King James Version

What Does Daniel 7:25 Mean?

Daniel 7:25 in the King James Version says “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to chang...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”

Daniel 7:25 · KJV

Context

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.

24

And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

25

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

26

But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.

27

And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. dominions: or, rulers

Read Daniel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The little horn's blasphemous career continues: 'And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.' The phrase 'speak great words against the most High' indicates sustained blasphemy. 'Wear out' (Aramaic: belah, exhaust, harass) describes relentless persecution. Attempting to 'change times and laws' shows rebellion against God's established order. The 'time and times and dividing of time' (3.5 times/years) appears throughout apocalyptic literature as period of tribulation (Revelation 11:2-3; 12:6, 14; 13:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Antiochus IV persecuted Jews, forbade Sabbath and circumcision, changed feast times, and attempted to Hellenize Jewish religion—partial fulfillment. The language exceeds Antiochus, pointing to Antichrist's future persecution (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:5-7). The 3.5 years appears throughout Scripture as period of intense but limited persecution. God's sovereignty limits persecution's duration—saints given into the oppressor's hand for predetermined time only. Throughout history, this passage encouraged persecuted believers that suffering has divine limits.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the limited duration (3.5 times) provide hope that even intense persecution has God-appointed boundaries?
  2. What does the attempt to change times and laws teach about rebellion's ultimate goal—usurping God's authority over creation's order?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וּמִלִּ֗ין1 of 18

“great words”

H4406

a word, command, discourse, or subject

לְצַ֤ד2 of 18

“against”

H6655

used adverbially (with preposition) at or upon the side of

עִלָּיָא֙3 of 18

“the most High”

H5943

supreme (i.e., god)

יְמַלִּ֔ל4 of 18

“And he shall speak”

H4449

to speak

וּלְקַדִּישֵׁ֥י5 of 18

“the saints”

H6922

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

עֶלְיוֹנִ֖ין6 of 18

“of the most High”

H5946

the supreme

יְבַלֵּ֑א7 of 18

“and shall wear out”

H1080

to afflict

וְיִסְבַּ֗ר8 of 18

“and think”

H5452

to bear in mind, i.e., hope

לְהַשְׁנָיָה֙9 of 18

“to change”

H8133

to alter

זִמְנִ֣ין10 of 18

“times”

H2166

an appointed occasion

וְדָ֔ת11 of 18

“and laws”

H1882

a royal edict or statute

וְיִתְיַהֲב֣וּן12 of 18

“and they shall be given”

H3052

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

בִּידֵ֔הּ13 of 18

“into his hand”

H3028

hand (indicating power)

עַד14 of 18

“until”

H5705

until

עִדָּֽן׃15 of 18

“a time”

H5732

a set time; technically, a year

עִדָּֽן׃16 of 18

“a time”

H5732

a set time; technically, a year

וּפְלַ֥ג17 of 18

“and the dividing”

H6387

a half

עִדָּֽן׃18 of 18

“a time”

H5732

a set time; technically, a year

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 7:25 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 7:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 12:7Revelation 12:142 Thessalonians 2:4Revelation 13:5-11Revelation 12:6Daniel 12:11-12

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