Daniel 7:15-18

An Angel Interprets Daniel’s Vision

7:15 “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed, ¹  and the visions of my mind ²  were alarming me. 7:16 I approached one of those standing nearby and asked him about the meaning ³  of all this. So he spoke with me and revealed ⁴  to me the interpretation of the vision: ⁵  7:17 ‘These large beasts, which are four in number, represent four kings who will arise from the earth. 7:18 The holy ones ⁶  of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will take possession of the kingdom forever and ever.’

Daniel 7:27

7:27 Then the kingdom, authority,

and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven

will be delivered to the people of the holy ones ⁷  of the Most High.

His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;

all authorities will serve him and obey him.’

[7:15]  ¹ tn The Aramaic text includes the phrase “in its sheath,” apparently viewing the body as a container or receptacle for the spirit somewhat like a sheath or scabbard is for a knife or a sword (cf. NAB “within its sheath of flesh”). For this phrase the LXX and Vulgate have “in these things.”

[7:15]  ² tn Aram “head.”

[7:16]  ³ tn Aram “what is certain.”

[7:16]  ⁴ tn Aram “and made known.”

[7:16]  ⁵ tn Aram “matter,” but the matter at hand is of course the vision.

[7:18]  ⁶ sn The expression holy ones is either a reference to angels or to human beings devoted to God.

[7:27]  ⁷ tn If the “holy ones” are angels, then this probably refers to the angels as protectors of God’s people. If the “holy ones” are God’s people, then this is an appositional construction, “the people who are the holy ones.” See 8:24 for the corresponding Hebrew phrase and the note there.