King James Version

What Does Daniel 7:11 Mean?

Daniel 7:11 in the King James Version says “I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and ...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 7:11 · KJV

Context

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

13

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Read Daniel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel continues observing "because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake"—the little horn's blasphemies command his attention, emphasizing the offense these words represent to God and heaven. The dramatic conclusion: "I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame" describes sudden, complete judgment. Unlike previous beasts that merely lost dominion (v. 12), this fourth beast faces utter destruction, indicating the severity of its opposition to God.

The phrase "given to the burning flame" employs imagery of final judgment, echoed in Revelation's lake of fire (Revelation 19:20, 20:10, 14-15). This beast doesn't simply pass away like earthly kingdoms transitioning power—it faces divine wrath and eternal condemnation. The little horn's blasphemies, representing ultimate rebellion against God, provoke ultimate judgment. This demonstrates that while God patiently endures human pride, there comes an appointed moment of decisive judgment.

This judgment scene anticipates Christ's second coming when He will destroy antichrist "with the brightness of his coming" (2 Thessalonians 2:8) and cast the beast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20). The destruction's finality provides comfort to persecuted saints: their oppressors face certain, complete judgment. No power, however seemingly invincible, can withstand God's wrath when judgment day arrives. Christ's return will vindicate suffering believers and punish blasphemous opposition definitively.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The fourth beast (Rome) persecuted early Christians severely, yet the empire eventually collapsed (Western Rome fell AD 476, Eastern Rome continued until 1453). However, the complete destruction "given to the burning flame" suggests eschatological fulfillment beyond historical Rome's decline—final judgment when Christ returns. The pattern shows immediate historical fulfillment foreshadowing ultimate eschatological completion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the beast's sudden destruction after prolonged blasphemy demonstrate both God's patience and the certainty of eventual judgment?
  2. What comfort does the promise of complete destruction provide to believers suffering under blasphemous opposition?
  3. How does this judgment scene point to Christ's second coming and final victory over all God-opposing powers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
חָזֵ֣ה1 of 21
H2370

to gaze upon; mentally to dream, be usual (i.e., seem)

הֲוֵ֡ית2 of 21

“I beheld”

H1934

to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)

בֵּאדַ֗יִן3 of 21

“then”

H116

then (of time)

מִן4 of 21

“because”

H4481

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

קָל֙5 of 21

“of the voice”

H7032

a voice or sound

מִלַּיָּ֣א6 of 21

“words”

H4406

a word, command, discourse, or subject

רַבְרְבָתָ֔א7 of 21

“of the great”

H7260

huge (in size); domineering (in character)

דִּ֥י8 of 21
H1768

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

קַרְנָ֖א9 of 21

“which the horn”

H7162

a horn (literally or for sound)

מְמַלֱּלָ֑ה10 of 21

“spake”

H4449

to speak

חָזֵ֣ה11 of 21
H2370

to gaze upon; mentally to dream, be usual (i.e., seem)

הֲוֵ֡ית12 of 21

“I beheld”

H1934

to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)

עַד֩13 of 21

“even till”

H5705

until

דִּ֨י14 of 21
H1768

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

קְטִילַ֤ת15 of 21

“was slain”

H6992

to kill

חֵֽיוְתָא֙16 of 21

“the beast”

H2423

an animal

וְהוּבַ֣ד17 of 21

“destroyed”

H7

to perish

גִּשְׁמַ֔הּ18 of 21

“and his body”

H1655

used in a peculiar sense, the body (probably for the (figuratively) idea of a hard rain)

וִיהִיבַ֖ת19 of 21

“and given”

H3052

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

לִיקֵדַ֥ת20 of 21

“to the burning”

H3346

a conflagration

אֶשָּֽׁא׃21 of 21

“flame”

H785

fire (literally or figuratively)

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 7:11 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 7:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 19:20Revelation 20:102 Thessalonians 2:8Daniel 7:8Revelation 18:8Daniel 8:25

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