King James Version

What Does Daniel 7:21 Mean?

Daniel 7:21 in the King James Version says “I beheld , and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I beheld , and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;”

Daniel 7:21 · KJV

Context

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.

21

I beheld , and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;

22

Until the Ancient of days came , and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

23

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

Read Daniel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel observes the disturbing scene: "I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them." This represents the climax of earthly opposition—direct warfare against God's people. The phrase "prevailed against them" indicates apparent victory, suggesting martyrdom and temporary defeat. This echoes Revelation 13:7: "it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them." The passive construction "was given" indicates God permits this persecution within sovereign purposes.

This troubling vision reveals that God's people will face violent persecution, and earthly observation will suggest the enemy's triumph. Yet the following verse (v. 22) provides crucial reversal: divine judgment favors the saints. The pattern holds throughout Scripture—apparent defeat precedes ultimate victory. Christ's crucifixion looked like defeat until resurrection vindicated Him. Believers may suffer martyrdom yet receive eternal reward (Revelation 20:4).

The little horn's warfare against saints demonstrates satanic opposition to God's people throughout history, reaching eschatological climax under antichrist. Every persecution of Christians—Roman emperors, medieval inquisitions, modern totalitarian regimes—prefigures this final assault. Yet Christ's promise remains: "the gates of hell shall not prevail against" His church (Matthew 16:18). Temporary setbacks don't negate ultimate victory. The Lamb who was slain will conquer (Revelation 17:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout history, God's people have faced violent opposition that appeared temporarily victorious: Israel's exiles, early Christian martyrdom under Rome, medieval persecution, Reformation martyrs, and modern persecution in hostile nations. Each instance partially fulfills this vision while pointing toward eschatological completion when opposition reaches its zenith before Christ's return destroys antichrist and vindicates His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the pattern of temporary defeat followed by ultimate victory encourage perseverance when believers face violent opposition?
  2. What does God's permission of persecution ("was given") teach about divine sovereignty accomplishing purposes even through suffering?
  3. How should knowing that apparent victory for God's enemies is temporary shape our response to current persecution of Christians globally?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
חָזֵ֣ה1 of 10
H2370

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

הֲוֵ֔ית2 of 10

“I beheld”

H1934

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

וְקַרְנָ֣א3 of 10

“horn”

H7162

a horn (literally or for sound)

דִכֵּ֔ן4 of 10

“and the same”

H1797

this

עָבְדָ֥א5 of 10

“made”

H5648

to do, make, prepare, keep, etc

קְרָ֖ב6 of 10

“war”

H7129

hostile encounter

עִם7 of 10

“with”

H5974

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

קַדִּישִׁ֑ין8 of 10

“the saints”

H6922

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

וְיָכְלָ֖ה9 of 10

“and prevailed”

H3202

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לְהֹֽן׃10 of 10
H0

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 7:21 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 7:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 12:7Revelation 17:14Revelation 13:5-18Daniel 8:24Revelation 17:6Revelation 12:3-4

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