What's easy to miss is that the word for "serve" here, in its original context, specifically refers to worship or divine service, not just earthly obedience. This means the prophecy isn't just about a powerful ruler, but about a divine figure who will receive the highest form of allegiance from all humanity.
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)
After visions of brutal, beast-like empires, Daniel sees a figure "like a son of man" approaching the Ancient of Days, who is God. This divine figure bestows ultimate authority, glory, and an eternal kingdom upon this "son of man," signifying a dominion that will never be overthrown. This vision contrasts sharply with the destructive cycles of earthly powers, pointing to a perpetual and universal reign.
We read of dominion, glory, and a kingdom given to one 'like a son of man.' But what kind of kingdom is this, and how does it differ from earthly empires?
Daniel 7:14 describes a kingdom bestowed upon a figure identified as 'like a son of man.' This isn't just another earthly empire that will rise and fall.
A Divine Bestowal
The dominion, glory, and kingdom are explicitly stated as being 'given' to him. This highlights that his authority originates not from human ambition or conquest, but from the Ancient of Days, God Himself.
Universal and Eternal Scope
The verse emphasizes that 'all peoples, nations, and languages' will serve him. This points to a scope far beyond any single nation or empire. Crucially, his dominion is declared 'everlasting' and his kingdom 'shall not be destroyed.' This contrasts sharply with the transient nature of the kingdoms represented by the beasts in the preceding verses, which all eventually pass away.
Not Mere Political Power
While earthly rulers are often served through fear or obligation, the serving here is tied to his ultimate authority and the nature of his eternal kingdom. The context suggests a deeper form of allegiance than simple political submission.
The figure described is 'like a son of man,' yet receives an everlasting kingdom. What does this title signify about his true identity?
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The title 'Son of Man' is profoundly significant. While it denotes humanity, the context in Daniel 7 elevates it beyond a mere description.
Humanity with Divine Authority
This figure appears before the Ancient of Days to receive authority. This isn't just any man; he is a unique representative who bridges the divine and human realms. The fact that he is 'given' dominion, glory, and an eternal kingdom underscores that this authority is granted by God, not inherent in his humanity alone, yet it is given to him.
A Title Embraced by Jesus
Jesus himself frequently used the title 'Son of Man' for himself. He did so not to emphasize his lowliness, but to connect himself with this very prophecy of Daniel, highlighting his divine mission and the eternal kingdom he came to establish.
Service Rooted in Worship
Some interpretations suggest that the 'service' rendered to the Son of Man in this context is akin to divine worship. This elevates the concept of service from mere obedience to a recognition of his ultimate divine authority and glory.
Understand the original words
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 unfolds against a backdrop of empire-building and eventual divine restoration. The promise of an everlasting kingdom given to the 'Son of Man' offers profound hope amidst political upheaval and exile, pointing beyond earthly powers to God's ultimate, eternal reign.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's First Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports people, including Daniel, from Jerusalem. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, leading to a further, massive deportation of the Jewish population into exile.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Persian Empire, led by Cyrus the Great, conquers Babylon. This event sets the stage for the return of the Jewish exiles.
538 BC
Cyrus's Decree
Cyrus allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the end of the Babylonian exile.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire, sparked by religious persecution. This period influences some scholars' dating of parts of Daniel.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem. His followers later interpret His life, death, and resurrection in light of prophecies like Daniel 7.
c. AD 64-68
Writing of 1 Peter
The Apostle Peter, in his letter, references prophets searching for the meaning of prophecies concerning the Messiah's sufferings and future glory.
This passage directly echoes Daniel's vision by stating Jesus received 'all authority in heaven and on earth,' highlighting the bestowal of dominion and kingdom upon him.
Revelation 11:15This New Testament passage describes the very moment when 'the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,' fulfilling the vision of universal service given to the Son of Man.
Psalm 2:8This psalm prophetically declares God's promise to give the nations as an inheritance to His Anointed, directly aligning with the vision of the Son of Man receiving a kingdom over all peoples, nations, and languages.
Daniel 2:44This earlier vision in Daniel describes a kingdom set up by God that 'shall never be destroyed,' providing a foundational concept for the everlasting and indestructible nature of the kingdom revealed in Daniel 7.
Ephesians 1:21Paul's letter explains that Christ was raised far above all rule and authority, directly supporting the idea that dominion, glory, and kingdom were 'given' to him as described in Daniel's prophecy.
ellicottDaniel 7:14: "And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."
(14) Serve him.— In Biblical Chaldee this word is only used of rendering Divine service or worship. The “Son of man” is therefore here spoken of as God.
clarkeDaniel 7:14: "And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."
And there was given him dominion - This also is applied to our Lord Jesus by himself, after his resurrection, Matthew 28:18 . His dominion is an everlasting dominion - Christianity shall increase, and prevail to the end of the world. See the para…
What's easy to miss is that the word for "serve" here, in its original context, specifically refers to worship or divine service, not just earthly obedience. This means the prophecy isn't just about a powerful ruler, but about a divine figure who will receive the highest form of allegiance from all humanity.
After visions of brutal, beast-like empires, Daniel sees a figure "like a son of man" approaching the Ancient of Days, who is God. This divine figure bestows ultimate authority, glory, and an eternal kingdom upon this "son of man," signifying a dominion that will never be overthrown. This vision contrasts sharply with the destructive cycles of earthly powers, pointing to a perpetual and universal reign.
After visions of brutal, beast-like empires, Daniel sees a figure "like a son of man" approaching the Ancient of Days, who is God. This divine figure bestows ultimate authority, glory, and an eternal kingdom upon this "son of man," signifying a dominion that will never be overthrown. This vision contrasts sharply with the destructive cycles of earthly powers, pointing to a perpetual and universal reign.
"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…" — What's easy to miss is that the word for "serve" here, in its original context, specifically refers to worship or divine service, not just earthly obedience. This means the prophecy isn't just abou…
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Last reviewed October 2026
