Daniel 7:4

KJV

The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

KJV (with Strong's)

The first {H6933} was like a lion {H744}, and had eagle's {H5403} wings {H1611}: I beheld {H1934}{H2370} till {H5705} the wings {H1611} thereof were plucked {H4804}, and it was lifted up {H5191} from {H4481} the earth {H772}, and made stand {H6966} upon {H5922} the feet {H7271} as a man {H606}, and a man's {H606} heart {H3825} was given {H3052} to it.

Complete Jewish Bible

The first was like a lion, but it had eagle's wings. As I watched, its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted off the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a human heart was given to it.

Berean Standard Bible

The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and given the mind of a man.

American Standard Version

The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand upon two feet as a man; and a man’s heart was given to it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:4 presents the prophet's vision of the first of four great beasts, a powerful and awe-inspiring creature resembling a lion with eagle's wings. This formidable entity undergoes a dramatic transformation: its wings are plucked, it is lifted from the earth, made to stand on two feet like a man, and given a human heart. This vivid imagery symbolically portrays the rise and eventual humbling of a dominant world empire, highlighting the transient nature of earthly power and the sovereign hand of God in human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 7 opens a new section of the book, shifting from historical narratives (chapters 1-6) to apocalyptic visions (chapters 7-12). This vision, given in the first year of King Belshazzar, parallels and expands upon Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great statue in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue"), both outlining the succession of Gentile empires that would dominate the world before the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Daniel 7:4 specifically details the first of these four beasts, setting the stage for the subsequent descriptions of the other empires and the ultimate triumph of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man. The detailed description here is crucial for understanding the interpretive vision later in the chapter, particularly [Daniel 7:17](/daniel/7-17 "Daniel 7:17 - Interpretation of the Beasts").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision occurs during the Neo-Babylonian Empire's decline, shortly before its fall to the Medo-Persian Empire. Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, was known for its swift and devastating conquests, expanding its dominion across the ancient Near East. The lion was a prominent symbol of Babylonian power and majesty, frequently depicted in their art and architecture, such as the Ishtar Gate. Eagles were also symbols of imperial might and swiftness in ancient cultures. The transformation described in the verse, particularly the humbling and the giving of a "man's heart," is often interpreted in light of the historical account of [King Nebuchadnezzar's period of madness and subsequent restoration](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling"), where he was brought low by God and forced to acknowledge divine sovereignty. This historical event provides a specific cultural and political backdrop against which the symbolic transformation of the first beast can be understood.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Daniel. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God over all earthly kingdoms**. Despite their formidable power and swift rise, these empires are ultimately subject to God's divine will and purpose, rising and falling according to His decree, as seen throughout [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream") and [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts"). Secondly, it highlights the **Transient Nature of Worldly Power and Glory**. Even the most dominant empires, symbolized by the mighty lion with eagle's wings, are temporary and can be humbled or transformed by divine intervention. This theme is powerfully illustrated by the plucking of the wings and the humanizing of the beast. Thirdly, the concept of **Divine Judgment and Humbling of Pride** is evident, particularly in the transformation that gives the beast a "man's heart," echoing the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling and Restoration"), where a proud king is brought to his knees to recognize the Most High God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lion (Aramaic, _ʼaryêh'_):** This term, corresponding to the Hebrew word for lion, signifies immense strength, ferocity, and kingship. In ancient Near Eastern iconography, the lion was a powerful symbol of imperial authority and predatory might, perfectly representing the initial, unbridled power of the Babylonian Empire.
* **wings (Aramaic, _gaph'_):** Referring to the appendages of a bird, "wings" here specifically denote the eagle's wings. They symbolize swiftness, rapid conquest, and far-reaching dominion, indicating the speed with which the empire expanded its territory. The plucking of these wings signifies a loss of this rapid, predatory power.
* **heart (Aramaic, _lᵉbab'_):** This word refers to the innermost organ, the seat of intellect, emotion, and will. The phrase "a man's heart was given to it" implies a profound change from a purely beastly, instinct-driven nature to one capable of human reason, humility, or perhaps a recognition of human limitations in the face of divine power, as exemplified by Nebuchadnezzar's humbling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings":** This clause introduces the initial form of the first beast, a composite creature embodying formidable power (lion) and unparalleled swiftness and reach (eagle's wings). This vividly symbolizes the Neo-Babylonian Empire, particularly under Nebuchadnezzar, known for its rapid and devastating conquests.
* **"I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked":** The prophet observes a significant alteration. The plucking of the wings signifies a curtailment or loss of the empire's swift, aggressive power and dominion. This points to a decline in its absolute authority and expansionist capabilities.
* **"and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man":** This describes a further transformation. Being "lifted up from the earth" suggests a removal from its purely earthly, beastly existence or a change in its foundational nature. Standing "upon the feet as a man" indicates a shift towards a more human-like posture, symbolizing a change in its character, perhaps a move away from pure predatory instinct towards a more reasoned, or even humbled, state.
* **"and a man's heart was given to it":** This final phrase is highly significant. The giving of a "man's heart" implies a profound internal change, moving from a beastly disposition to one that possesses human understanding, humility, or a capacity for acknowledging a higher power. This is widely understood to allude to Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience, where he was stripped of his pride and came to recognize God's sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 7:4 makes rich use of **Symbolism** to convey complex theological and historical truths. The "lion" symbolizes strength, majesty, and kingship, while "eagle's wings" represent swiftness and far-reaching dominion, collectively portraying the formidable power of the Babylonian Empire. The verse also employs **Metamorphosis**, as the beast undergoes a dramatic transformation from a winged lion to a human-like figure. This change is not merely physical but deeply symbolic, representing a shift in the empire's character or the humbling of its ruler. Furthermore, **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the beast being "made stand upon the feet as a man" and given "a man's heart," attributing human characteristics to a non-human entity to convey a profound change in its nature or disposition, particularly a move from bestial pride to human humility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 7:4 powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations. The beast's transformation, from a proud, swift predator to a humbled, human-like figure, underscores the principle that no earthly power, however formidable, can withstand the divine will. This vision serves as a theological statement that God is the ultimate ruler of history, orchestrating the destinies of empires according to His eternal purposes. It reminds us that human pride and self-sufficiency are ultimately futile, as God can humble the mightiest rulers and alter the course of the most powerful kingdoms, bringing them to a recognition of their dependence on Him.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges the Earth")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 7:4 offers a profound lesson for all generations: earthly power is fleeting, and true authority rests with God alone. In a world often captivated by the might of nations, economic prowess, or personal influence, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that all human endeavors and achievements are ultimately temporary and subject to divine oversight. It encourages us to cultivate humility, recognizing that pride precedes a fall, and that true wisdom lies in acknowledging God's supreme reign. For believers, this vision provides comfort and assurance that even amidst geopolitical turmoil and the rise and fall of empires, God remains firmly on His throne, working all things according to His sovereign plan. Our ultimate hope and allegiance should therefore be placed not in transient earthly kingdoms, but in the eternal, unshakable kingdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the lion with eagle's wings challenge or confirm your understanding of worldly power today?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, exhibit a "beastly" pride that needs to be "plucked" or humbled by God?**
* **What does the transformation of the beast to a "man's heart" teach us about the nature of true humility and repentance?**
* **How does knowing God's sovereignty over nations impact your prayers for leaders and governments?**

### FAQ
**What does the "first beast" in Daniel 7:4 represent?**

Answer: The first beast, described as a lion with eagle's wings that is later humbled, is widely interpreted by biblical scholars as symbolizing the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This empire, particularly under King Nebuchadnezzar, was renowned for its immense strength, swift conquests, and far-reaching dominion, characteristics vividly portrayed by the lion and eagle imagery. The subsequent humbling and transformation of the beast, where it is given "a man's heart," is often seen as an allusion to Nebuchadnezzar's period of madness and subsequent restoration, as detailed in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling"), where he was humbled by God and came to acknowledge divine sovereignty.

**What is the significance of the wings being "plucked" and the beast being given "a man's heart"?**

Answer: The plucking of the eagle's wings signifies the loss of the empire's swift, predatory power and its far-reaching dominion. This points to a decline in its aggressive expansion and perhaps a weakening of its absolute authority. The subsequent transformation, where it is "lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it," symbolizes a profound shift from a purely beastly, instinct-driven nature to one that is more human, perhaps capable of reason, humility, or a recognition of its limitations. This transformation is strongly linked to the historical account of King Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling"), where his pride was broken, and he was brought to acknowledge the Most High God as the true ruler of all kingdoms. It underscores the theme that God can humble even the proudest of rulers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 7:4 primarily describes an earthly empire, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the contrast it provides to the eternal, unshakable kingdom of God established by Jesus Christ. The first beast, like all the beasts in Daniel's vision, represents a transient, fallen, and ultimately doomed earthly power. Its transformation and eventual demise foreshadow the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, which is not built on human might or fleeting glory. In stark contrast to the beast's temporary dominion, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the true King, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who conquers not by force but by sacrifice, and whose kingdom is [not of this world](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World"). The humbling of the beast, leading to a "man's heart," points forward to the true humanity and humility embodied by Christ, who, though divine, [emptied himself, taking the form of a servant](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility"). The vision in Daniel 7 culminates not with the beasts, but with the [Son of Man](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Comes"), to whom all authority, glory, and sovereign power are given—a clear messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus, who [has been given all authority in heaven and on earth](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). Thus, the fleeting power of the lion-eagle beast serves as a backdrop, highlighting the eternal and righteous reign of Christ, whose kingdom will [never be destroyed](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom").

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

Jeremiah 4:7

The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; [and] thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.

Isaiah 14:13

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

Isaiah 14:17

[That] made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; [that] opened not the house of his prisoners?

Habakkuk 1:6

For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.

Habakkuk 1:8

Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle [that] hasteth to eat.

Ezekiel 17:3

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:

Daniel 4:30

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?