King James Version

What Does Daniel 7:13 Mean?

Daniel 7:13 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 7:13 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

15

I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. body: Cald. sheath

Read Daniel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase "one like the Son of man" literally means "like a son of humanity"—someone with human form. This contrasts sharply with the bestial kingdoms preceding this vision. While "son of man" can simply mean "human being," Jesus' repeated self-identification as "the Son of Man" (used 80+ times in the Gospels) deliberately invokes this Daniel passage, claiming identity as the divine-human Messiah who receives eternal dominion.

"Came with the clouds of heaven" associates this figure with divine presence—clouds throughout Scripture signify God's glory. His coming "to the Ancient of days" depicts divine investiture—the Son receives authority from the Father. This scene portrays the Messiah's exaltation and coronation, receiving universal dominion from God the Father.

He receives "dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him"—universal, eternal reign transcending ethnic boundaries. This prophecy finds fulfillment in Christ's ascension, present reign at the Father's right hand, and future return "coming in clouds with great power and glory."

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Historical & Cultural Context

This vision was received during Belshazzar's reign (circa 553 BC). Jesus' consistent self-designation as "the Son of Man" explicitly claimed this identity. When interrogated by the high priest (Matthew 26:63-64), Jesus responded: "Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven"—directly quoting Daniel 7:13. The Jewish leaders understood this as a blasphemous claim to divine authority.

The early church applied this prophecy to Christ's present reign and future return. Stephen's martyrdom vision (Acts 7:56) saw "the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' self-identification as "the Son of Man" demonstrate His claim to be the divine-human Messiah prophesied by Daniel?
  2. In what ways is Christ's kingdom currently being manifested, and how will it be fully revealed at His return?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
חָזֵ֤ה1 of 18
H2370

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

הֲוָ֑א2 of 18

“I saw”

H1934

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

בְּחֶזְוֵ֣י3 of 18

“visions”

H2376

a sight

לֵֽילְיָ֔א4 of 18

“in the night”

H3916

lael an israelite

וַאֲרוּ֙5 of 18

“and behold”

H718

lo!

עִם6 of 18

“with”

H5974

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עֲנָנֵ֣י7 of 18

“the clouds”

H6050

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

שְׁמַיָּ֔א8 of 18

“of heaven”

H8065

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

כְּבַ֥ר9 of 18

“one like the Son”

H1247

a son, grandson, etc

אֱנָ֖שׁ10 of 18

“of man”

H606

a man

אָתֵ֣ה11 of 18

“came”

H858

to come, to bring

הֲוָ֑א12 of 18

“I saw”

H1934

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

וְעַד13 of 18

“to”

H5705

until

עַתִּ֤יק14 of 18

“the Ancient”

H6268

venerable

יֽוֹמַיָּא֙15 of 18

“of days”

H3118

a day

מְטָ֔ה16 of 18

“and came”

H4291

to arrive, extend or happen

וּקְדָמ֖וֹהִי17 of 18

“before”

H6925

before

הַקְרְבֽוּהִי׃18 of 18

“and they brought him near”

H7127

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

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 7:13 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 7:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 26:64Revelation 1:7Luke 21:27Revelation 14:14Matthew 24:30Mark 14:61-62

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