King James Version

What Does Daniel 7:10 Mean?

Daniel 7:10 in the King James Version says “A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”

Daniel 7:10 · KJV

Context

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.

9

I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

10

A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

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.

12

As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. their lives: Cald. a prolonging in life was given them

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Heaven's worship surrounds God's throne: 'A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.' The 'fiery stream' represents ongoing judgment flowing from God's holiness. The astronomical numbers ('thousand thousands...ten thousand times ten thousand') depict innumerable angels worshiping God. The 'books opened' indicates divine records determining judgment (cf. Revelation 20:12). This cosmic courtroom scene shows all creation accountable to divine justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings held court surrounded by servants; God's court infinitely surpasses earthly parallels. Jewish angelology recognized vast numbers of angelic beings serving God. The judgment scene influenced later apocalyptic literature, especially Revelation 20's final judgment. The 'books' concept appears throughout Scripture—God records all deeds, thoughts, and lives. Early Christians saw this fulfilled in Christ's judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10) where believers' works are evaluated and final judgment where all stand before God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the innumerable angelic worship demonstrate God's worthiness and the proper response to His glory?
  2. What does the opening of books teach about divine omniscience—all actions, words, and thoughts recorded for judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
נְהַ֣ר1 of 18

“stream”

H5103

a river, especially the euphrates

דִּי2 of 18
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

נ֗וּר3 of 18

“A fiery”

H5135

fire

נָגֵ֤ד4 of 18

“issued”

H5047

to flow (through the idea of clearing the way)

וְנָפֵק֙5 of 18

“and came forth”

H5312

to issue; causatively, to bring out

מִן6 of 18

“from”

H4481

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of

קָֽדָמ֣וֹהִי7 of 18

“before”

H6925

before

אַלְפִים֙8 of 18

“him thousand”

H506

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אַלְפִים֙9 of 18

“him thousand”

H506

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

יְשַׁמְּשׁוּנֵּ֔הּ10 of 18

“ministered”

H8120

to serve

רִבְוָ֖ן11 of 18

“times ten thousand”

H7240

a myriad, i.e., indefinitely, large number

רִבְוָ֖ן12 of 18

“times ten thousand”

H7240

a myriad, i.e., indefinitely, large number

קָֽדָמ֣וֹהִי13 of 18

“before”

H6925

before

יְקוּמ֑וּן14 of 18

“stood”

H6966

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

דִּינָ֥א15 of 18

“him the judgment”

H1780

judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife

יְתִ֖ב16 of 18

“was set”

H3488

to sit or dwell

וְסִפְרִ֥ין17 of 18

“and the books”

H5609

a book

פְּתִֽיחוּ׃18 of 18

“were opened”

H6606

to open

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Daniel 7:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Daniel 7:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 30:27Deuteronomy 33:2Revelation 20:11-15Psalms 50:3Revelation 5:11Nahum 1:5-6

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