Daniel 7:8

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.

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}.

"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.

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.

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

Context of Daniel 7:8

Daniel chapter 7 presents a prophetic vision given to the prophet Daniel, detailing a sequence of four great beasts arising from the sea, symbolizing successive world empires. This vision largely parallels and expands upon King Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great statue in Daniel 2, providing a divine perspective on the course of human history and the rise and fall of kingdoms. Verse 8 focuses specifically on the fourth beast, which is described as dreadful and terrible, having great iron teeth and ten horns (Daniel 7:7). This particular verse zooms in on a significant development among these ten horns.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Emergence of a New Power: The "little horn" signifies a new, distinct, and initially unassuming power that rises among the existing ten. Its seemingly small stature at first belies its future influence and destructive capability.
  • Usurpation and Dominance: The act of "plucked up by the roots" indicates a forceful and complete overthrow of three of the initial horns. This highlights the little horn's aggressive nature and its ability to consolidate power by eliminating rivals.
  • Intelligence and Cunning: The description of "eyes like the eyes of man" suggests keen intellect, human-like perception, and possibly a deceptive or watchful nature. This entity is portrayed as highly intelligent and calculating.
  • Arrogance and Blasphemy: The "mouth speaking great things" is a critical characteristic. It denotes extreme arrogance, boastfulness, and likely blasphemous pronouncements against God and His authority. This theme of speaking great things is further elaborated upon in Daniel 7:25, where it speaks "great words against the most High."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "little horn" is qeren ze'irah (קֶרֶן זְעֵירָה), emphasizing its initial smallness or insignificance in contrast to its later powerful and destructive actions. The phrase "speaking great things" (מְמַלִּל רַבְרְבָן - memallel ravravan) conveys a sense of boasting, arrogance, and even blasphemy, indicating speech that exalts itself above all others, including divine authority.

Related Scriptures

Understanding the "little horn" requires considering its broader context within Daniel's prophecies and beyond:

  • Daniel 7:20 provides further details about the little horn's appearance and its dominance over the other horns.
  • Daniel 7:24 clarifies that the ten horns represent ten kings, and the little horn will be different from the former and will subdue three kings.
  • The characteristics of the "mouth speaking great things" and its opposition to God are echoed in the description of the beast in Revelation 13:5-6, which is given "a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies." This suggests a continuity of prophetic themes regarding an end-time power.

Practical Application

Daniel 7:8 serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign control over human history and the rise and fall of empires. It highlights that even seemingly insignificant powers can grow to become immensely influential and dangerous, often characterized by arrogance and opposition to divine truth. For believers, this prophecy encourages discernment regarding world events and political powers, reminding us not to be swayed by boastful claims or humanistic philosophies that elevate themselves above God. Ultimately, it reinforces the truth that despite the temporary rise of such oppressive powers, God's kingdom will ultimately prevail, ushering in an eternal reign of righteousness and peace, as seen in Daniel 7:27.

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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 13:5 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

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

  • Daniel 8:9 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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.