King James Version

What Does Daniel 7:27 Mean?

Daniel 7:27 in the King James Version says “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of t...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Daniel 7:27 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

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

28

Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals the ultimate destiny of God's people: "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." The phrase "people of the saints" refers to God's covenant community—believers who belong to the Holy One. The comprehensive scope "under the whole heaven" indicates total, universal rule replacing all earthly kingdoms. What began with the Son of Man receiving the kingdom (v. 13-14) extends to His people sharing in His reign.

The phrase "whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom" applies both to God and to His people's participation in His rule. This represents staggering eschatological hope—believers will not merely inhabit God's kingdom but actively reign with Christ (Revelation 5:10, 20:6, 22:5). "All dominions shall serve and obey him" indicates universal submission to God's authority, with believers as His vice-regents exercising delegated authority. The word "serve" (pelach, פְּלַח) and "obey" (shema, שְׁמַע) together emphasize both external compliance and internal submission.

This promise fulfills God's original creation mandate to humanity to exercise dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26-28), forfeited through sin but restored through Christ. Believers share Christ's inheritance as co-heirs (Romans 8:17), participating in His eternal reign. This demonstrates that salvation isn't merely rescue from judgment but restoration to humanity's created purpose—glorifying God through Spirit-empowered governance of renewed creation. It motivates present faithfulness by revealing eternal significance of current obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Daniel 7:27 concludes the chapter's apocalyptic vision, providing ultimate encouragement to persecuted believers that their suffering is temporary but their future glory eternal. For Jewish exiles under Babylonian, Persian, Greek, and Roman domination, this prophecy assured them that their current oppression would be reversed—oppressors would become servants, and God's people would exercise authority in the coming kingdom. This hope sustained Jewish faithfulness during Maccabean persecution and early Christian endurance during Roman persecution.

Reformed theology interprets this reign as beginning spiritually in the present age (believers already seated with Christ in heavenly places—Ephesians 2:6) and consummating physically in the eternal state. The already-not yet tension characterizes believers' current experience: positionally reigning with Christ yet experientially awaiting full manifestation of kingdom authority. This balanced perspective motivates faithful service while maintaining eternal perspective.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding your future reign with Christ in His eternal kingdom affect your present response to suffering and persecution?
  2. In what ways are you currently exercising kingdom authority as Christ's representative, and how will this be perfected in the eternal state?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
מַלְכ֣וּת1 of 20

“And the kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

שָׁלְטָ֣נַיָּ֔א2 of 20

“and dominion”

H7985

empire (abstractly or concretely)

וּרְבוּתָ֗א3 of 20

“and the greatness”

H7238

increase (of dignity)

דִּ֚י4 of 20
H1768

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

מַלְכ֣וּת5 of 20

“And the kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

תְּח֣וֹת6 of 20

“under”

H8460

beneath

וְכֹל֙7 of 20

“and all”

H3606

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

שְׁמַיָּ֔א8 of 20

“heaven”

H8065

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

יְהִיבַ֕ת9 of 20

“shall be given”

H3052

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

לְעַ֖ם10 of 20

“to the people”

H5972

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

קַדִּישֵׁ֣י11 of 20

“of the saints”

H6922

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

עֶלְיוֹנִ֑ין12 of 20

“of the most High”

H5946

the supreme

מַלְכ֣וּת13 of 20

“And the kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

מַלְכ֣וּת14 of 20

“And the kingdom”

H4437

dominion (abstractly or concretely)

עָלַ֔ם15 of 20

“is an everlasting”

H5957

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

וְכֹל֙16 of 20

“and all”

H3606

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

שָׁלְטָ֣נַיָּ֔א17 of 20

“and dominion”

H7985

empire (abstractly or concretely)

לֵ֥הּ18 of 20
H0
יִפְלְח֖וּן19 of 20

“shall serve”

H6399

to serve or worship

וְיִֽשְׁתַּמְּעֽוּן׃20 of 20

“and obey”

H8086

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

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 7:27 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 7:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 72:11Luke 1:33Revelation 11:15Daniel 7:14Psalms 22:27Daniel 7:18

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