Daniel 7:8

KJV

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

KJV (with Strong's)

I considered {H1934}{H7920} the horns {H7162}, and, behold {H431}, there came up {H5559} among {H997} them another {H317} little {H2192} horn {H7162}, before {H6925}{H4481} whom there were three {H8532} of {H4481} the first {H6933} horns {H7162} plucked up by the roots {H6132}: and, behold {H431}, in this {H1668} horn {H7162} were eyes {H5870} like the eyes {H5870} of man {H606}, and a mouth {H6433} speaking {H4449} great things {H7260}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"While I was considering the horns, another horn sprang up among them, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. In this horn were eyes like human eyes and a mouth speaking arrogantly.

Berean Standard Bible

While I was contemplating the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like those of a man and a mouth that spoke words of arrogance.

American Standard Version

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:8 presents a pivotal moment in Daniel's vision of four great beasts, focusing on the emergence of a "little horn" from among the ten horns of the fourth, dreadful beast. This seemingly insignificant entity rises to prominence by violently uprooting three of the initial horns, signifying its aggressive nature and capacity for usurpation. The verse further characterizes this horn by its human-like eyes, denoting keen intellect and cunning, and a mouth that speaks "great things," indicative of extreme arrogance, boastfulness, and ultimately, blasphemous defiance against divine authority. This vision underscores the transient nature of human power and foreshadows the rise of a formidable, anti-divine force in history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 7:8 is an integral part of Daniel's first major prophetic vision, recorded in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"). This vision, given in the first year of Belshazzar's reign, parallels and expands upon Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great statue in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Great Statue"), both depicting a succession of world empires. Verse 8 specifically details a crucial development within the fourth beast, introduced in [Daniel 7:7](/daniel/7-7 "Daniel 7:7 - Description of the Fourth Beast") as dreadful, terrible, and exceedingly strong, with great iron teeth and ten horns. The emergence of the "little horn" and its actions set the stage for the subsequent angelic interpretation in [Daniel 7:15-27](/daniel/7-15 "Daniel 7:15-27 - Interpretation of the Vision"), particularly the identification of the little horn as a king who will speak against the Most High and persecute the saints. This verse intensifies the drama of the vision, shifting focus from the general characteristics of the beast to the specific, malevolent nature of this emerging power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's visions occurred during the Babylonian exile, a period when the Jewish people were under the dominion of powerful Gentile empires. The imagery of beasts rising from the sea was common in ancient Near Eastern mythology, often symbolizing chaotic forces or powerful kingdoms. "Horns" frequently represented power, kings, or kingdoms in biblical and ancient Near Eastern literature (e.g., [Zechariah 1:18-21](/zechariah/1-18 "Zechariah 1:18-21 - The Four Horns and Four Craftsmen")). The Aramaic language of Daniel 2-7 reflects the lingua franca of the Persian Empire, indicating the broad relevance of these prophecies to the dominant powers of the day. The "little horn" concept would have resonated with the historical reality of smaller, initially unassuming powers rising to challenge established empires, a recurring theme in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient world. The vision provides a divine perspective on these earthly struggles, assuring Daniel and his audience that God remains sovereign over the rise and fall of nations.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 7:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God reveals and orchestrates the course of human history, including the rise and fall of empires, even those characterized by great evil. Secondly, it highlights the **Nature of Evil and Oppression**, personified by the "little horn" with its aggressive usurpation ("plucked up by the roots") and arrogant, blasphemous speech ("speaking great things"). This figure represents a concentrated form of anti-God power. Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **Eschatological Conflict**, as this "little horn" is a key antagonist in the end-time scenario, setting itself against God and His people, as further elaborated in [Daniel 7:21-25](/daniel/7-21 "Daniel 7:21-25 - The Little Horn's War Against the Saints"). Finally, by contrasting the temporary reign of this oppressive power with the ultimate, eternal kingdom of the Son of Man in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Comes"), the verse implicitly reinforces the theme of **God's Ultimate Triumph** over all earthly opposition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **little (Aramaic, _zᵉʻêyr'_):** (H2192) This Aramaic term, corresponding to the Hebrew זְעֵיר, means "small" or "little." Its application to the horn emphasizes its initially unassuming or insignificant appearance compared to the other ten horns. This smallness, however, is deceptive, as its subsequent actions prove it to be a power of immense and destructive capability, highlighting a common biblical motif where seemingly small beginnings lead to great, often unexpected, outcomes.
* **eyes (Aramaic, _ʻayin'_):** (H5870) Corresponding to the Hebrew עַיִן, this word refers to an "eye." The description "eyes like the eyes of man" is highly significant. It suggests not merely sight, but human-like intelligence, keen discernment, cunning, and perhaps a watchful, calculating nature. Unlike the beastly, instinctual power of the other horns, this detail points to a more sophisticated, rational, and potentially deceptive form of evil.
* **speaking great things (Aramaic, _mᵉlal rabrab'_):** (H4449, H7260) The Aramaic verb _mᵉlal_ means "to speak" or "to say," while _rabrab_ signifies "huge (in size)" or "domineering (in character)," thus "very great things." This phrase denotes extreme arrogance, boastfulness, and self-exaltation. In the context of Daniel's prophecies, and as confirmed in [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's Blasphemy"), it specifically refers to blasphemous speech against God and His authority, a hallmark of anti-divine power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I considered the horns":** Daniel is intensely observing the vision of the fourth beast, focusing specifically on its ten horns, which represent ten kings or kingdoms arising from this empire. His careful consideration underscores the significance of what is about to unfold.
* **"and, behold, there came up among them another little horn":** This marks the sudden and unexpected emergence of a new, distinct power. The term "little" highlights its initial appearance as perhaps insignificant or less imposing than the others, yet its very emergence "among them" signifies its connection to and derivation from the preceding power structure.
* **"before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots":** This is a violent and decisive act. The "plucking up by the roots" indicates a complete and forceful overthrow or elimination of three of the initial ten powers. This demonstrates the little horn's aggressive nature, its capacity for dominance, and its method of consolidating power through the destruction of rivals.
* **"and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man":** This anthropomorphic detail is crucial. Unlike the blind, brute force often associated with beasts, these "eyes of man" suggest a highly intelligent, perceptive, and cunning entity. It implies a rational, calculating mind behind its actions, perhaps even a deceptive or manipulative intellect.
* **"and a mouth speaking great things":** This final characteristic reveals the horn's character. A "mouth" signifies communication and authority, but "speaking great things" denotes extreme arrogance, boastfulness, and self-exaltation. In the prophetic context, this is consistently interpreted as blasphemous speech against God, challenging divine authority and exalting itself above all.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 7:8 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "horns" are a classic biblical symbol for power, kings, or kingdoms, while the "beast" itself symbolizes a powerful, oppressive empire. The "little horn" specifically symbolizes a distinct, initially unassuming but ultimately dominant and malevolent power. The "eyes like the eyes of man" are symbolic of keen intellect, cunning, and perhaps a deceptive human-like intelligence, contrasting with the purely animalistic nature of the beast. The "mouth speaking great things" powerfully symbolizes arrogance, boastfulness, and, most significantly, **Blasphemy** against God. The phrase "plucked up by the roots" employs **Metaphor** to vividly describe the complete and violent overthrow of the three horns. The entire vision serves as **Foreshadowing**, pointing to future historical and eschatological events, particularly the rise of an anti-God power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 7:8 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of evil power in human history and its ultimate confrontation with divine sovereignty. The emergence of the "little horn" with its cunning intellect and blasphemous speech highlights a recurring biblical theme: that human arrogance and self-exaltation inevitably lead to opposition against God. This passage underscores that even seemingly insignificant powers can grow to become formidable adversaries of God's people and His truth. It foreshadows the rise of an ultimate anti-God figure, often identified as the Antichrist, whose characteristics of intellectual deception and vocal defiance are strikingly prefigured here. Despite the terrifying nature of this power, the vision implicitly reassures believers of God's ultimate control, as this horn's reign is finite and subject to divine judgment.

* [Daniel 7:20](/daniel/7-20 "Daniel 7:20 - Further Description of the Little Horn") – Provides additional details about the little horn's appearance, its greater size than the others, and its aggressive nature.
* [Daniel 7:24](/daniel/7-24 "Daniel 7:24 - The Ten Kings and the Little Horn") – Clarifies that the ten horns represent ten kings, and the little horn will be different from the former and will subdue three kings.
* [Revelation 13:5-6](/revelation/13-5 "Revelation 13:5-6 - The Beast's Blasphemous Mouth") – Echoes the characteristics of the "mouth speaking great things" in its description of the beast, which is given "a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies," suggesting a continuity of prophetic themes regarding an end-time power.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 7:8 calls us to a profound spiritual discernment regarding the powers that rise and fall in our world. The "little horn" reminds us that oppressive and anti-God forces often begin subtly, seemingly insignificant, before consolidating power through cunning and violence. We are challenged to be vigilant against ideologies and leaders who exhibit arrogance, self-exaltation, and a disregard for divine truth, recognizing that such characteristics are hallmarks of opposition to God. This verse encourages us not to be intimidated by the boastful claims or temporary successes of those who defy God, but rather to anchor our hope in His ultimate sovereignty. It prompts us to pray for discernment, to stand firm in our faith amidst worldly pressures, and to remember that every earthly kingdom, no matter how powerful or seemingly invincible, is ultimately subject to the judgment and eternal reign of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "little" nature of the horn, combined with its destructive actions, challenge our assumptions about where true power resides or where threats emerge?**
* **What does the description of "eyes like the eyes of man" imply about the nature of this oppressive power, and how might we recognize similar cunning or manipulative characteristics in the world today?**
* **In what ways might a "mouth speaking great things" manifest in contemporary society, and how can believers respond to such arrogance or blasphemy?**
* **How does Daniel 7:8 encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty even when faced with seemingly overwhelming evil or injustice?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "little horn" in Daniel 7:8?**

Answer: The "little horn" is a highly significant symbolic figure in Daniel's prophecy, representing a distinct, initially unassuming but ultimately powerful and malevolent ruler or kingdom that emerges from the fourth beast empire. Its "littleness" is deceptive, as it demonstrates immense power by violently overthrowing three other "horns" (kings/kingdoms) and is characterized by human-like intelligence ("eyes like the eyes of man") and extreme arrogance and blasphemy ("a mouth speaking great things"). Theologically, it prefigures an anti-God power that will arise in the end times, often associated with the Antichrist, who will oppose God and persecute His people, as further described in [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's Blasphemy Against the Most High").

**What do the "eyes like the eyes of man" and "a mouth speaking great things" symbolize?**

Answer: These are crucial symbolic details that describe the character of the "little horn." The "eyes like the eyes of man" symbolize keen human intelligence, cunning, and perhaps a deceptive or watchful nature. Unlike the brute, instinctual power of the other beasts, this horn possesses a calculated and sophisticated intellect. The "mouth speaking great things" signifies extreme arrogance, boastfulness, and self-exaltation. In the context of Daniel's prophecies, and confirmed in [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's Blasphemy"), this specifically refers to blasphemous pronouncements against God and His authority, demonstrating a defiant opposition to the divine. This characteristic is echoed in the description of the beast in [Revelation 13:5-6](/revelation/13-5 "Revelation 13:5-6 - The Beast's Blasphemous Mouth"), which is given "a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 7:8 vividly portrays the rise of a formidable, anti-God power, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the stark contrast between this temporary, arrogant dominion and the eternal, righteous reign of Jesus Christ. The "little horn" represents the pinnacle of human rebellion and self-exaltation, a power destined for destruction. In direct opposition to this, Daniel's vision immediately pivots to the coming of "one like the Son of Man" (identified as Christ in the New Testament) to whom "dominion and glory and a kingdom" are given, an "everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away" ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion")). Jesus Christ, the true King, is the antithesis of the little horn: He did not rise through violence or arrogance but through humility and self-sacrifice ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). His "mouth" speaks words of truth, grace, and life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")), not blasphemy. The ultimate triumph over all the beastly kingdoms, including the power represented by the little horn, is achieved through Christ's death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")) and will be fully realized at His second coming, when He will put an end to all earthly opposition and establish His kingdom forever ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Triumphant Return")). Thus, Daniel 7:8, in its portrayal of the epitome of human rebellion, serves to magnify the absolute necessity and glorious reality of Christ's sovereign and eternal rule.

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 13:5

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months.

Revelation 13:6

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

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.

Psalms 12:3

The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, [and] the tongue that speaketh proud things:

Daniel 8:9

And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant [land].

Daniel 8:12

And an host was given [him] against the daily [sacrifice] by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.

Revelation 13:11

¶ And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.