Daniel 7:23
New International Version
“He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it.

New Living Translation
Then he said to me, “This fourth beast is the fourth world power that will rule the earth. It will be different from all the others. It will devour the whole world, trampling and crushing everything in its path.

English Standard Version
“Thus he said: ‘As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces.

Berean Standard Bible
This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast shall be A fourth kingdom on earth, Which shall be different from all other kingdoms, And shall devour the whole earth, Trample it and break it in pieces.

New American Standard Bible
“This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth which will be different from all the other kingdoms, and will devour the whole earth and trample it down and crush it.

NASB 1995
“Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it.

NASB 1977
“Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it.

Amplified Bible
“Thus the angel said, ‘The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which will be different from all other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down, and crush it.

Christian Standard Bible
“This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms. It will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms. It will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it.

American Standard Version
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

Contemporary English Version
Then I was told by the one standing there: "The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom to appear on earth. It will be different from all the others--it will trample the earth and crush it to pieces.

English Revised Version
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He said, "The fourth animal will be the fourth of these kingdoms on earth. It will be different from all other kingdoms. It will devour, trample, and crush the whole world.

Good News Translation
This is the explanation I was given: "The fourth beast is a fourth empire that will be on the earth and will be different from all other empires. It will crush the whole earth and trample it down.

International Standard Version
So he said: 'The fourth animal will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, different from all the kingdoms. It will devour the entire earth, trampling it down and crushing it.

Majority Standard Bible
This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it.

NET Bible
"This is what he told me: 'The fourth beast means that there will be a fourth kingdom on earth that will differ from all the other kingdoms. It will devour all the earth and will trample and crush it.

New Heart English Bible
This he said, 'The fourth animal shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
“So he said, ‘The fourth animal will be a fourth kingdom on earth, which will be different from all the kingdoms, and will devour the whole earth, and will tread it down and break it in pieces.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Thus he said: The fourth beast is the fourth kingdom in the earth, that is diverse from all kingdoms, and it consumes all the earth, and treads it down, and breaks it small.

Young's Literal Translation
'Thus he said: The fourth beast is the fourth kingdom in the earth, that is diverse from all kingdoms, and it consumeth all the earth, and treadeth it down, and breaketh it small.

Smith's Literal Translation
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom in the earth, that shall be different from all kingdoms, and shall eat up all the earth, and shall tread it down and beat it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And thus he said: The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be greater than all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And thus he said, “The fourth beast will be the fourth kingdom on earth, which will be greater than all the kingdoms, and will devour the whole earth, and will trample and crush it.

New American Bible
He answered me thus: “The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, different from all the others; The whole earth it shall devour, trample down and crush.

New Revised Standard Version
This is what he said: “As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth that shall be different from all the other kingdoms; it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Thus he said to me: The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon the earth, which shall be greater than all the kingdoms and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down and break it in pieces.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And thus he said to me: “The fourth beast will be the fourth kingdom in the Earth, and it will be greater than all of the kingdoms and will devour all the Earth, and it will tread upon it and it will break it to pieces
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Thus he said: 'The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom on the earth, which shall excel all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and trample and destroy it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Daniel's Visions Interpreted
22until the Ancient of Days arrived and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for them to possess the kingdom. 23This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it. 24And the ten horns are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. After them another king, different from the earlier ones, will rise and subdue three kings.…

Cross References
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 17:12-14
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 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 11:7
When the two witnesses have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will wage war with them, and will overpower and kill them.

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 17:3
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 17:8
The beast that you saw—it was, and now is no more, but is about to come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. And those who dwell on the earth whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet will be.

Revelation 17:17
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 13:7
Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.

Revelation 13:5-7
The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months. / And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven. / Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.

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
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.

Revelation 17:18
And the woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”

Daniel 2:40-43
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. / And 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. / And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. ...

Daniel 8:24
His power will be great, but it will not be his own. He will cause terrible destruction and succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men along with the holy people.


Treasury of Scripture

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

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Animal Appear As Beast Break Breaketh Consumeth Crush Devour Different Diverse Earth Explanation Fourth Kingdom Kingdoms Overcome Pieces Small Smashing Trample Trampling Tread Treadeth Whole
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Daniel 7
1. Daniel's vision of the four beasts,
9. and of God's kingdom.
15. The interpretation thereof.














Thus he said
This phrase introduces the explanation given by the angelic messenger to Daniel. It signifies the authority and divine origin of the message. In the context of biblical prophecy, such introductions underscore the importance and reliability of the revelation. The use of "he" refers to the angel, likely Gabriel, who is a messenger of God, emphasizing that the interpretation comes from a divine source, not human speculation.

The fourth beast
This phrase refers to the fourth kingdom in Daniel's vision, which is distinct from the previous three beasts. In biblical prophecy, beasts often symbolize kingdoms or empires. The fourth beast is described as terrifying and powerful, representing a kingdom that is more formidable and destructive than its predecessors. Historically, this is often interpreted as the Roman Empire, known for its vast reach and influence.

will be a fourth kingdom on the earth
This phrase confirms the earthly dominion of the fourth beast, indicating its global impact and authority. The term "kingdom" in biblical terms often refers to a political and social system under a sovereign rule. The phrase suggests a period of significant historical and spiritual consequence, as this kingdom will play a crucial role in the unfolding of God's plan.

different from all the other kingdoms
This highlights the uniqueness of the fourth kingdom compared to its predecessors. Historically, the Roman Empire was indeed different in its structure, governance, and military prowess. It was known for its legal system, engineering feats, and ability to assimilate various cultures. Spiritually, this difference may also imply a greater level of opposition to God's people and purposes.

and it will devour the whole earth
The imagery of devouring suggests conquest and domination. This phrase indicates the extensive reach and influence of the fourth kingdom, which will impose its will across the known world. Historically, the Roman Empire's expansion and control over vast territories align with this description. Spiritually, it may also symbolize the pervasive influence of worldly systems opposed to God's kingdom.

trampling it down and crushing it
This phrase conveys the destructive power and oppressive nature of the fourth kingdom. The actions of trampling and crushing suggest not only conquest but also the suppression and persecution of those under its rule. Historically, the Roman Empire was known for its military might and often brutal enforcement of its laws. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a representation of the forces that oppose God's people and His divine order, leading to trials and tribulations for the faithful.

(23) The fourth kingdom.--The ten are spoken of as existing simultaneously. Of the various attempts to account for them, none have proved satisfactory. (See Excursus E.) We must wait in patient humility for the fulfilment of this part of the prophecy, noting that marks by which the little horn may be identified have been graciously revealed to us by God Himself.

Verses 23, 24. - Thus he said, The fourth boast 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. 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. The version of the LXX. differs in some minute points from the Massoretic text. The text as given by Justin Martyr is slightly shorter by omitting some words. Theodotion and the Peshitta also agree. What remarks can be made on this have been made already. It is to be observed that it is the whole earth that is devoured by the fourth beast as presented to us now. In the earlier presentation, although very terrible, his devastation is limited. There is nothing said to indicate that the kings are successive, but the inference rather is that they are contemporaries. The attempts are many that have been made to make out ten kings before Epiphanes, but they have all failed. If the fourth kingdom is the Greek Empire, then ten is a number far too small for the various kings of the different dynasties that sprang up There were seven or eight Lagids, as many Seleucids, three or four Attalids, five or six Antigonids, not to speak of such men as Lysimaehus and Perdiecas, who were kings, but who did not found dynasties. If the fourth kingdom is tacitly reduced to the Syrian kingdom, then how is it explained that the author of 'Daniel' was ignorant, in the seventh chapter, that the Lagids were also successors of Alexander as well as the Seleucids? How could a man living in the age of the Maccabees imagine the Seleucids rulers of the world, when Epiphanes had been a hostage in Rome? A great power does not give, but receives, hostages. We know from First Maccabees that the Jews were well aware of this, and also of the check the Romans were on Epiphanes. Even if Daniel wrote at the time chosen by the critics, how came he to be so ignorant as to imagine the Seleueid Empire to be so tremendously great? He shall subdue three kings. Who are the three kings of the ten who preceded him whom Epiphanes subdued? Seleucus Philopator, Heliodorus, and Demetrius Soter are given by Professor Bevan. But Demetrius Sorer did not ascend the throne till after the death of Epiphanes. It is extremely doubtful whether Heliodorus ever assumed the crown. Our whole knowledge of him is from Appian. Josephus knows nothing of Heliodorus. The Second Book of Maccabees, though telling a legendary story of Heliodorus, gives no account of his murder of his master and attempt to take the crown. Our sole authority for this whole story is Appian, who wrote three centuries after the event, and manifests considerable confusion at times, e.g. represents Attalus and Eu-menes as being two sovereigns independent of each other, whereas the one succeeded the other. If Seleucus Philopator is to be reckoned as "subdued" or "humbled" before Epiphanes, as well might all the rest of his predecessors. The Jewish interpretation, that the little horn is the Flavian dynasty, has far more verisimilitude. Certainly Galba Vitellius and Otho had been humbled before the Flavians. If we consider the horn "magistracies," certainly the absorption into the imperial dignity of all the higher magistracies might well be reckoned humbling them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
This is what
כֵּן֮ (kên)
Adverb
Strong's 3652: Thus, as follows

he said:
אֲמַר֒ (’ă·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 560: To say, tell, command

‘The fourth
רְבִיעָ֣יְתָ֔א (rə·ḇî·‘ā·yə·ṯā)
Number - ordinal feminine singular determinate
Strong's 7244: Fourth, a fourth

beast is
חֵֽיוְתָא֙ (ḥê·wə·ṯā)
Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 2423: An animal

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

kingdom
מַלְכ֤וּ (mal·ḵū)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4437: Royalty, reign, kingdom

that will appear
תֶּהֱוֵ֣א (te·hĕ·wê)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1934: To become, come to pass, be

on the earth,
בְאַרְעָ֔א (ḇə·’ar·‘ā)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 772: The earth, low

different
תִשְׁנֵ֖א (ṯiš·nê)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 8133: To change

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

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

the other kingdoms,
מַלְכְוָתָ֑א (mal·ḵə·wā·ṯā)
Noun - feminine plural determinate
Strong's 4437: Royalty, reign, kingdom

and it will devour
וְתֵאכֻל֙ (wə·ṯê·ḵul)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 399: To eat, devour

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

earth,
אַרְעָ֔א (’ar·‘ā)
Noun - feminine singular determinate
Strong's 772: The earth, low

trample it down,
וּתְדוּשִׁנַּ֖הּ (ū·ṯə·ḏū·šin·nah)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1759: To tread down

and crush it.
וְתַדְּקִנַּֽהּ׃ (wə·ṯad·də·qin·nah)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1855: To be shattered, fall to pieces


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OT Prophets: Daniel 7:23 Thus he said The fourth animal shall (Dan. Da Dn)
Daniel 7:22
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