Daniel 7:7

KJV

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.

KJV (with Strong's)

After {H870} this {H1836} I saw {H1934}{H2370} in the night {H3916} visions {H2376}, and behold {H718} a fourth {H7244} beast {H2423}, dreadful {H1763} and terrible {H574}, and strong {H8624} exceedingly {H3493}; and it had great {H7260} iron {H6523} teeth {H8128}: it devoured {H399} and brake in pieces {H1855}, and stamped {H7512} the residue {H7606} with the feet {H7271} of it: and it {H1932} was diverse {H8133} from {H4481} all {H3606} the beasts {H2423} that were before {H6925} it; and it had ten {H6236} horns {H7162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After this, I looked in the night visions; and there before me was a fourth animal, dreadful, horrible, extremely strong, and with great iron teeth. It devoured, crushed and stamped its feet on what was left. It was different from all the animals that had gone before it, and it had ten horns.

Berean Standard Bible

After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, and it was terrifying—dreadful and extremely strong—with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed; then it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns.

American Standard Version

After this I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, a fourth beast, terrible and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:7 unveils the fourth and most terrifying beast in Daniel's prophetic night vision, a vivid revelation of successive world empires. This beast is described as "dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly," distinguished by its "great iron teeth" and "ten horns." These characteristics signify its unparalleled destructive capacity, its ruthless dominion over the earth, and its unique nature compared to the preceding empires, foreshadowing a final, powerful global entity that embodies absolute power and widespread subjugation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 7:7 is a pivotal verse within Daniel's first vision, recorded in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts"). This chapter marks a significant shift in the book, moving from historical narratives (Daniel 1-6) to apocalyptic visions (Daniel 7-12). The vision of the four beasts in [Daniel 7:1-8](/daniel/7-1 "Daniel 7:1-8 - The Four Beasts") serves as a divine commentary and expansion upon King Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great image in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation"). While Daniel 2 presented the kingdoms as metals in a statue, Daniel 7 depicts them as predatory beasts, emphasizing their destructive and oppressive nature. The fourth beast, specifically detailed in this verse, is presented as the culmination of earthly power, more fearsome and destructive than any before it, setting the stage for the subsequent interpretation by the angelic messenger and the ultimate revelation of the Son of Man's eternal kingdom in [Daniel 7:9-14](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9-14 - The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's visions are deeply rooted in the tumultuous geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. Living in exile in Babylon, Daniel witnessed the rise and fall of empires firsthand. The imagery of beasts emerging from the "great sea" (often symbolizing the nations or chaos in biblical thought) would have resonated with ancient Near Eastern iconography, where powerful empires were frequently depicted as formidable animals. The "iron" imagery directly connects to the "legs of iron" in Nebuchadnezzar's dream ([Daniel 2:33](/daniel/2-33 "Daniel 2:33 - Iron Legs of the Statue")), a material known for its strength and ability to crush. The concept of successive empires dominating the world was a familiar one, but Daniel's vision uniquely presents these powers from God's perspective, highlighting their transient and ultimately subordinate nature to divine sovereignty. The vision provides a panoramic view of history from Daniel's time to the end, offering hope and understanding to a people living under foreign dominion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Human History**. Despite the terrifying power of earthly empires, God remains in control, orchestrating their rise and fall according to His divine plan, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Secondly, the description of the beast's destructive nature highlights the theme of **Earthly Dominion and Oppression**. This beast embodies the ultimate expression of human power divorced from God, characterized by violence, subjugation, and a relentless pursuit of control, echoing the oppressive nature of empires seen throughout history. Thirdly, the "diverse" nature of the fourth beast introduces the theme of **Unprecedented Evil and Finality**. Its distinctiveness suggests a unique form of power and wickedness that surpasses all previous manifestations, pointing towards a climactic struggle before the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, a theme echoed in New Testament apocalyptic literature, particularly in [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast from the Sea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dreadful (Aramaic, _dᵉchal'_):** From H1763, this Aramaic term corresponds to a root meaning "to slink," and by implication, "to fear" or "be formidable." When applied to the fourth beast, it conveys a sense of awe-inspiring terror and overwhelming might, indicating that this empire would inspire profound fear and dread in those it conquered. It is not merely strong, but inherently terrifying in its nature and actions.
* **terrible (Aramaic, _ʼêmᵉtânîy'_):** From H574, this Aramaic word suggests being "well-loined" or "burly," signifying immense physical strength and might. In context, it emphasizes the beast's unyielding, robust power and its capacity for brutal domination. Combined with "dreadful," it paints a picture of an entity that is not only fearsome but also possesses an unshakeable, formidable power that crushes all opposition.
* **diverse (Aramaic, _shᵉnâʼ'_):** From H8133, this Aramaic term means "to alter" or "to change," implying a distinct difference. The beast being "diverse from all the beasts that were before it" highlights its unparalleled uniqueness in terms of its governmental structure, methods of conquest, and global reach. It suggests a new and unprecedented level of imperial power and form, distinguishing it from the earlier, more familiar empires.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast,"**: Daniel recounts the continuation of his prophetic vision, emphasizing its divine origin ("night visions"). The immediate appearance of a "fourth beast" signals a progression in the unfolding of world history, introducing the final and most significant earthly empire in this sequence. The "behold" invites the reader to pay close attention to this extraordinary sight.
* **"dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly;"**: This clause immediately establishes the terrifying and overwhelming nature of this empire. The repetition of "dreadful and terrible" underscores its capacity to instill profound fear, while "strong exceedingly" highlights its immense, unparalleled military and political might, surpassing all previous kingdoms.
* **"and it had great iron teeth:"**: The imagery of "great iron teeth" is highly symbolic. "Iron" directly links this beast to the "legs of iron" in Nebuchadnezzar's dream ([Daniel 2:40](/daniel/2-40 "Daniel 2:40 - The Iron Kingdom")), signifying its crushing, unyielding power. The "teeth" represent its capacity to tear apart and destroy, indicating a ruthless and devastating military force.
* **"it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it:"**: This vivid description elaborates on the beast's destructive dominion. "Devoured" suggests consumption and assimilation, "brake in pieces" implies utter destruction and fragmentation, and "stamped the residue with the feet of it" conveys total subjugation and humiliation of its conquered foes, leaving nothing but crushed remnants. This is a picture of absolute, brutal conquest.
* **"and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it;"**: This crucial phrase emphasizes the unique character of this fourth empire. Its "diversity" suggests that its political structure, administrative methods, and global reach would be unlike anything seen in the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, or Grecian empires. This points to an unprecedented form of imperial power and influence.
* **"and it had ten horns."**: The "ten horns" are a significant prophetic detail. In biblical prophecy, horns often symbolize power, kings, or kingdoms. These ten horns emerging from the fourth beast indicate a division or succession of ten rulers or entities that arise from or within this empire, a detail that receives further interpretation later in the chapter ([Daniel 7:24](/daniel/7-24 "Daniel 7:24 - Interpretation of the Ten Horns")).

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 7:7 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the nature of the fourth beast. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "beast" representing an empire and its "iron teeth" and "ten horns" symbolizing its destructive power and the kings/kingdoms associated with it. The description uses **hyperbole** ("strong exceedingly," "dreadful and terrible") to emphasize the unprecedented might and terror inspired by this final earthly kingdom. **Vivid imagery** is also central, with phrases like "devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it" painting a graphic picture of its brutal and total subjugation. Furthermore, there is clear **parallelism** with [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream"), specifically the "iron teeth" echoing the "iron legs" of the statue, reinforcing the interpretation of this beast as a continuation and culmination of the previous empires' characteristics, particularly Rome's crushing power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 7:7 powerfully underscores the transient and ultimately limited nature of all human power in the face of divine sovereignty. While the fourth beast represents the apex of earthly might and oppression, its very description within a divine vision reminds us that even the most formidable empires operate within God's predetermined plan. This passage serves as a theological anchor, assuring believers that despite the chaos and cruelty of worldly systems, God's ultimate kingdom will prevail. It highlights the recurring biblical theme of the conflict between human pride and divine authority, where earthly kingdoms, no matter how "dreadful and terrible," are destined to give way to God's eternal dominion.

* [Daniel 2:40-43](/daniel/2-40 "Daniel 2:40-43 - The Iron and Clay Kingdom")
* [Daniel 7:23-24](/daniel/7-23 "Daniel 7:23-24 - Interpretation of the Fourth Beast and Horns")
* [Revelation 13:1-2](/revelation/13-1 "Revelation 13:1-2 - The Beast from the Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 7:7, with its stark portrayal of a terrifying, destructive empire, offers profound insights for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that throughout history, human power, when unchecked by divine principles, tends towards oppression, violence, and self-aggrandizement. This vision encourages us to maintain a heavenly perspective, recognizing that all earthly kingdoms are temporary and fallible, regardless of their perceived strength. It calls us to place our ultimate trust not in political systems or human might, but in the sovereign God who "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Understanding the transient nature of worldly power should inspire us to live with hope and courage, knowing that a greater, eternal kingdom is coming, and to actively participate in bringing God's justice and love into a world often marked by the beastly characteristics of human dominion. It compels us to pray for our leaders, to advocate for the oppressed, and to live as citizens of God's unshakable kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of the "fourth beast" challenge or affirm your understanding of human power and governance today?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, inadvertently exhibit "beastly" characteristics in our pursuit of power or control?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's ultimate sovereignty over these terrifying empires bring you comfort or challenge in your current circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can we take to live as citizens of God's eternal kingdom amidst the realities of earthly powers?**

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

Answer: The "fourth beast" is widely interpreted by biblical scholars as representing the Roman Empire, which succeeded the Grecian Empire (the third beast). Its description as "dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly" with "great iron teeth" directly parallels the iron legs of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream in [Daniel 2:40](/daniel/2-40 "Daniel 2:40 - The Iron Kingdom"), which is also understood to represent Rome. This empire was known for its unparalleled military might, its ability to crush and assimilate conquered peoples, and its distinct administrative and legal structures, making it "diverse from all the beasts that were before it." Some interpretations also see it as a final, powerful, global empire that embodies characteristics of Rome's dominion, potentially extending into the end times.

**What do the "iron teeth" signify?**

Answer: The "great iron teeth" are a powerful symbol of the fourth beast's destructive capacity and its method of conquest. "Iron" is consistently associated with strength and crushing power in Daniel's prophecies, notably in [Daniel 2:40](/daniel/2-40 "Daniel 2:40 - The Iron Kingdom"), where the legs of iron represent Rome's ability to "break in pieces and subdue all things." Therefore, the iron teeth signify the empire's ruthless military might, its ability to utterly devour, crush, and break apart its enemies, leaving nothing but fragments. It speaks to a dominion characterized by overwhelming force and total subjugation.

**What do the "ten horns" symbolize?**

Answer: In biblical prophecy, "horns" often symbolize kings, kingdoms, or power. The "ten horns" on the fourth beast are interpreted in [Daniel 7:24](/daniel/7-24 "Daniel 7:24 - Interpretation of the Ten Horns") as ten kings or kingdoms that will arise from this empire. There are various scholarly views on their precise identity, ranging from specific historical divisions of the Roman Empire to a future confederation of powers that will emerge from it. This detail is crucial because it sets the stage for the appearance of the "little horn" in [Daniel 7:8](/daniel/7-8 "Daniel 7:8 - The Little Horn"), which is described as a blasphemous and persecuting power that rises among these ten. The imagery of ten horns also finds a striking parallel in the beast visions of [Revelation 13:1](/revelation/13-1 "Revelation 13:1 - The Beast with Ten Horns"), linking Daniel's prophecy to later New Testament apocalyptic literature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 7:7, with its depiction of the terrifying fourth beast, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the rise of another earthly empire, but in the glorious and eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ. The "dreadful and terrible" nature of this beast highlights the temporary and ultimately destructive character of all human dominion that stands in opposition to God. In stark contrast, the vision immediately shifts to the "Ancient of Days" and the coming of "one like the Son of Man" in [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"), to whom "dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him" is given. This Son of Man, identified as Jesus Christ in the New Testament, is the true and eternal King. While earthly empires rise and fall, marked by violence and oppression, Christ's kingdom is one of righteousness, peace, and justice, which "shall not be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). The crushing power of the iron-toothed beast is ultimately superseded by the gentle yet irresistible power of the Lamb of God, who triumphs not by force, but by sacrificial love and resurrection. The temporary reign of the beastly powers serves to magnify the everlasting dominion of Christ, who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, Daniel 7:7, though foreboding, ultimately points to the triumphant reign of Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose kingdom will endure forever ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

Revelation 13:1

¶ And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

Revelation 12:3

And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

Revelation 17:12

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

Daniel 7:23

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

Daniel 7:24

And the ten horns out of this kingdom [are] ten kings [that] shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

Daniel 7:19

Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth [were of] iron, and his nails [of] brass; [which] devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;

Daniel 7:20

And of the ten horns that [were] in his head, and [of] the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even [of] that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look [was] more stout than his fellows.