King James Version

What Does Daniel 7:14 Mean?

Daniel 7:14 in the King James Version says “And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: h...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 7:14 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

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

16

I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse continues describing the Son of Man's coronation and kingdom. The phrase "there was given him dominion" emphasizes that authority is bestowed by God the Father, not seized through conquest. The Aramaic yahiv (יְהִיב, "given") indicates gracious gift and authorized delegation. The threefold grant—"dominion, and glory, and a kingdom"—encompasses complete sovereign authority: practical rule (dominion), honor and majesty (glory), and realm of governance (kingdom).

The kingdom's scope is universal: "all people, nations, and languages, should serve him." This transcends ethnic Israel to encompass every tribe and tongue, fulfilling Abrahamic promises that through Abraham's seed all nations would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). The verb "serve" (pelach, פְּלַח) can mean both worship and service, suggesting the kingdom involves willing submission and active participation in God's purposes.

The kingdom's eternal nature is emphasized twice: "his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away" and "his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." Unlike the beast kingdoms that rise and fall, Christ's kingdom possesses inherent permanence. This fulfills prophecies of an eternal Davidic throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16) and God's indestructible kingdom (Daniel 2:44). The repetition emphasizes absolute certainty—Christ's kingdom cannot fail, cannot be conquered, cannot be corrupted, and will never end.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jews intensely debated Daniel 7's meaning, particularly during Roman occupation. Many expected a militaristic Messiah who would violently overthrow Rome and establish Jewish political dominance. Jesus' claim to be the Son of Man (Mark 14:61-62) directly referenced Daniel 7:13-14 but redefined messianic expectations—His kingdom came first through suffering and sacrifice, not military conquest. His coronation occurred through crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, establishing spiritual reign that will culminate in visible, physical rule at His return.

The apostolic writings consistently apply Daniel 7:13-14 to Christ's present and future reign. Paul teaches that Christ must reign "till he hath put all enemies under his feet" (1 Corinthians 15:25), indicating progressive subjugation of opposition until complete consummation. Revelation depicts Christ returning "with clouds" to establish visible, universal rule (Revelation 1:7, 19:11-16), fulfilling Daniel's prophecy completely.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should understanding Christ's universal authority over "all people, nations, and languages" shape your evangelistic vision and prayer for the nations?
  2. What is the relationship between Christ's present spiritual reign (inaugurated) and His future visible rule (consummated)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְלֵ֨הּ1 of 21
H0
יְהִ֤ב2 of 21

“And there was given”

H3052

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

שָׁלְטָ֤ן3 of 21

“dominion”

H7985

empire (abstractly or concretely)

וִיקָ֣ר4 of 21

“and glory”

H3367

value, i.e., (concretely) wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity

וּמַלְכוּתֵ֖הּ5 of 21

“and a kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

וְכֹ֣ל6 of 21

“that all”

H3606

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַֽמְמַיָּ֗א7 of 21

“people”

H5972

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֻמַיָּ֛א8 of 21

“nations”

H524

a collection, i.e., community of persons

וְלִשָּׁנַיָּ֖א9 of 21

“and languages”

H3961

speech, i.e., a nation

לֵ֣הּ10 of 21
H0
יִפְלְח֑וּן11 of 21

“should serve”

H6399

to serve or worship

שָׁלְטָ֤ן12 of 21

“dominion”

H7985

empire (abstractly or concretely)

שָׁלְטָ֤ן13 of 21

“dominion”

H7985

empire (abstractly or concretely)

עָלַם֙14 of 21

“is an everlasting”

H5957

remote time, i.e., the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever

דִּֽי15 of 21
H1768

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

לָ֥א16 of 21

“that which shall not”

H3809

no, not

יֶעְדֵּ֔ה17 of 21

“pass away”

H5709

to advance, i.e., pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck (i.e., bring an ornament upon)

וּמַלְכוּתֵ֖הּ18 of 21

“and a kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

דִּי19 of 21
H1768

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

לָ֥א20 of 21

“that which shall not”

H3809

no, not

תִתְחַבַּֽל׃21 of 21

“be destroyed”

H2255

to ruin

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 7:14 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 7:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 11:15Daniel 7:27Daniel 2:44John 3:351 Corinthians 15:24-28Ephesians 1:20-22

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