But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed is that the "saints" here aren't just passive recipients, but are directly linked to the "Son of Man" figure from earlier in the vision. This means the kingdom isn't given to them in isolation, but as part of Christ's reign, implying a shared rule with Him. This underscores that their eternal possession of the kingdom is intimately tied to their union with their divine King.
But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Daniel has just witnessed a terrifying vision of four brutal beasts, representing earthly empires that will oppress God's people. This verse offers a stark contrast, revealing that despite the temporary power of these oppressive kingdoms, the faithful followers of God, described as "saints," will ultimately inherit and eternally possess a kingdom that supersedes all others. This inheritance is presented as a divine gift, a promise that culminates in a reign of righteousness under the Most High.
The word 'saints' can sometimes feel distant or only apply to the exceptionally holy. But who does the Bible mean here, and how can we relate to them?
In Daniel 7:18, the 'saints' aren't just a select few who lived perfect lives. The original Hebrew word translated here refers to God's 'holy ones.' Think of it as a description of identity, not just behavior. These are people set apart by God, chosen and called to belong to Him.
This concept is crucial because it broadens our understanding:
Throughout history, empires rise and fall. Daniel's vision points to a kingdom that is fundamentally different – one that is eternal and secure.
Daniel is seeing a vision that contrasts sharply with the earthly empires he’s witnessed and that have been described before him (like the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman empires). Those kingdoms were characterized by power, conquest, and eventual decay.
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The vision in Daniel 7:18 reveals:
Understand the original words
‘elyon · Hebrew Adjective
A title for God emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, majesty, and supremacy over all earthly powers and spiritual beings. It declares Him to be the God who reigns above all human rulers.
qaddish · Aramaic Noun
Often used in Daniel to refer to God’s people, those who have been set apart for Him. It highlights their holy status and their identity as the subjects of God’s covenantal rule.
malku · Aramaic Noun
Refers to the divine authority, rule, and reign of God, which is ultimate, eternal, and destined to supersede all human governance. It represents the fulfillment of God’s plan to restore His order on earth.
Daniel's vision in chapter 7 speaks powerfully to a people longing for hope during the Babylonian exile, promising that the oppressive empires would fall and God's people would ultimately inherit an eternal kingdom, a promise solidified by the later decree allowing their return and rebuilding.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's First Deportation
The Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar conquers Jerusalem and begins deporting skilled Judeans, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile and the end of the independent Kingdom of Judah.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This event plunges the Judean people into profound crisis and despair.
c. 550-539 BC
Rise of the Persian Empire
Cyrus the Great leads the Persians in conquering the Median and Lydian empires, ultimately challenging and defeating the Babylonian Empire.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great captures Babylon, marking the end of the Babylonian Empire and the beginning of Persian rule over the region.
538 BC— this verse
Cyrus's Edict for Jewish Return
Cyrus issues a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks a turning point for the exiles, offering hope and a path back to their homeland.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated, symbolizing the restoration of worship and a measure of national identity for the returning exiles.
Jesus tells His disciples that they will sit on thrones and rule when the world is renewed, directly echoing the promise of an eternal kingdom given to the saints.
1 Corinthians 6:2-3This passage highlights that believers will one day judge the world and even angels, reinforcing the idea that the saints are destined for a position of authority and rule.
Revelation 5:10The redeemed are described as being made kings and priests who will reign on the earth, providing a New Testament parallel to the saints inheriting the eternal kingdom mentioned in Daniel.
Revelation 20:4-6This passage speaks of those who had been beheaded for their faith reigning with Christ for a thousand years and then continuing to reign forever, expanding on the eternal possession of the kingdom.
Daniel 2:44This earlier prophecy in Daniel states that the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, directly foreshadowing the eternal nature of the kingdom the saints will possess.
clarkeDaniel 7:18: "But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever."
But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom - I doubt whether this be the true sense of the original Chaldee, ויקבלון מלכותא קדשי עליונון vikabbelun malcutha kaddishey elyonin, "But the supreme holy ones shall receive the kingdom;" or, "they shall receive the kingdom of the supreme saints." Properly translated by Montanus, Et suscipient regnum sanctorum al…
barnesDaniel 7:18: "But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever."
But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom - That is, they shall ultimately take possession of the rule over all the world, and shall control it from that time onward to the end. This is the grand thing which the vision is designed to disclose, and on this it was evidently the intention to fix the mind. Everything before was preparatory and subordinate to…
What's easily missed is that the "saints" here aren't just passive recipients, but are directly linked to the "Son of Man" figure from earlier in the vision. This means the kingdom isn't given to them in isolation, but as part of Christ's reign, implying a shared rule with Him. This underscores that their eternal possession of the kingdom is intimately tied to their union with their divine King.
Daniel has just witnessed a terrifying vision of four brutal beasts, representing earthly empires that will oppress God's people. This verse offers a stark contrast, revealing that despite the temporary power of these oppressive kingdoms, the faithful followers of God, described as "saints," will ultimately inherit and eternally possess a kingdom that supersedes all others. This inheritance is presented as a divine gift, a promise that culminates in a reign of righteousness under the Most High.
Daniel has just witnessed a terrifying vision of four brutal beasts, representing earthly empires that will oppress God's people. This verse offers a stark contrast, revealing that despite the temporary power of these oppressive kingdoms, the faithful followers of God, described as "saints," will ultimately inherit and eternally possess a kingdom that supersedes all others. This inheritance is presented as a divine gift, a promise that culminates in a reign of righteousness under the Most High.
"But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’" — What's easily missed is that the "saints" here aren't just passive recipients, but are directly linked to the "Son of Man" figure from earlier in the vision. This means the kingdom isn't given to t…
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Last reviewed October 2026