King James Version

What Does Daniel 7:18 Mean?

Daniel 7:18 in the King James Version says “But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. most: ...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Daniel 7:18 · KJV

Context

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

19

Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; from: Cald. from all those

20

And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.

Read Daniel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise 'the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever' reveals the ultimate outcome of history—God's people inheriting eternal dominion. The Aramaic 'saints' (קַדִּישִׁין, qaddishin) means 'holy ones,' those set apart for God, emphasizing identity in relationship to the Holy One rather than inherent goodness. 'Most High' (עֶלְיוֹן, elyon) designates supreme divine authority. The phrase 'take the kingdom' (יְקַבְּלוּן מַלְכוּתָא, yəqabbelun malkuta) means 'receive' or 'be given'—passive reception of divine gift, not conquest through human effort. This establishes that God's kingdom comes through His initiative and power, not human achievement. The emphatic repetition 'for ever, even for ever and ever' (עַד־עָלְמָא וְעַד עָלַם עָלְמַיָּא) stresses eternality—this kingdom has no end, no succession, no rival. This prophecy finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ and His church. Jesus applies Daniel's 'Son of Man' title to Himself (Matthew 26:64), identifying with the heavenly figure who receives the kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). Believers, united to Christ, share His inheritance (Romans 8:17, Revelation 3:21). This counters both defeatist pessimism and triumphalist claims that the church conquers through earthly power. God's kingdom advances through gospel proclamation and suffering witness, culminating in Christ's return when the meek inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5) and reign with Christ eternally (Revelation 22:5).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Daniel received this vision in Belshazzar's first year (553 BC), during Babylon's decline before Persian conquest. The 'four beasts' represent successive world empires—likely Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome—each more brutal than its predecessor. The 'little horn' speaking blasphemies has been variously identified as Antiochus IV Epiphanes (who persecuted Jews 167-164 BC), various Roman emperors, papal Rome, or an eschatological antichrist. Reformed interpretation typically sees multiple fulfillments: immediate (Antiochus), historical (persecuting powers throughout church age), and ultimate (final antichrist before Christ's return). The 'Ancient of Days' (עַתִּיק יוֹמִין, attiq yomin) sitting in judgment depicts God's eternal sovereignty and coming judgment on earthly powers. The 'Son of Man' receiving everlasting dominion represents the Messiah and His people together inheriting the kingdom. This vision encouraged Jews under persecution: despite appearances, God controls history and will vindicate His people. For Christians, it assures that despite the church's weakness and the world's hostility, Christ's kingdom advances irresistibly toward total victory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of inheriting God's eternal kingdom shape your response to present suffering and persecution?
  2. What does it mean that believers receive the kingdom as gift rather than earning it through conquest or merit?
  3. How should the church's confident hope in ultimate victory affect our engagement with temporal political and social struggles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וִֽיקַבְּלוּן֙1 of 11

“shall take”

H6902

to acquire

מַלְכוּתָא֙2 of 11

“the kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

קַדִּישֵׁ֖י3 of 11

“But the saints”

H6922

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

עֶלְיוֹנִ֑ין4 of 11

“of the most High”

H5946

the supreme

וְיַחְסְנ֤וּן5 of 11

“and possess”

H2631

to hold in occupancy

מַלְכוּתָא֙6 of 11

“the kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

וְעַ֖ד7 of 11

“even for”

H5705

until

עָלְמַיָּֽא׃8 of 11

“and ever”

H5957

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

וְעַ֖ד9 of 11

“even for”

H5705

until

עָלְמַיָּֽא׃10 of 11

“and ever”

H5957

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

עָלְמַיָּֽא׃11 of 11

“and ever”

H5957

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

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 7:18 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 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 7:27Revelation 5:10Isaiah 60:12-14Revelation 20:4Revelation 2:26-27Daniel 7:22

Test Your Knowledge

Daniel 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDaniel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Daniel 7 with CommentaryAll Daniel ChaptersComplete Daniel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes