Daniel 7:6

After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

After {H870} this {H1836} I beheld {H1934}{H2370}, and lo {H718} another {H317}, like a leopard {H5245}, which had upon {H5922} the back {H1355} of it four {H703} wings {H1611} of a fowl {H5776}; the beast {H2423} had also four {H703} heads {H7217}; and dominion {H7985} was given {H3052} to it.

After this, I looked; and there was another one, like a leopard with four bird's wings on its sides. The animal also had four heads, and it was given power to rule.

Next, as I watched, another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.

After this I beheld, and, lo, another, like a leopard, which had upon its back four wings of a bird; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

Commentary

Commentary on Daniel 7:6 (KJV)

Daniel 7:6 describes the third beast in Daniel's prophetic vision, following the lion-like beast (Babylon) and the bear-like beast (Medo-Persia). This particular verse introduces a creature that is widely interpreted by scholars as representing the Grecian (Macedonian) Empire.

Context

This verse is part of Daniel's vivid dream in Daniel chapter 7, where he sees four great beasts emerging from the sea, each symbolizing a major Gentile kingdom that would arise on earth before the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This vision parallels and expands upon the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great image in Daniel 2, providing a divine perspective on the succession of world powers. The beasts are a symbolic representation of the character and progression of these empires.

Key Themes and Symbolism

  • "like a leopard": The leopard is renowned for its speed, agility, and predatory nature. This imagery powerfully symbolizes the remarkable swiftness of the Grecian Empire's conquests, particularly under Alexander the Great. His military campaigns were incredibly rapid, conquering vast territories in a short period.
  • "four wings of a fowl": The addition of four wings further emphasizes the extraordinary speed and rapid expansion of this empire. Wings denote swiftness, and four wings suggest an unparalleled velocity in its military campaigns.
  • "the beast had also four heads": This is a crucial detail. While Alexander the Great rapidly established the empire, it did not endure as a unified entity after his death. The four heads symbolize the division of Alexander's vast empire among his four leading generals (the Diadochi): Cassander (Macedonia and Greece), Lysimachus (Thrace and parts of Asia Minor), Seleucus (Syria, Mesopotamia, and the East), and Ptolemy (Egypt and parts of the Middle East). These four Hellenistic kingdoms emerged as dominant powers.
  • "and dominion was given to it": This phrase, recurring throughout Daniel's prophecies, underscores the divine sovereignty over earthly kingdoms. No empire rises or falls without God's permission and purpose. It highlights that even the most powerful human rulers operate under the ultimate authority of God, as emphasized in Daniel 4:17, "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men."

Linguistic Insights

The original text for this verse is in Aramaic, a Semitic language closely related to Hebrew. The Aramaic terms used for 'leopard' (נְמַר - nemar), 'wings' (גַּפִּין - gappin), and 'heads' (רֵאשִׁין - re’shin) clearly convey the physical characteristics and symbolic significance, reinforcing the interpretation of a swift, powerful, and ultimately divided empire.

Practical Application

Daniel 7:6, like the broader prophetic visions, offers profound assurances for believers today:

  • God's Sovereignty: It reinforces the truth that God is in complete control of history. Even the rise and fall of mighty empires are part of His divine plan, not random occurrences.
  • Reliability of Prophecy: The detailed and accurate fulfillment of these ancient prophecies, centuries after they were given, strengthens faith in the Bible's divine inspiration and the certainty of future prophecies, including the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
  • Temporal Nature of Earthly Power: All human kingdoms, no matter how powerful or swift, are temporary. This contrasts sharply with the everlasting kingdom of God, which is introduced later in Daniel 7.
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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

  • Revelation 13:2 (7 votes)

    And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as [the feet] of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

  • Daniel 11:3 (2 votes)

    And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.

  • Daniel 11:20 (2 votes)

    Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes [in] the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.

  • Daniel 2:39 (2 votes)

    And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

  • Daniel 10:20 (2 votes)

    Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

  • Daniel 8:20 (2 votes)

    The ram which thou sawest having [two] horns [are] the kings of Media and Persia.

  • Daniel 8:22 (2 votes)

    Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.