Daniel 7:11

I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld [even] till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

I beheld {H1934}{H2370} then {H116} because {H4481} of the voice {H7032} of the great {H7260} words {H4406} which the horn {H7162} spake {H4449}: I beheld {H1934}{H2370} even till {H5705} the beast {H2423} was slain {H6992}, and his body {H1655} destroyed {H7}, and given {H3052} to the burning {H3346} flame {H785}.

"I kept watching. Then, because of the arrogant words which the horn was speaking, I watched as the animal was killed; its body was destroyed; and it was given over to be burned up completely.

Then I kept watching because of the arrogant words the horn was speaking. As I continued to watch, the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire.

I beheld at that time because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake; I beheld even till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed, and it was given to be burned with fire.

Commentary

Context

Daniel 7:11 is a pivotal verse within Daniel's vision of four great beasts, which represent successive world empires leading up to the end times. The vision, detailed from Daniel 7:1 onwards, describes a terrifying fourth beast, distinct from the others, which symbolizes a powerful, oppressive kingdom. From this beast emerges a "little horn" (Daniel 7:8) that speaks "great words" against the Most High and persecutes His saints. This specific verse describes the immediate consequence of the horn's blasphemous arrogance: the dramatic judgment and complete destruction of the beast and the horn by divine decree, following the heavenly court scene observed by Daniel (Daniel 7:9, Daniel 7:10).

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: This verse powerfully illustrates God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers. Despite the beast's immense power and the horn's arrogance, God's judgment is swift and decisive, demonstrating that no human or demonic force can ultimately defy the Almighty.
  • Consequences of Blasphemy and Arrogance: The "great words" spoken by the horn are a direct provocation to God, leading to its swift and utter destruction. This highlights that pride, rebellion, and blasphemy against God incur severe divine wrath.
  • End of Tyranny: The slaying and destruction of the beast symbolize the ultimate end of all oppressive, anti-God regimes throughout history and in the future. This provides hope for those who suffer under tyrannical rule, knowing that such powers have a finite lifespan and will face justice.
  • Foreshadowing of Final Destruction: The imagery of the beast being "given to the burning flame" foreshadows the complete and irreversible destruction of evil and those who oppose God, echoing similar themes found in later prophetic books regarding the ultimate fate of God's enemies (Revelation 19:20).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "great words" (Aramaic: rav rebin) signifies boastful, arrogant, and blasphemous speech. It implies a defiant challenge to God's authority, which is a key reason for the immediate judgment. The description "given to the burning flame" (Aramaic: nurah yaqidah) emphasizes a complete, final, and irreversible destruction, often associated with divine wrath and purification. This is not merely defeat but annihilation, ensuring the beast's power and influence are forever removed.

Practical Application / Reflection

For believers, Daniel 7:11 offers profound assurance that God is sovereign over history and that evil will not triumph indefinitely. It reminds us that even in times when oppressive powers seem to dominate, God's ultimate judgment is certain and will bring an end to all injustice and blasphemy. This verse encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that the "little horn" and the beast it represents will be utterly destroyed, paving the way for the establishment of God's eternal and righteous kingdom, which will never be destroyed (Daniel 7:14, Daniel 2:44). It also serves as a solemn warning against pride, arrogance, and speaking against God, as such actions inevitably lead to destruction.

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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 19:20 (7 votes)

    And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

  • Revelation 20:10 (6 votes)

    And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:8 (5 votes)

    And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

  • Daniel 7:8 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Revelation 18:8 (3 votes)

    Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her.

  • Daniel 8:25 (3 votes)

    And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

  • Daniel 11:45 (2 votes)

    And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.