‘These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The angel clarifies that these "beasts" aren't just individual rulers, but represent entire empires or dynasties. This crucial detail reveals that the vision is not about specific kings, but about sweeping historical powers that will emerge from the earth, full of earthly ambitions and characteristics.
‘These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
An angel has just revealed to Daniel a vision of four terrifying beasts rising from the sea. This verse clarifies that these monstrous symbols represent four successive empires or dynasties that will dominate the earth. While Daniel is consumed by the meaning of these beasts, especially the fourth one, the angel quickly moves to reveal the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over these earthly powers.
Daniel sees terrifying beasts, but what do they really represent? It's bigger than just one king.
The angel explains to Daniel that these four great beasts aren't just individual kings. Think bigger: they represent four successive kingdoms or empires that will dominate the earth.
These powerful beasts come from the earth, but Daniel's vision points to something entirely different. What's the contrast?
The imagery of the beasts rising 'out of the earth' is significant. It sharply contrasts with the divine kingdom that will ultimately be established.
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Understand the original words
cheyvah · Aramaic Noun
In biblical prophecy, especially in Daniel, a beast typically represents an earthly kingdom or ruler characterized by rebellion against God, ferocity, and worldly power. They symbolize empires that rise out of the 'sea' of humanity to dominate and oppress.
Daniel's vision of four great beasts represents successive world empires, with the 'kings' often signifying entire dynasties or kingdoms rather than individual rulers. This historical sweep helps us understand the geopolitical forces shaping the ancient Near East and the context for Jewish hope in God's ultimate sovereignty.
c. 625 BC
Neo-Babylonian Empire established
Nabopolassar established the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which would become the first of the great powers depicted in Daniel's vision.
605 BC
First deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar II deported Judean nobles, including Daniel, to Babylon, beginning the Babylonian Exile.
539 BC
Persian Empire conquers Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, establishing the vast Persian Empire, which would succeed the Neo-Babylonian dominion.
331 BC
Alexander the Great conquers Persia
Alexander's Greek forces defeated the Persian Empire, ushering in the Hellenistic period and the subsequent division of his empire.
c. 175 BC— this verse
Antiochus IV Epiphanes' reign begins
The Seleucid king Antiochus IV sought to Hellenize Judea, leading to intense conflict and persecution of the Jews, mirroring aspects of the vision's 'little horn'.
c. 167 BC
Maccabean Revolt begins
The Maccabean Revolt erupted against Seleucid rule in response to Antiochus IV's oppressive actions, a significant struggle for religious and national identity.
This passage describes a succession of four kingdoms symbolized by metals, directly paralleling Daniel 7's vision of four beasts representing four kings or kingdoms.
Daniel 8:20-22This vision also interprets symbolic figures (a ram and a goat) as kings and kingdoms, explicitly naming the Medes, Persians, and Greeks, thus reinforcing the interpretation of beasts as political powers.
Daniel 7:23This verse directly clarifies that the fourth beast 'shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth,' confirming the interpretation that the beasts represent entire kingdoms or dynasties, not just individual rulers.
Revelation 17:12-13John's vision also features beasts representing kings and kingdoms, highlighting their political and oppressive nature and their ultimate demise, showing a continuity in prophetic symbolism.
ellicottDaniel 7:17: "These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth."
(17) Four kings.— Kingdoms are frequently represented by their heads or founders; hence kings and kingdoms are occasionally used synonymously. (Comp. Daniel 8:21 .)
clarkeDaniel 7:17: "These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth."
These great beasts - are four kings - See the preceding verses, where the following explanations are inserted and illustrated.
The angel clarifies that these "beasts" aren't just individual rulers, but represent entire empires or dynasties. This crucial detail reveals that the vision is not about specific kings, but about sweeping historical powers that will emerge from the earth, full of earthly ambitions and characteristics.
An angel has just revealed to Daniel a vision of four terrifying beasts rising from the sea. This verse clarifies that these monstrous symbols represent four successive empires or dynasties that will dominate the earth. While Daniel is consumed by the meaning of these beasts, especially the fourth one, the angel quickly moves to reveal the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over these earthly powers.
An angel has just revealed to Daniel a vision of four terrifying beasts rising from the sea. This verse clarifies that these monstrous symbols represent four successive empires or dynasties that will dominate the earth. While Daniel is consumed by the meaning of these beasts, especially the fourth one, the angel quickly moves to reveal the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over these earthly powers.
"‘These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth." — The angel clarifies that these "beasts" aren't just individual rulers, but represent entire empires or dynasties. This crucial detail reveals that the vision is not about specific kings, but about sw…
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Last reviewed October 2026