Another kingdom inferior to you shall arise after you, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The description of the "inferior" kingdom and the "third kingdom of bronze" doesn't just mark a decline in metals, but also hints at a change in the nature of rule, shifting from a single, monolithic power to something more diffuse or perhaps less divinely appointed, paving the way for future developments.
Another kingdom inferior to you shall arise after you, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Nebuchadnezzar has just seen a grand statue representing future kingdoms, and Daniel is now interpreting it for him. This verse reveals that after Nebuchadnezzar's golden empire, a silver kingdom will arise, followed by a bronze one that will rule over the entire earth. These subsequent empires, though powerful, are depicted as progressively less glorious than Babylon's.
Why would a kingdom described with precious silver be called 'inferior'?
Daniel 2:39 speaks of a kingdom 'inferior to you' arising after Babylon. This refers to the Medo-Persian Empire, symbolized by the silver chest and arms in Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2:32). While silver is valuable, it's less precious than gold. The 'inferiority' isn't necessarily about less power or territory, as the Medo-Persian Empire was vast. Instead, commentators suggest it relates to several factors:
Despite these points of inferiority, this kingdom played a crucial role in God's plan, notably by allowing the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild the Temple.
What does it mean for a kingdom to be made of bronze and 'rule over all the earth'?
The third kingdom, represented by bronze (often translated as brass), is the Greco-Macedonian Empire, founded by Alexander the Great. While bronze is a strong metal, it's again a step down from silver and gold, suggesting further decline in a purely material sense. However, this kingdom is described as 'shall bear rule over all the earth.'
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This phrase, like others describing empires in Daniel, uses hyperbole. Alexander's conquests were immense, stretching across vast territories. The 'rule over all the earth' signifies a significant global impact for its time.
More importantly, this kingdom served God's purposes:
Understand the original words
nechash · Aramaic Noun
A metal symbolizing durability and strength, often used in biblical prophecy to denote kingdoms characterized by military might and harsh subjugation.
The prophecy identifies successive empires: Babylon (gold), the Medo-Persian (silver), and the Grecian (bronze). Understanding the historical context of these empires—their rise, characteristics, and eventual downfall—reveals how ancient prophecies spoke directly to world-changing events.
c. 626-584 BC
Rise of the Medes
Under Cyaxares, the Medes consolidated their power and became a significant force in the region, notably participating in the destruction of Nineveh. This laid the groundwork for the future Medo-Persian Empire.
539 BC— this verse
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great, leader of the Medes and Persians, conquers Babylon, ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This marks the transition to the Medo-Persian Empire.
c. 539-331 BC
Medo-Persian Empire
This empire, symbolized by silver, succeeded Babylon. While vast, scholars note it was considered 'inferior' in certain aspects like ruling character or military consistency compared to the Babylonian empire, despite its extensive reach.
334-323 BC
Conquests of Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great of Macedon defeats the Medo-Persian Empire, establishing the vast Hellenistic (Grecian) Empire, represented by bronze.
331 BC
Grecian Empire's Zenith
After conquering the Persian Empire, Alexander's armies marched as far as India. His empire, though short-lived in its unified form, was seen as ruling 'over all the earth' in the known world.
This verse describes the image Nebuchadnezzar saw, which directly corresponds to the kingdoms Daniel is interpreting here, providing a visual parallel to the prophecy.
Daniel 7:4This passage from Daniel's vision describes a lion with eagle's wings, which is later interpreted as the first kingdom, paralleling the 'head of gold' in Nebuchadnezzar's dream.
Daniel 7:5This verse describes a bear, which corresponds to the second kingdom (Medo-Persian) in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, highlighting the comparison of metals and animals used in Daniel's visions.
Daniel 7:6This verse describes a leopard, directly aligning with the third kingdom (Greco-Macedonian) represented by the bronze in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, showing consistency in Daniel's prophetic imagery.
Revelation 13:1This New Testament passage describes a beast rising from the sea with ten horns and seven heads, which has been interpreted as encompassing elements of these ancient empires and their subsequent influences, offering a later perspective on these world powers.
bensonDaniel 2:39: "And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth."
Daniel 2:39 . After thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee — “It is very well known, that the kingdom which arose after the Babylonian was the Medo-Persian. The two hands and the shoulders signify that the empire of the Babylonians should be destroyed by two kings. The two kings were the kings of the Medes and Persians, whose powers…
barnesDaniel 2:39: "And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth."
And after thee - This must mean "subsequently" to the reign, but it does not mean that the kingdom here referred to would "immediately" succeed his own reign, for that would not be true. The Medo-Persian empire did not come into the ascendency until many years after the death of Nebuchadnezzar. This occurred during the reign of Belshazzar, a g…
The description of the "inferior" kingdom and the "third kingdom of bronze" doesn't just mark a decline in metals, but also hints at a change in the nature of rule, shifting from a single, monolithic power to something more diffuse or perhaps less divinely appointed, paving the way for future developments.
Nebuchadnezzar has just seen a grand statue representing future kingdoms, and Daniel is now interpreting it for him. This verse reveals that after Nebuchadnezzar's golden empire, a silver kingdom will arise, followed by a bronze one that will rule over the entire earth. These subsequent empires, though powerful, are depicted as progressively less glorious than Babylon's.
Nebuchadnezzar has just seen a grand statue representing future kingdoms, and Daniel is now interpreting it for him. This verse reveals that after Nebuchadnezzar's golden empire, a silver kingdom will arise, followed by a bronze one that will rule over the entire earth. These subsequent empires, though powerful, are depicted as progressively less glorious than Babylon's.
"Another kingdom inferior to you shall arise after you, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth." — The description of the "inferior" kingdom and the "third kingdom of bronze" doesn't just mark a decline in metals, but also hints at a change in the nature of rule, shifting from a single, monolith…
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Last reviewed October 2026