Daniel 2:40
New International Version
Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron—for iron breaks and smashes everything—and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others.

New Living Translation
Following that kingdom, there will be a fourth one, as strong as iron. That kingdom will smash and crush all previous empires, just as iron smashes and crushes everything it strikes.

English Standard Version
And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things. And like iron that crushes, it shall break and crush all these.

Berean Standard Bible
Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; for iron shatters and crushes all things, and like iron that crushes all things, it will shatter and crush all the others.

King James Bible
And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.

New King James Version
And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others.

New American Standard Bible
Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; just as iron smashes and crushes everything, so, like iron that crushes, it will smash and crush all these things.

NASB 1995
“Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so, like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces.

NASB 1977
“Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so, like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so, like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces.

Amplified Bible
Then a fourth kingdom (Rome) will be strong as iron, for iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things; and like iron which crushes things in pieces, it will break and crush all these [others].

Christian Standard Bible
A fourth kingdom will be as strong as iron; for iron crushes and shatters everything, and like iron that smashes, it will crush and smash all the others.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A fourth kingdom will be as strong as iron; for iron crushes and shatters everything, and like iron that smashes, it will crush and smash all the others.

American Standard Version
And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things; and as iron that crusheth all these, shall it break in pieces and crush.

Contemporary English Version
Next, a kingdom of iron will come to power, crushing and shattering everything.

English Revised Version
And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that crusheth all these, shall it break in pieces and crush.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
There will also be a fourth kingdom. It will be as strong as iron. (Iron smashes and shatters everything.) As iron crushes things, this fourth kingdom will smash and crush all the other kingdoms.

Good News Translation
And then there will be a fourth empire, as strong as iron, which shatters and breaks everything. And just as iron shatters everything, it will shatter and crush all the earlier empires.

International Standard Version
Then there will be a fourth kingdom, as strong as iron. Just as all things are broken to pieces and shattered by iron, so it will shatter and crush everything.

Majority Standard Bible
Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; for iron shatters and crushes all things, and like iron that crushes all things, it will shatter and crush all the others.

NET Bible
Then there will be a fourth kingdom, one strong like iron. Just like iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything, and as iron breaks in pieces all of these metals, so it will break in pieces and crush the others.

New Heart English Bible
The fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, because iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things; and as iron that crushes all these, shall it break in pieces and crush.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.

World English Bible
The fourth kingdom will be strong as iron, because iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things; and as iron that crushes all these, it will break in pieces and crush.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the fourth kingdom is strong as iron, because that iron is breaking small, and making feeble, all [things], even as iron that is breaking all these, it beats small and breaks.

Young's Literal Translation
And the fourth kingdom is strong as iron, because that iron is breaking small, and making feeble, all things, even as iron that is breaking all these, it beateth small and breaketh.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, because that iron beats small, and makes thin all: and as iron breaks all these, it shall beat small and break.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the fourth kingdom shall be as iron. As iron breaketh into pieces, and subdueth all things, so shall that break and destroy all these.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the fourth kingdom will be like iron. Just as iron shatters and conquers all things, so will it shatter and crush all these.

New American Bible
There shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron; it shall break in pieces and subdue all these others, just as iron breaks in pieces and crushes everything else.

New Revised Standard Version
And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron; just as iron crushes and smashes everything, it shall crush and shatter all these.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron; for just as iron hammers and breaks everything in pieces, so shall it break and conquer every kingdom.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a fourth kingdom will be mighty as iron, and like iron that hammers and pounds everything, so also it shall break up and tread on everything
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron; forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and beateth down all things; and as iron that crusheth all these, shall it break in pieces and crush.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and a fourth kingdom, which shall be strong as iron: as iron beats to powder and subdues all things, so shall it beat to powder and subdue.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Daniel Interprets the Dream
39But after you, there will arise another kingdom, inferior to yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule the whole earth. 40Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; for iron shatters and crushes all things, and like iron that crushes all things, it will shatter and crush all the others. 41And just as you saw that the feet and toes were made partly of fired clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom, yet some of the strength of iron will be in it—just as you saw the iron mixed with clay.…

Cross References
Revelation 17:12-14
The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings along with the beast. / These kings have one purpose: to yield their power and authority to the beast. / They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”

Revelation 13:1-2
Then I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. / The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.

Revelation 19:15
And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

Revelation 2:26-27
And to the one who overcomes and continues in My work until the end, I will give authority over the nations. / He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery—just as I have received authority from My Father.

Revelation 12:3
Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads.

Revelation 17:10
There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. But when he does come, he must remain for only a little while.

Revelation 17:16-17
And the ten horns and the beast that you saw will hate the prostitute. They will leave her desolate and naked, and they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. / For God has put it into their hearts to carry out His purpose by uniting to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.

Revelation 19:19-21
Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army. / But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. / And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

Revelation 17:3
And the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, where I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns.

Revelation 17:7
“Why are you so amazed?” said the angel. “I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns.

Jeremiah 15:12
Can anyone smash iron—iron from the north—or bronze?

Jeremiah 28:14
For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I have even given him control of the beasts of the field.’”

Jeremiah 50:23
How the hammer of the whole earth lies broken and shattered! What a horror Babylon has become among the nations!

Ezekiel 29:18
“Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon caused his army to labor strenuously against Tyre. Every head was made bald and every shoulder made raw. But he and his army received no wages from Tyre for the labor they expended on it.

Ezekiel 30:22
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt. I will break his arms, both the strong one and the one already broken, and will make the sword fall from his hand.


Treasury of Scripture

And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: for as much as iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things: and as iron that breaks all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.

the fourth.

Daniel 2:33
His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.

Daniel 7:19-26
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; …

Daniel 8:24
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

forasmuch.

Daniel 7:7
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.

Jeremiah 15:12
Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel?

Amos 1:3
Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron:

Jump to Previous
Beateth Break Breaketh Breaking Breaks Broken Bruise Crush Crushes Crusheth Crushing Earth Feeble Finally Forasmuch Fourth Inasmuch Iron Kingdom Making Others Overcome Pieces Power Shatters Small Strong Subdues Subdueth
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Beateth Break Breaketh Breaking Breaks Broken Bruise Crush Crushes Crusheth Crushing Earth Feeble Finally Forasmuch Fourth Inasmuch Iron Kingdom Making Others Overcome Pieces Power Shatters Small Strong Subdues Subdueth
Daniel 2
1. Nebuchadnezzar, forgetting his dream,
5. requires it of the Chaldeans, by promises and threats.
10. They acknowledging their inability are judged to die.
14. Daniel obtaining some respite finds the dream.
19. He blesses God.
24. He staying the decree is brought to the king.
31. The dream.
36. The interpretation.
46. Daniel's advancement.














Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom
This phrase introduces the fourth kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which Daniel interprets. The word "finally" suggests a culmination or climax in the sequence of kingdoms, indicating that this kingdom is significant in the prophetic timeline. Historically, this is often identified with the Roman Empire, known for its vast reach and influence. Theologically, it represents the culmination of human dominion before the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

strong as iron
Iron, in the ancient world, was known for its strength and durability, surpassing the previous metals mentioned in the statue (gold, silver, and bronze). The use of "iron" here symbolizes the unmatched military might and organizational strength of the Roman Empire. From a scriptural perspective, this strength is both a blessing and a curse, as it allows for the spread of ideas and infrastructure but also for oppression and tyranny.

for iron shatters and crushes all things
This phrase emphasizes the destructive power of the fourth kingdom. The imagery of shattering and crushing conveys a sense of overwhelming force and dominance. Historically, the Roman Empire was known for its ability to conquer and assimilate various cultures and nations, often through brutal means. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for the destructive nature of sin and human pride when unchecked by divine authority.

and like iron that crushes
Reiterating the metaphor of iron, this phrase underscores the relentless and pervasive nature of the fourth kingdom's power. The repetition serves to highlight the inevitability of its dominance. In a broader theological context, it reflects the human tendency to rely on power and might rather than on God's wisdom and guidance.

it will shatter and crush all the others
This final phrase in the verse speaks to the comprehensive and final nature of the fourth kingdom's conquest over the previous kingdoms. Historically, the Roman Empire absorbed and transformed the cultures of the regions it conquered, leaving a lasting legacy. From a prophetic standpoint, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, which will replace all earthly powers and establish a reign of peace and justice.

(40) And the fourth.--It should be observed that the description of this kingdom is much fuller than those of the preceding empires. The same fact will be remarked in the later visions (Daniel 7:7-8; Daniel 7:19-20).

Breaketh all things.--Remembering that the comparison is between iron and the fourth empire, this portion of the vision implies that the Roman empire, which is here intended (see Exc. E), will crush out all traces that remain of preceding empires, just as iron is capable of breaking gold, silver, or copper. Of the second and third empires, each borrowed something from that which preceded it. The fourth empire introduces a new system, and a new civilisation.

Verse 40. - And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. The version of the LXX. differs considerably here, "The fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, as iron which subdueth all things, even as iron cutteth down every tree." It is evident that the translator has read אִילָן ('illan), "a tree," instead of אִלֵּין ('illeen), "these." The last clause is due to וְתֵּרֹעַ (vetayroa') being written with the א: ותארע; however, ו (vav) is not unlike, in ancient Aramaic script, to כּ (kaph), although ל (lamed) is not like ת (tau), yet the phrase כָלאּאֲרַע would carry the reader over every obstacle. Theodotion differs less from the Massoretic," The fourth kingdom is that which shall be as strong as iron, just as (ὅν τρόπον) iron beateth small and subdueth all things, thus shall it beat small and subdue all things." It may be observed that the clause, "and as iron breaketh all these," is omitted from the text. It certainly appears to be an addition, indeed, has the look of a "doublet." This view is confirmed by the fact that the Peshitta also omits this clause. The Peshitta rendering is," The fourth kingdom shall be strong like iron, and even as iron crushes and bruises all, thus even it shall beat small and subdue all." The Vulgate rendering also omits a clause, "And the fourth kingdom shall be like iron, as iron beats small and subdues all things, it shall beat small (comminuet) all these." For these grounds we feel inclined to regard the clause in question as an explanatory note, which has slipped into the text. Before we leave the consideration of the text, we must observe that the word for "fourth" assumes the Syriac, or Eastern Aramaic form, not the form in Chaldee, or Western Aramaic. That empire which was represented by the basest of the four metals, and occupied the lowest position in the figure, is that which is the most powerful. When we go back we find brass is the next in point of hardness and strength; it is the third, and of it, at all events, if not also of that which preceded it, it is said that "it shall bear rule over all the earth." The inferiority indicated by the metals and by the position occupied in the image, did not indicate inferiority in power or in extent of dominion. An interesting theory has been formed by Dr. Bonnar ('Great Interregnum'), that this degeneration was one of type. The monarchy as exhibited in Babylon, especially when the monarch was a man of genius, as was Nebuchadnezzar, was likest to the rule of the Almighty over the world: his authority was without limit, direct and absolute over every one subject to his sceptre The Medo-Persian monarchy had much of the Babylonian absoluteness, but there were, if Herodotus is to be trusted, the peers of the crown, and, above all, there were the satraps, with their almost independent position in respect to the central power. The third, in our author's opinion, the Hellenic, had the monarchy limited, not only by numerous compeers, as the king in Antioch was balanced by the kings in Alexandria and Pergamus, not to speak of the monarchs of Parthia, but also by the autonomous cities with the semblance of freedom. The fourth, the Roman, was yet further removed from the old Divine-right monarchy of the Babylonian type. At their first intercourse with the Jews the Romans were Republicans. Their first conquest of Judaea was made by Pompey, the general of the Republic. To the last the emperor, whatever his power, was still theoretically the first magistrate of a republic. The feet and toes of mingled clay and iron, he held, were modern constitutional monarchies - monarchies built upon democracy and the will of the people. All this is doomed to be overthrown by the coming of the Messianic kingdom.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Finally, there will be
תֶּהֱוֵ֥א (te·hĕ·wê)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1934: To become, come to pass, be

a fourth
רְבִ֣יעָאָ֔ה (rə·ḇî·‘ā·’āh)
Number - ordinal feminine singular
Strong's 7244: Fourth, a fourth

kingdom
וּמַלְכוּ֙ (ū·mal·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4437: Royalty, reign, kingdom

as strong
תַקִּיפָ֖ה (ṯaq·qî·p̄āh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 8624: Strong, mighty

as iron;
כְּפַרְזְלָ֑א (kə·p̄ar·zə·lā)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 6523: Iron

for
קֳבֵ֗ל (qo·ḇêl)
Preposition
Strong's 6903: In front of, before, because of, because that

iron
פַרְזְלָא֙ (p̄ar·zə·lā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 6523: Iron

shatters
מְהַדֵּ֤ק (mə·had·dêq)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1855: To be shattered, fall to pieces

and crushes
וְחָשֵׁל֙ (wə·ḥā·šêl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2827: To weaken, crush

all things,
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every

and like iron
וּֽכְפַרְזְלָ֛א (ū·ḵə·p̄ar·zə·lā)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 6523: Iron

that
דִּֽי־ (dî-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because

crushes
מְרָעַ֥ע (mə·rā·‘a‘)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7490: To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad

all things,
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every

it will shatter
תַּדִּ֥ק (tad·diq)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1855: To be shattered, fall to pieces

and crush
וְתֵרֹֽעַ׃ (wə·ṯê·rō·a‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7490: To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad

all
כֹּ֔לָּא (kōl·lā)
Noun - masculine singular determinate
Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every

the others.
אִלֵּ֖ין (’il·lên)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 459: These


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OT Prophets: Daniel 2:40 The fourth kingdom shall be strong as (Dan. Da Dn)
Daniel 2:39
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