Daniel 8:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the he {H6842} goat {H5795} waxed very {H3966} great {H1431}: and when he was strong {H6105}, the great {H1419} horn {H7161} was broken {H7665}; and for it came up {H5927} four {H702} notable ones {H2380} toward the four {H702} winds {H7307} of heaven {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The male goat then became extremely strong; but when it was strong, the big horn was broken; and in its place arose what appeared to be four horns in the directions of the four winds of heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

Thus the goat became very great, but at the height of his power, his large horn was broken off, and four prominent horns came up in its place, pointing toward the four winds of heaven.

American Standard Version

And the he-goat magnified himself exceedingly: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and instead of it there came up four notable horns toward the four winds of heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:8 is a pivotal prophetic verse within Daniel's vision of the ram and the he-goat, precisely foretelling the swift rise and subsequent fragmentation of the Grecian Empire. It describes the he-goat, representing Alexander the Great, achieving immense power before his "great horn" (symbolizing his dominion) is suddenly broken. In its place, four "notable ones" emerge, signifying the division of his vast empire among his four leading generals, spreading their influence "toward the four winds of heaven." This verse underscores God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms, revealing His meticulous foresight in human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 8:8 is situated within Daniel's second major vision, recorded in [Daniel chapter 8](/daniel/8 "Daniel 8 - Vision of the Ram and Goat"). This vision, given in the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, follows the vision of the four beasts in [Daniel chapter 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Vision of the Four Beasts") and precedes the seventy weeks prophecy in [Daniel chapter 9](/daniel/9 "Daniel 9 - The Seventy Weeks Prophecy"). While [Daniel chapter 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - The Vision of the Four Beasts") provides a broader sweep of Gentile empires from Babylon to the end times, [Daniel chapter 8](/daniel/8 "Daniel 8 - Vision of the Ram and Goat") offers a more focused and detailed prophecy concerning the Medo-Persian and Grecian empires, culminating in the rise of a "little horn" (distinct from the one in [Daniel 7:8](/daniel/7-8 "Daniel 7:8 - The Little Horn")) that represents Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The immediate verses leading up to [Daniel 8:8](/daniel/8-8 "Daniel 8:8 - The He-Goat's Broken Horn") describe the he-goat's furious attack and decisive victory over the ram (Medo-Persia), setting the stage for the he-goat's unparalleled ascent to power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in [Daniel chapter 8](/daniel/8 "Daniel 8 - Vision of the Ram and Goat") was given around 550 BC, centuries before the events it describes would unfold. The "he goat" is explicitly identified in [Daniel 8:21](/daniel/8-21 "Daniel 8:21 - The King of Grecia") as the "king of Grecia," universally understood by scholars to represent Alexander the Great and his empire. Alexander's conquests, beginning in 334 BC, were astonishingly swift, sweeping across the Persian Empire in a mere decade. His sudden death in 323 BC at the height of his power, without a clear successor, led to a period of intense conflict among his generals, known as the Diadochi (successors). The division of his empire into four primary Hellenistic kingdoms—Ptolemaic Egypt, Seleucid Syria, Antigonid Macedonia, and Lysimachian Thrace/Asia Minor—is a well-documented historical fact that precisely fulfills the prophecy of the "four notable ones." The ancient Near Eastern world understood horns as symbols of power, strength, and dominion, especially in relation to kings and kingdoms, making the imagery of the "great horn" and its subsequent breakage highly evocative.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights God's **sovereignty over human history**, demonstrating that the rise and fall of empires are not random occurrences but are meticulously orchestrated within God's divine plan. The astonishing accuracy of the prophecy, detailing events centuries in advance, reinforces the theme of **divine omniscience** and the reliability of God's Word. Secondly, it emphasizes the **transience of earthly power**; even the mightiest human empires, like Alexander's, are ultimately temporary and subject to divine decree. This contrasts sharply with the enduring nature of God's kingdom, a theme consistently presented throughout Daniel, particularly in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom") and [Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Kingdom Given to the Saints"). Finally, the detailed nature of the prophecy serves to **bolster faith** in God's ultimate control and the certainty of His future plans, providing assurance to those living in turbulent times.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This word, derived from H1431 (gâdal), signifies something large in various senses, including body, mind, estate, or honor. In the context of [Daniel 8:8](/daniel/8-8 "Daniel 8:8 - The He-Goat's Broken Horn"), it emphasizes the immense scale of the he-goat's (Alexander's) power and the vastness of his conquests, indicating an unparalleled rise to dominion. The repetition with "very" (H3966, mᵉʼôd) intensifies this meaning, underscoring the extraordinary magnitude of his might.
* **broken (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** This primitive root means "to burst (literally or figuratively)," implying a sudden, forceful, and complete cessation. Applied to the "great horn," it vividly portrays the abrupt and unexpected end of Alexander's reign and life at the zenith of his power, rather than a gradual decline. This term conveys the divine decree behind the event, signaling an act of God's sovereign intervention in human affairs.
* **notable ones (Hebrew, _châzûwth'_):** Derived from H2380 (châzâh), meaning "a look" or "striking appearance," this term implies something conspicuous, significant, or clearly visible. In the context of the four horns, it highlights that the successor kingdoms were not minor factions but distinct, powerful entities that emerged prominently from the shattered empire, each holding significant dominion and fulfilling the prophetic vision with unmistakable clarity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the he goat waxed very great:"** This clause describes the unprecedented and rapid expansion of the Grecian Empire under Alexander the Great. The "he goat" (identified in [Daniel 8:21](/daniel/8-21 "Daniel 8:21 - The King of Grecia") as the King of Grecia) achieved a level of power and territorial control that was truly immense, "waxing very great" in its influence and dominion across the ancient world. This speaks to Alexander's swift and overwhelming military campaigns that conquered the vast Persian Empire.
* **"and when he was strong, the great horn was broken;"** This phrase marks a dramatic and sudden turning point. At the peak of his strength and imperial power, symbolized by the "great horn" (Alexander's singular dominion), this power was abruptly "broken." This precisely foretells Alexander's premature death in 323 BC, which occurred when his empire was at its strongest and most expansive, shocking the world and leaving a power vacuum.
* **"and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven."** This final clause prophesies the immediate aftermath of the "great horn's" breakage. In place of Alexander's unified empire, four distinct and significant powers ("notable ones") arose. The phrase "toward the four winds of heaven" indicates that these four kingdoms would be geographically dispersed, extending their rule in different directions, accurately depicting the division of Alexander's empire among his four leading generals (Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy) into separate Hellenistic dynasties.

#### Literary Devices
[Daniel 8:8](/daniel/8-8 "Daniel 8:8 - The He-Goat's Broken Horn") is rich with **Symbolism**, a prominent literary device throughout apocalyptic literature. The "he goat" is a clear symbol for the Grecian Empire, and its "great horn" specifically represents Alexander the Great and his singular, dominant power. The subsequent "four notable ones" symbolize the four successor kingdoms that emerged from his fragmented empire. The "four winds of heaven" is a symbolic phrase indicating the global reach and distinct geographical directions of these divided kingdoms. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing** and **Prophetic Language**, as it describes events that would occur centuries after Daniel's time with remarkable precision, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and control over historical outcomes. The abruptness of "was broken" uses **Juxtaposition** to highlight the sudden end of Alexander's reign at the very height of his strength, emphasizing the fragility of human power even at its zenith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:8 powerfully illustrates the overarching biblical theme of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and human history. It reveals that the rise and fall of empires, seemingly chaotic or determined by human ambition, are in fact meticulously orchestrated according to God's divine plan. The astonishing precision of this prophecy, detailing Alexander's meteoric rise, his sudden death at the peak of his power, and the subsequent division of his empire into four distinct realms, serves as irrefutable evidence of God's omniscience and His active involvement in the affairs of nations. This divine control ensures that ultimately, all human history moves towards the fulfillment of His purposes, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom, which will never be destroyed or given to another people. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, reminding them that their ultimate hope rests not in the stability of human governments, but in the unchanging and all-powerful reign of God.

* [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Kingdom That Will Never Be Destroyed")
* [Daniel 7:17-18](/daniel/7-17 "Daniel 7:17-18 - The Four Great Beasts and the Saints' Dominion")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges and Exalts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed prophecy in Daniel 8:8 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is not a distant observer but the active director of history, meticulously weaving even the most dramatic and seemingly unpredictable events into His grand tapestry. In a world often characterized by political instability, the rise and fall of nations, and the shifting sands of power, this verse anchors our faith in an unchanging God who knows the end from the beginning. It encourages us to look beyond the immediate circumstances and trust in His ultimate plan, which will culminate in the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of peace and confidence, freeing us from anxiety about worldly affairs and empowering us to live with purpose, knowing that our efforts for His kingdom are part of a larger, divinely ordained narrative. It calls us to recognize that true power and lasting dominion belong only to God, and our ultimate allegiance should be to Him and His purposes, rather than to transient earthly authorities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise fulfillment of Daniel 8:8 strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word and His control over history?**
* **In what ways might focusing on God's sovereignty, as revealed in this prophecy, help you navigate current global or personal uncertainties?**
* **Considering the transience of earthly power depicted here, what does this verse teach you about where to place your ultimate hope and security?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he goat" and the "great horn" in Daniel 8:8?**

Answer: The "he goat" in Daniel's vision is explicitly identified in [Daniel 8:21](/daniel/8-21 "Daniel 8:21 - The King of Grecia") as the "king of Grecia," which is universally understood by biblical scholars and historians to represent the Grecian Empire. The "great horn" refers to Alexander the Great, the empire's most prominent and powerful king, whose meteoric rise and vast conquests established Greek dominion over the ancient world.

**What does it mean that "the great horn was broken" and "four notable ones" came up?**

Answer: The breaking of the "great horn" precisely foretold the sudden and premature death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, at the very height of his power and imperial expansion. He died without a clear successor, leading to a period of intense conflict among his generals. The "four notable ones" refer to the four prominent generals (the Diadochi) who eventually divided Alexander's vast empire among themselves after his death. These were Cassander (who took control of Macedonia and Greece), Lysimachus (Thrace and parts of Asia Minor), Seleucus (Syria, Babylon, and the eastern territories), and Ptolemy (Egypt and Palestine). This division is further elaborated upon in [Daniel 8:22](/daniel/8-22 "Daniel 8:22 - The Four Kingdoms from Alexander's Empire").

**Why is this prophecy so significant for believers today?**

Answer: This prophecy is highly significant because its astonishing historical accuracy, foretelling events centuries in advance, provides compelling evidence for the divine inspiration of Scripture and God's absolute sovereignty over human history. It assures believers that God is not merely an observer but the active director of all events, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations according to His perfect plan. This understanding strengthens faith, provides comfort in times of global instability, and reminds us that God's ultimate purposes will prevail, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom, as hinted at in passages like [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 8:8 specifically details the rise and fall of the Grecian Empire, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the stark contrast it presents between the temporary nature of all human kingdoms and the eternal, unshakable dominion of Jesus Christ. Alexander the Great, the "great horn," rose to unprecedented power, yet his empire was shattered by his sudden death, leading to fragmentation. This serves as a powerful testament to the fragility and transience of all earthly power structures, no matter how mighty. In contrast, the New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the true and eternal King, the one who upholds the universe by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). Unlike Alexander, whose kingdom was broken, Christ's kingdom "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Kingdom That Will Never Be Destroyed")). He is the one through whom all things were created and for whom all things exist ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - All Things Created Through and For Christ")), and His reign is not subject to human mortality or political fragmentation. The "four notable ones" represented a divided kingdom, but Christ's kingdom is unified under one head, Himself, and will ultimately encompass all nations, as declared in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord"), where "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever." Thus, Daniel 8:8, in its depiction of a powerful but ultimately broken earthly kingdom, points forward to the supreme and everlasting reign of the Messiah, Jesus, whose dominion knows no end.

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 7:2

Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.

Revelation 7:1

¶ And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

2 Chronicles 26:16

¶ But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to [his] destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

Daniel 5:20

But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:

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 8:22

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

Mark 13:27

And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.