Daniel 7:13-14
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's easily missed is that this figure doesn't just appear; he is brought before the Ancient of Days. This highlights that his authority and kingdom are not self-derived but are bestowed upon him, emphasizing his unique, divinely appointed role.
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Daniel has just seen visions of terrifying beasts representing oppressive empires rising and falling. This verse shifts the scene dramatically, introducing a majestic, human-like figure appearing with the clouds of heaven to approach the Ancient of Days, God Himself, to receive dominion. This marks a transition from earthly, beastly kingdoms to a divine kingdom established through this "son of man."
This figure is described as 'like a son of man,' not simply 'a son of man.' What does that subtle difference tell us about His identity?
The phrase 'one like a son of man' is a powerful description found here in Daniel. While it points to a human form, the 'like' suggests something more. It sets this figure apart from ordinary humanity, hinting at a divine or uniquely appointed role.
More Than Human
This title is significant because it's not a direct declaration of being human, but rather a comparison. This implies a being who embodies humanity in a supreme way, or perhaps one who is divine yet appears in human likeness. Jesus Himself later adopted this title, connecting Himself directly to this prophecy and indicating His unique status as both fully human and something more.
A Title of Authority
When this 'Son of Man' approaches the Ancient of Days, it's not as a mere observer but as someone about to receive authority. This foreshadows a heavenly investiture, a moment where dominion is conferred.
The way this figure arrives is breathtaking – 'with the clouds of heaven.' What does this celestial escort signify?
The imagery of arriving 'with the clouds of heaven' is not just dramatic; it's packed with meaning.
Divine Presence and Majesty
In ancient Near Eastern thought, clouds were often associated with the visible manifestation of God's presence and glory. Think of the pillar of cloud that led Israel in the wilderness. Coming 'with the clouds' signifies that this figure arrives in divine radiance, power, and majesty. It’s a public, undeniable display of God’s intervention.
Ask a follow-up
Heavenly Authority
This mode of arrival also points to a heavenly origin and authority. Unlike the beasts that rose from the chaotic sea (representing earthly turmoil), this figure comes from above. It signals a shift in power, a divine handover orchestrated from the highest realm.
This vision culminates in a presentation before the 'Ancient of Days.' Who is this figure, and what does this encounter mean?
The climactic moment in this vision is the presentation of the 'one like a son of man' before the 'Ancient of Days.'
The Eternal Judge
The 'Ancient of Days' is a profound title for God, emphasizing His eternal nature, His antiquity, and His ultimate authority. He is the supreme judge, the one from whom all authority flows. This is God in His timeless majesty, presiding over the unfolding of history.
Heavenly Investiture Ceremony
Being 'brought near' and 'presented before him' signifies a formal reception and acknowledgment. This isn't just a routine meeting; it's a celestial ceremony. The 'Son of Man' is brought into the very presence of God to receive His mandate, His kingdom, and His authority. This establishes the legitimacy and divine origin of the dominion He is about to receive, underscoring that His reign is not self-proclaimed but divinely ordained.
Understand the original words
ḥeẓwāh · Aramaic Noun
Supernatural or revelatory experiences granted by God to prophets, through which divine truth is communicated in symbolic or visionary form.
bar ʾĕnāš · Aramaic Noun phrase
A messianic title signifying a figure who possesses human appearance but operates with divine authority; in the New Testament, this title is uniquely claimed by Jesus Christ.
ʿattîq yômîn · Aramaic Noun phrase
A title for God emphasizing His eternal nature, existence before time, and supreme status as the Judge and Ruler of all history.
yĕqār · Aramaic Noun
The splendor, majesty, and weight of God’s character or the royal authority He bestows; it reflects the dignity and honor due to the King of Kings.
malḵû · Aramaic Noun
In a biblical context, it refers to the sovereign reign of God or His anointed King, which is absolute, eternal, and universal in scope.
ʿālam · Aramaic Adjective
A time without end; denotes that which is enduring, permanent, and fixed in the eternal purpose of God.
This vision, deeply rooted in the exilic and post-exilic period of Jewish history, speaks of a divine kingdom that transcends earthly empires. Its ultimate fulfillment is understood to be in Jesus Christ, whose coming brought a spiritual kingdom that would never be destroyed, offering hope amidst the turmoil of successive empires.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Jehoiachin and many Jewish leaders and artisans are exiled to Babylon after a siege of Jerusalem. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Kingdom of Judah and leading to a further, larger exile.
c. 550-539 BC
Rise of the Persian Empire
Cyrus the Great unites the Medes and Persians, establishing a vast empire that would soon conquer Babylon.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
Cyrus the Great captures Babylon, bringing an end to the Neo-Babylonian Empire and ushering in the Persian era.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return of Exiles
Cyrus allows Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, though Persian rule continues.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
The Maccabean Revolt against Seleucid rule begins, a period of intense conflict and struggle for religious and political freedom.
c. 6-4 BC— this verse
Birth of Jesus
The birth of Jesus, who would later be identified by Christians as the 'Son of Man' described in this vision.
Jesus directly alludes to this passage when describing his own future glorious return, emphasizing the 'Son of Man' coming with the clouds of heaven, which was a pivotal moment for His accusers.
Revelation 1:7This New Testament passage echoes Daniel's vision, describing Jesus' coming with the clouds and the reaction of those who pierced Him, directly linking the Old Testament prophecy to its fulfillment in Christ.
Daniel 2:44This earlier vision in Daniel foretells a kingdom that will 'never be destroyed,' providing the thematic context for the establishment of God's eternal kingdom initiated by the 'Son of Man' figure in chapter 7.
Psalm 8:4While Daniel uses 'Son of Man' in a vision of divine authority, this Psalm reflects on the profound significance of humanity ('son of man') in God's creation, highlighting the humble yet divinely appointed nature of humankind that finds its ultimate expression in Christ.
John 1:14The concept of the 'Son of Man' coming with divine glory echoes John's declaration that the Word 'became flesh,' bridging the heavenly and earthly realms, revealing God's presence among humanity in a uniquely personal way.
ellicottDaniel 7:13: "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him."
(13) The Son of man.— Hence our Saviour adopts the title which designates Him as Judge ( Matthew 24:27 , &c.). The title implies one descended from man; but as this Person is spoken of as being “like” one of human descent, it follows that He was not merely a man. The early Jewish and Christian interpretations that…
bensonDaniel 7:13: "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him."
Daniel 7:13 . I saw in the night visions, &c. — Here is described by what means these changes were to be brought about; behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven — One in the shape and likeness of a man, but clothed with such ensigns of majesty and honour, (signified here by the clouds of heave…
What's easily missed is that this figure doesn't just appear; he is brought before the Ancient of Days. This highlights that his authority and kingdom are not self-derived but are bestowed upon him, emphasizing his unique, divinely appointed role.
Daniel has just seen visions of terrifying beasts representing oppressive empires rising and falling. This verse shifts the scene dramatically, introducing a majestic, human-like figure appearing with the clouds of heaven to approach the Ancient of Days, God Himself, to receive dominion. This marks a transition from earthly, beastly kingdoms to a divine kingdom established through this "son of man."
Daniel has just seen visions of terrifying beasts representing oppressive empires rising and falling. This verse shifts the scene dramatically, introducing a majestic, human-like figure appearing with the clouds of heaven to approach the Ancient of Days, God Himself, to receive dominion. This marks a transition from earthly, beastly kingdoms to a divine kingdom established through this "son of man."
"“I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion
and glory…" — What's easily missed is that this figure doesn't *just* appear; he is *brought* before the Ancient of Days. This highlights that his authority and kingdom are not self-derived but are bestowed upon h…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026