King James Version

What Does Daniel 7:8 Mean?

Daniel 7:8 in the King James Version says “I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the f...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.”

Daniel 7:8 · KJV

Context

6

After this I beheld , and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

7

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

8

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

9

I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

10

A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After the fourth beast's description (v. 7), Daniel observes the "little horn" emerging among ten horns. This enigmatic figure has generated extensive interpretation. The phrase "before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots" indicates the little horn overthrows three of the ten, suggesting political intrigue and violent consolidation of power. The description "eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things" combines human intelligence with presumptuous blasphemy.

The "little horn" receives more attention than other beasts, indicating unique significance. Historically, some see Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC) who persecuted Jews, desecrated the temple, and spoke blasphemies. Prophetically, many identify this with the eschatological antichrist who will arise from a revived Roman system, speaking against God and persecuting saints (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, Revelation 13:5-7). The dual fulfillment pattern allows both historical and future application.

The "eyes of man" suggest cunning intelligence—unlike previous beasts representing brute force, this figure uses sophisticated deception. The "mouth speaking great things" indicates arrogant blasphemy against God (v. 25, Revelation 13:5). This warns believers that final opposition combines intellectual sophistication with spiritual deception, requiring discernment beyond mere physical resistance. Christ, the true King, will destroy this presumptuous power at His coming (2 Thessalonians 2:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Antiochus IV Epiphanes provided initial fulfillment: rising to power through intrigue, displacing rivals, and persecuting Jews (167-164 BC). He stopped temple sacrifices, erected Zeus's altar in the temple, and enforced Hellenization, triggering the Maccabean revolt. His arrogant assumption of divine titles ("Epiphanes" = "God Manifest") fulfilled "speaking great things."

Yet Christ's reference to future "abomination of desolation" (Matthew 24:15) and Paul's "man of sin" (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) indicate ongoing prophetic relevance. The pattern established by Antiochus prefigures eschatological antichrist who will similarly combine political power, intellectual sophistication, and blasphemous opposition to God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the little horn's combination of intelligence ("eyes of man") and blasphemy ("mouth speaking great things") warn about sophisticated spiritual deception?
  2. What does dual fulfillment (Antiochus and future antichrist) teach about how biblical prophecy often has both near and far applications?
  3. How should recognizing that Christ will destroy all blasphemous opposition encourage perseverance during sophisticated persecution?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
מִשְׂתַּכַּ֨ל1 of 25
H7920

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

הֲוֵ֜ית2 of 25

“I considered”

H1934

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

בְּקַרְנָא3 of 25

“horn”

H7162

a horn (literally or for sound)

וַאֲל֨וּ4 of 25

“and behold”

H431

lo!

בְּקַרְנָא5 of 25

“horn”

H7162

a horn (literally or for sound)

אָחֳרִ֤י6 of 25

“them another”

H317

other

זְעֵירָה֙7 of 25

“little”

H2192

small

סִלְקָ֣ת8 of 25

“there came up”

H5559

to ascend

בֵּֽינֵיהֵ֔ון9 of 25

“among”

H997

between

וּתְלָ֗ת10 of 25

“whom there were three”

H8532

three or third

מִן11 of 25

“of”

H4481

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

בְּקַרְנָא12 of 25

“horn”

H7162

a horn (literally or for sound)

קַדְמָ֣יָתָ֔א13 of 25

“the first”

H6933

first

אֶתְעֲקַ֖רָו14 of 25

“plucked up by the roots”

H6132

to root up

מִן15 of 25

“of”

H4481

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

קֳדָמַ֑יהּ16 of 25

“before”

H6925

before

וַאֲל֨וּ17 of 25

“and behold”

H431

lo!

כְּעַיְנֵ֤י18 of 25

“like the eyes”

H5870

an eye

כְּעַיְנֵ֤י19 of 25

“like the eyes”

H5870

an eye

אֲנָשָׁא֙20 of 25

“of man”

H606

a man

בְּקַרְנָא21 of 25

“horn”

H7162

a horn (literally or for sound)

דָ֔א22 of 25

“in this”

H1668

this

וּפֻ֖ם23 of 25

“and a mouth”

H6433

the mouth (literally or figuratively)

מְמַלִּ֥ל24 of 25

“speaking”

H4449

to speak

רַבְרְבָֽן׃25 of 25

“great things”

H7260

huge (in size); domineering (in character)

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 7:8 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 7:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 13:5-6Revelation 13:1Psalms 12:3Revelation 13:11-13Daniel 8:9-12Revelation 9:7

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