King James Version

What Does Daniel 7:16 Mean?

Daniel 7:16 in the King James Version says “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 int... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Daniel 7:16 · KJV


Context

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.

17

These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.

18

But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. most: Cald. high ones, that is, things, or, places


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel's approach—"I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this"—demonstrates proper response to confusing revelation: seeking divinely provided interpretation rather than relying on human speculation. The angelic interpreter "stood by" ready to explain, indicating God provides understanding through authorized channels. Daniel's humility in asking "the truth of all this" acknowledges his need for divine explanation despite being a wise man himself.

The angel's willingness to explain—"So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things"—demonstrates God's desire to communicate clearly. Revelation isn't given to mystify but to inform and prepare God's people. The parallel phrasing "told me...made me know" emphasizes thoroughness—the angel ensures Daniel grasps the vision's meaning. This models proper prophetic interpretation: Scripture interprets Scripture, and God provides understanding through His Word and Spirit, not human ingenuity.

This passage establishes the principle that biblical prophecy contains divinely authorized interpretation, not infinite possible meanings. Daniel doesn't speculate about symbolic significance—he receives authoritative explanation from God's messenger. This warns against fanciful prophetic interpretation disconnected from biblical text and context. It points to Christ who "opened their understanding" of Scripture (Luke 24:45) and the Spirit who guides into truth (John 16:13).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern dream interpretation relied on professional interpreters using omen texts and symbolic systems. Daniel rejects such human methodology, instead seeking divine interpretation from authorized heavenly messengers. This distinguished biblical prophecy from pagan divination—God reveals and God interprets, ensuring accuracy and preventing human manipulation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's request for divinely authorized interpretation challenge modern fanciful prophetic speculation disconnected from biblical text?
  2. What does the angel's ready explanation teach about God's desire to communicate clearly rather than mystify through revelation?
  3. How should recognizing that Scripture interprets Scripture shape our approach to understanding difficult prophetic passages?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
קִרְבֵ֗ת1 of 16

I came near

H7127

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

עַֽל2 of 16

unto

H5922

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חַד֙3 of 16

one

H2298

as card. one; as article single; as an ordinal, first; adverbially, at once

מִנֵּ֖הּ4 of 16

him

H4481

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

קָ֣אֲמַיָּ֔א5 of 16

them that stood by

H6966

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

וְיַצִּיבָ֥א6 of 16

the truth

H3330

fixed, sure; concretely, certainty

אֶבְעֵֽא7 of 16

and asked

H1156

to seek or ask

מִנֵּ֖הּ8 of 16

him

H4481

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

עַֽל9 of 16

unto

H5922

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל10 of 16

of all

H3606

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

דְּנָ֑ה11 of 16

this

H1836

this

וַאֲמַר12 of 16

So he told

H560

to speak, to command

לִ֕י13 of 16
H0
וּפְשַׁ֥ר14 of 16

the interpretation

H6591

an interpretation

מִלַּיָּ֖א15 of 16

of the things

H4406

a word, command, discourse, or subject

יְהוֹדְעִנַּֽנִי׃16 of 16

me and made me know

H3046

to inform


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 7:16 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 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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