summary to Daniel's first major prophetic vision, detailed in Daniel chapter 7. Prior to this, Daniel witnessed a series of four terrifying beasts emerging from the sea, representing a succession of powerful world empires (Daniel 7:2-8). The vision culminates with the judgment of these earthly powers by the Ancient of Days and the bestowal of an everlasting dominion upon one like the Son of Man. Daniel's inquiry about the meaning of these visions is answered, particularly concerning the fourth beast and its destructive nature (Daniel 7:19-27). His reaction in verse 28 underscores the overwhelming and deeply personal impact of such significant prophetic insight into the future of humanity and God's plan.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Weight of Prophecy: Daniel's confession, "my cogitations much troubled me," highlights the profound and often distressing nature of divine prophecy, especially when it involves future judgments, conflicts, and the vast sweep of human history. It reveals that understanding God's ultimate plan can be an emotionally and spiritually burdensome experience for the recipient.
  • Human Response to Divine Revelation: The phrase "my countenance changed in me" illustrates the powerful, even physical, impact of encountering God's truth. Such profound revelations can be overwhelming, causing visible signs of inner turmoil, awe, or distress in the one who receives them.
  • Internalization and Reflection: Daniel chose to "keep the matter in my heart." This suggests that despite his distress, he did not immediately disclose every detail. Instead, he internalized the prophecy, pondering its immense meaning and implications. This implies a deep personal processing of the revelation, recognizing its profound significance and perhaps its timing for full understanding. This echoes the example of Mary, who pondered miraculous events in her heart.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "cogitations" (Hebrew: ra'yonin) refers to deep thoughts, meditations, or reflections. Daniel wasn't merely confused; he was profoundly pondering the implications of the vision, which brought him great distress. The phrase "countenance changed" (Hebrew: zev) denotes a visible alteration in his facial expression, indicating distress, pallor, or shock. This was a significant physical manifestation of his inner turmoil, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of what he had seen and heard.

Practical Application

Daniel 7:28 offers several valuable insights for believers today:

  • Grappling with Challenging Truths: Like Daniel, we may encounter truths in God's Word that are challenging, complex, or even unsettling, particularly concerning future events or divine judgment. This verse reminds us that a natural and appropriate response can be deep introspection, prayerful consideration, and even a degree of discomfort as we process profound spiritual realities.
  • Patience and Pondering: Daniel's decision to keep the matter in his heart encourages us not to rush to immediate conclusions or public declarations regarding complex spiritual truths. Sometimes, profound revelations require time for prayerful reflection and deeper understanding, trusting that God will reveal what needs to be known when it is His time.
  • Hope Amidst Turmoil: Despite the troubling visions of earthly empires and their destructive nature, the ultimate message of Daniel 7 is the eternal sovereignty of God and the eventual establishment of His everlasting kingdom. This should provide comfort and hope, even when the immediate future appears uncertain or challenging, reminding us that the kingdoms of this world will ultimately become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.
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

  • Luke 2:19

    But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.

  • Luke 2:51

    And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

  • Daniel 4:19

    ¶ Then Daniel, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream [be] to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.

  • Daniel 7:15

    ¶ I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of [my] body, and the visions of my head troubled me.

  • Daniel 10:8

    Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

  • Daniel 8:27

    And I Daniel fainted, and was sick [certain] days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood [it].

  • Luke 9:44

    Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.
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