Daniel 7:16
New International Version
I approached one of those standing there and asked him the meaning of all this. “So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things:

New Living Translation
So I approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant. He explained it to me like this:

English Standard Version
I approached one of those who stood there and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of the things.

Berean Standard Bible
I approached one of those who were standing there, and I asked him the true meaning of all this. So he told me the interpretation of these things:

King James Bible
I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

New King James Version
I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:

New American Standard Bible
I approached one of those who were standing by and began requesting of him the exact meaning of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:

NASB 1995
“I approached one of those who were standing by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:

NASB 1977
“I approached one of those who were standing by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:

Legacy Standard Bible
I came near to one of those who were standing by and began seeking out from him the exact meaning of all this. So he said it to me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:

Amplified Bible
I approached one of those who stood by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. So he told me and explained to me the interpretation of the things:

Christian Standard Bible
I approached one of those who were standing by and asked him to clarify all this. So he let me know the interpretation of these things:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I approached one of those who were standing by and asked him the true meaning of all this. So he let me know the interpretation of these things:

American Standard Version
I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

Contemporary English Version
So I asked one of those standing there, and he explained,

English Revised Version
I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I went to someone who was standing there and asked him to tell me the truth about all this. So he told me what all this meant.

Good News Translation
I went up to one of those standing there and asked him to explain it all. So he told me the meaning.

International Standard Version
So I approached one of those who was standing nearby and began to ask the meaning of all of this. He spoke to me and caused me to understand the interpretation of these things.

Majority Standard Bible
I approached one of those who were standing there, and I asked him the true meaning of all this. So he told me the interpretation of these things:

NET Bible
I approached one of those standing nearby and asked him about the meaning of all this. So he spoke with me and revealed to me the interpretation of the vision:

New Heart English Bible
I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the true meaning concerning all this. So he told me, and revealed to me the interpretation of these things.

Webster's Bible Translation
I came near to one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

World English Bible
I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. “So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I have drawn near to one of those standing, and the certainty I seek from him of all this; and he has spoken to me, indeed, the interpretation of the things he has caused me to know:

Young's Literal Translation
I have drawn near unto one of those standing, and the certainty I seek from him of all this; and he hath said to me, yea, the interpretation of the things he hath caused me to know:

Smith's Literal Translation
I drew near to one of those standing by, and I sought from him the truth concerning all this: and he said to me, and he will cause me to know the interpretation of the words.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I went near to one of them that stood by, and asked the truth of him concerning all these things, and he told me the interpretation of the words, and instructed me:

Catholic Public Domain Version
I approached one of the attendants and asked the truth from him about all these things. He told me the interpretation of the words, and he instructed me:

New American Bible
I approached one of those present and asked him the truth of all this; in answer, he made known to me its meaning:

New Revised Standard Version
I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would disclose to me the interpretation of the matter:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I came near to one of those who ministered and asked of him the truth concerning all these things. And he told me the truth and made me know the interpretation of these things.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I came near to one of the Ministers, and I inquired of him concerning the truth, concerning all of these things, and he spoke to me in the truth, and he revealed the interpretation of my words to me
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I drew near to one of them that stood by, and I sought to learn of him the truth of all these things: and he told me the truth, and made known to me the interpretation of the things.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Daniel's Visions Interpreted
15I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit, and the visions in my mind alarmed me. 16I approached one of those who were standing there, and I asked him the true meaning of all this. So he told me the interpretation of these things: 17‘These four great beasts are four kings who will arise from the earth.…

Cross References
Revelation 1:1
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John,

Revelation 5:5-6
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.” / Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

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 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.

Revelation 19:10
So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Matthew 24:15
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand),

Mark 13:14
So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. / He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.

1 Peter 1:10-12
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Acts 8:30-31
So Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. / “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

Ezekiel 1:3
the word of the LORD came directly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Kebar. And there the LORD’s hand was upon him.

Ezekiel 3:14
So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me.

Ezekiel 37:3
Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” “O Lord GOD,” I replied, “only You know.”

Zechariah 1:9
“What are these, my lord?” I asked. And the angel who was speaking with me replied, “I will show you what they are.”

Zechariah 4:4-5
“What are these, my lord?” I asked the angel who was speaking with me. / “Do you not know what they are?” replied the angel. “No, my lord,” I answered.


Treasury of Scripture

I came near to one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

one.

Daniel 7:10
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.

Daniel 8:13-16
Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? …

Daniel 10:5,6,11,12
Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: …

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Approached Caused Certainty Clear Drawn Exact Interpretation Meaning Questioning Seek Sense Standing Stood True. Truth Waiting
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Approached Caused Certainty Clear Drawn Exact Interpretation Meaning Questioning Seek Sense Standing Stood True. Truth Waiting
Daniel 7
1. Daniel's vision of the four beasts,
9. and of God's kingdom.
15. The interpretation thereof.














I approached one of those who were standing there
Daniel, in his vision, takes the initiative to seek understanding. This reflects a common biblical theme where individuals seek divine insight (e.g., Joseph in Genesis 40:8). The "one of those who were standing there" likely refers to an angelic being, as angels often serve as messengers and interpreters of visions in Scripture (e.g., Gabriel in Daniel 8:16). This setting emphasizes the heavenly court, a common motif in apocalyptic literature, where divine decrees are issued and explained.

and I asked him the true meaning of all this
Daniel's inquiry highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding, a theme prevalent in the wisdom literature of the Bible (e.g., Proverbs 2:3-5). The phrase "true meaning" suggests that the vision has a deeper, spiritual significance beyond its surface imagery. This reflects the biblical principle that God's revelations often require interpretation (e.g., Jesus explaining parables in Matthew 13:36-43).

So he told me the interpretation of these things
The response to Daniel's question underscores the role of divine revelation in understanding God's plans. The interpretation provided by the angel is authoritative, as it comes from a heavenly source. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God provides clarity through His messengers (e.g., the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2:36-45). The phrase "these things" refers to the symbolic elements of the vision, which are often prophetic, pointing to future events and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel
A prophet and a key figure in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness to God and his ability to interpret dreams and visions.

2. The Vision
Daniel receives a vision of four great beasts, each representing a kingdom, which is a symbolic representation of future events and empires.

3. The Interpreter
An angelic being or heavenly figure who provides Daniel with the interpretation of the vision, signifying divine revelation and understanding.

4. The Setting
The vision occurs during the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, a time of political turmoil and transition.

5. The Kingdoms
The four beasts represent four successive kingdoms, culminating in the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
Teaching Points
Seeking Understanding
Daniel's approach to seek understanding from the heavenly figure teaches us the importance of seeking divine wisdom and clarity in our spiritual journey.

God's Sovereignty
The vision and its interpretation emphasize God's control over history and the rise and fall of empires, reassuring believers of His ultimate authority.

Faithfulness in Uncertainty
Daniel's example encourages us to remain faithful and trust in God's plan, even when faced with uncertain and challenging times.

The Role of Angels
The presence of the interpreter highlights the role of angels as messengers and servants of God, providing guidance and insight to believers.

Eternal Perspective
The vision points to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, reminding us to live with an eternal perspective and hope in God's promises.(16) That stood by--i.e., one out of the multitudes mentioned (Daniel 7:10).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I approached
קִרְבֵ֗ת (qir·ḇêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7127: To approach

one
חַד֙ (ḥaḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 2298: As card, one, single, first, at once

of
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than

those who stood by,
קָ֣אֲמַיָּ֔א (qā·’ă·may·yā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural determinate
Strong's 6966: To arise, stand

and I asked
אֶבְעֵֽא־ (’eḇ·‘ê-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1156: To seek, ask

him
מִנֵּ֖הּ (min·nêh)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than

the true meaning
וְיַצִּיבָ֥א (wə·yaṣ·ṣî·ḇā)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3330: Fixed, sure, certainty

of
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5922: Above, over, upon, against

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

this.
דְּנָ֑ה (də·nāh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 1836: This

So he told
וַאֲמַר־ (wa·’ă·mar-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 560: To say, tell, command

me
לִ֕י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

the interpretation
וּפְשַׁ֥ר (ū·p̄ə·šar)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6591: An interpretation

of these things:
מִלַּיָּ֖א (mil·lay·yā)
Noun - feminine plural determinate
Strong's 4406: A word, command, discourse, subject


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OT Prophets: Daniel 7:16 I came near to one of those (Dan. Da Dn)
Daniel 7:15
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