Daniel 8:21

KJV

And the rough goat [is] the king of Grecia: and the great horn that [is] between his eyes [is] the first king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the rough {H8163} goat {H6842} is the king {H4428} of Grecia {H3120}: and the great {H1419} horn {H7161} that is between his eyes {H5869} is the first {H7223} king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The shaggy male goat is the king of Greece, and the prominent horn between its eyes is the first king.

Berean Standard Bible

The shaggy goat represents the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king.

American Standard Version

And the rough he-goat is the king of Greece: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:21 serves as a pivotal interpretive verse within Daniel's vision of the ram and the goat, directly identifying the symbolic figures. It explicitly reveals that the "rough goat" represents the kingdom of Grecia, and the "great horn" between its eyes signifies the first, preeminent king of that empire. This precise divine interpretation removes all ambiguity from the prophetic symbolism, highlighting God's meticulous foresight and sovereign control over the rise and fall of world empires, specifically pointing to the historical emergence of the Greek Empire and its most famous leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 8:21 is found within the latter half of Daniel's vision recorded in [Daniel 8](/daniel/8 "Daniel 8 - Vision of the Ram and Goat"). The preceding verses describe a dramatic conflict: a powerful two-horned ram is defeated by a swift, single-horned male goat. Following this intense symbolic encounter, Daniel is overwhelmed and seeks understanding. The angel Gabriel is then commissioned to provide a clear and unambiguous interpretation of the vision. [Daniel 8:20](/daniel/8-20 "Daniel 8:20 - Interpretation of the Ram") already identifies the ram as the kings of Media and Persia. Verse 21, therefore, continues this divine interpretive revelation, directly identifying the next major world power and its initial leader, setting the stage for the subsequent fragmentation of that empire as detailed in [Daniel 8:22](/daniel/8-22 "Daniel 8:22 - The Four Kingdoms"). This structured interpretation ensures that the prophecy's meaning is not left to human conjecture but is divinely revealed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in Daniel 8, and specifically its interpretation in verse 21, points to a period of significant geopolitical upheaval following the Persian Empire. The "king of Grecia" refers to the Hellenistic Empire, which would rise to prominence under Alexander the Great. At the time of Daniel's writing (likely during the Babylonian exile or shortly after), Persia was the dominant world power. The prophecy, therefore, looks far into the future, predicting the rise of a new, formidable empire that would conquer Persia. Greek culture, known as Hellenism, would profoundly impact the ancient world, spreading its language, philosophy, and customs across vast territories. The imagery of a "rough goat" and a "great horn" vividly portrays the ferocity and singular power of this emerging empire and its leader, a stark contrast to the existing world order and a clear sign of God's pre-knowledge of historical events.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical prophecy generally. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Empires**. Daniel consistently portrays God as the ultimate ruler of history, who "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kings")). The explicit naming of Grecia and its first king demonstrates that even the most formidable human empires are mere instruments within God's predetermined plan. Secondly, it highlights **Prophetic Clarity and Fulfillment**. Unlike some more symbolic prophecies, Daniel 8:21 provides a direct, unmistakable identification of the entities involved, allowing for clear historical verification. This precision builds confidence in the reliability of God's Word and its ability to accurately foretell future events. Finally, the vision and its interpretation emphasize the **Unstoppable March of God's Plan**, showing that despite the rise and fall of human kingdoms, God's purposes will ultimately prevail, culminating in His eternal kingdom as envisioned in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man and His Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rough (Hebrew, _sâʻîyr'_):** From H8163, meaning "shaggy" or "hairy." This term describes the physical appearance of the goat in the vision, emphasizing its wild, untamed nature. In context, it contributes to the vivid imagery of a powerful, perhaps unrefined or fierce, conquering force.
* **Grecia (Hebrew, _Yâvân'_):** From H3120, referring to Javan, the name of a son of Joktan, and by extension, the race descended from him, specifically the Ionians or Greeks, along with their territory. This is the direct and unambiguous identification of the empire, leaving no room for symbolic interpretation regarding its identity.
* **horn (Hebrew, _qeren'_):** From H7161, meaning a "horn" as projecting, but also implying a symbol of power, strength, and authority. In prophetic literature, horns frequently represent kings, kingdoms, or significant leaders, making its identification with the "first king" entirely consistent with biblical symbolism.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the rough goat [is] the king of Grecia:"** This clause provides the primary identification of one of the vision's central symbols. The "rough goat," previously seen in the vision as moving with incredible speed and power, is here explicitly stated to represent the kingdom of Grecia. This direct interpretation leaves no doubt that the prophecy refers to the Greek Empire, which would rise to global dominance. The term "rough" (shaggy) may allude to the wild, rapid, and overwhelming nature of its conquests.
* **"and the great horn that [is] between his eyes [is] the first king."** This second clause further refines the interpretation, identifying the most prominent feature of the goat: its "great horn." This horn, described as being "between his eyes" (a position of singular prominence and power), is identified as the "first king" of Grecia. This points directly to Alexander the Great, whose singular leadership and unprecedented conquests established the Greek Empire as the dominant world power, fulfilling the imagery of a single, powerful horn.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 8:21 primarily employs **Symbolism** followed by **Direct Interpretation**. The vision itself is highly symbolic, using animals (ram and goat) to represent nations and their features (horns) to represent kings or kingdoms. The brilliance of this verse lies in its immediate and explicit interpretive function, where the angel Gabriel directly translates the symbolic imagery into concrete historical realities. This serves to remove ambiguity, ensuring the prophecy's clarity. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, looking ahead to the historical rise of the Greek Empire and its initial, powerful ruler, Alexander the Great, long before these events transpired. The precision of the language, particularly the identification of the "first king," also demonstrates a form of **Predictive Revelation**, showcasing God's detailed knowledge of future events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:21 is a profound testament to God's unparalleled sovereignty and His meticulous control over the course of human history. It underscores the biblical truth that no earthly power, no matter how mighty or seemingly invincible, operates outside the parameters of God's divine plan. The explicit naming of "Grecia" and its "first king" demonstrates that God not only foresees the rise and fall of empires but also orchestrates them according to His purposes. This level of prophetic detail serves to build absolute confidence in the trustworthiness of God's Word and His faithfulness to His promises, assuring believers that His ultimate kingdom will likewise come to pass with perfect precision.

* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")
* [Daniel 2:36-45](/daniel/2-36-45 "Daniel 2:36-45 - Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's Dream")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The precise fulfillment of Daniel 8:21, detailing the rise of the Greek Empire and Alexander the Great centuries before their historical emergence, offers profound reassurance to believers today. In a world often characterized by political instability, shifting global powers, and seemingly chaotic events, this prophecy reminds us that God remains firmly on the throne, orchestrating history according to His sovereign will. We are called to trust in His overarching plan, knowing that He is not merely reacting to human events but actively guiding them towards His ultimate purposes. This perspective fosters a deep sense of peace and confidence, enabling us to live faithfully and courageously, even amidst uncertainty. It encourages us to look beyond the transient kingdoms of this world to the eternal, unshakable kingdom of God, which is truly everlasting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific identification of "Grecia" and its "first king" in Daniel 8:21 strengthen your faith in the Bible's reliability?**
* **In what ways does God's sovereign control over empires, as demonstrated in this verse, provide comfort or challenge your perspective on current global events?**
* **How can understanding the precise fulfillment of ancient prophecies like this one encourage you to trust God more fully with your own future and the future of the world?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "rough goat" mentioned in Daniel 8:21?**

Answer: The "rough goat" is explicitly identified in Daniel 8:21 as "the king of Grecia," which refers to the Greek Empire. This symbolic animal, depicted earlier in the vision as moving with incredible speed and power, represents the swift and overwhelming conquests of the Hellenistic kingdom that would succeed the Medo-Persian Empire.

**Who is the "first king" referred to in Daniel 8:21?**

Answer: The "great horn that is between his eyes" on the rough goat, identified as the "first king," refers to Alexander the Great. Historical records confirm that Alexander was the preeminent and foundational ruler of the Greek Empire, whose unparalleled military campaigns established its vast dominion, perfectly aligning with the prophecy's depiction of a singular, powerful horn. The subsequent breaking of this horn and the rise of four lesser horns in [Daniel 8:22](/daniel/8-22 "Daniel 8:22 - The Four Kingdoms Arising") accurately foreshadows the division of Alexander's empire among his four generals (the Diadochi) after his death.

**How accurate is the prophecy in Daniel 8:21 in light of historical events?**

Answer: The prophecy in Daniel 8:21 is remarkably accurate and has been definitively fulfilled in history. The rise of the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great, its swift conquest of the Persian Empire, and Alexander's singular dominance as its "first king" are all well-documented historical facts. This precise fulfillment, centuries after Daniel's prophecy, serves as compelling evidence for the divine inspiration and predictive power of the biblical text, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and control over human history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 8:21 directly interprets a historical prophecy concerning the Greek Empire, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the overarching theme of God's sovereign control over all earthly kingdoms, ultimately culminating in the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom. The rise and fall of empires, meticulously foretold in Daniel, serves as a grand backdrop against which God's ultimate plan for redemption unfolds. Just as the "great horn" of Grecia was a powerful, but ultimately temporary, earthly king, all human rulers and empires are transient. The New Testament reveals that the true "first King" and eternal sovereign is Jesus Christ, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who conquers not by earthly might but by sacrificial love, establishing a spiritual kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). The historical precision of Daniel's prophecy points forward to the absolute certainty of Christ's return, His final victory over all opposing powers, and the full establishment of His righteous reign, where He will be "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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

Daniel 11:3

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

Daniel 10:20

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 8:5

And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat [had] a notable horn between his eyes.

Daniel 8:8

Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.