Daniel 7:27
And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse says "all dominions shall serve and obey him," but the "him" here refers not just to God the Most High, but also to the "people of the saints," indicating a shared reign where God's people participate in His ultimate authority. This collective rule, extending "under the whole heaven," isn't just about spiritual dominance, but a profound earthly authority given as an inheritance to God's faithful.
After Daniel receives visions of powerful beasts representing earthly empires, an angel explains that these empires will eventually be destroyed. The ultimate dominion and an everlasting kingdom will be given to the "people of the saints of the Most High," signifying God's ultimate reign and the vindication of His faithful followers. This pronouncement offers comfort and a vision of hope amidst the turmoil of worldly powers.
Daniel's vision culminates in a stunning transfer of power. Who are these 'saints,' and how do they receive such immense authority?
This verse reveals a profound truth: the ultimate authority and grandeur of all kingdoms under heaven are not destined for earthly rulers, but for 'the people of the saints of the Most High.' This isn't about a select few, but God's entire covenant people, both historically and in the future. They are called 'saints' not because they are inherently perfect, but because God has set them apart for Himself. Through Christ, believers become part of this holy community, destined to inherit and participate in God's everlasting reign.
Think of it as a divine inheritance. God’s plan isn't to rule the world without His people, but to rule with them, sharing His glory and authority. This signifies a deep intimacy and partnership between God and those He has redeemed.
We often associate earthly kingdoms with borders, power struggles, and eventual decline. How does Daniel's vision of God's kingdom radically differ?
The verse emphasizes that this kingdom given to the saints is 'an everlasting kingdom.' This is a crucial distinction from any earthly dominion. Earthly kingdoms rise and fall, their greatness is temporary, and their authority is limited. But God's kingdom, and the reign of His people within it, transcends time and earthly limitations.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Daniel 7:27 is available in the Sola app.
It's a kingdom that exists even now, though not 'of this world' in the way human kingdoms are (John 18:36). It operates through spiritual power, transformed hearts, and God's sovereign will. While earthly powers will ultimately serve and obey it, its true nature is eternal and spiritual, a reality that begins with God's people on earth and finds its ultimate fulfillment in eternity.
The vision encompasses 'the whole heaven' and promises that 'all dominions shall serve and obey him.' What does this tell us about God's ultimate plan for the world?
Daniel 7:27 paints a picture of ultimate divine sovereignty. The transfer of kingdom and dominion 'under the whole heaven' signifies that God’s rule is supreme over all earthly powers. The promise that 'all dominions shall serve and obey him' (referring to God, as the ultimate authority behind the saints' reign) points to a future where all opposition to God’s will ceases.
This isn't just about the eventual triumph of good over evil; it’s about God’s established order being recognized and submitted to universally. Even earthly powers that seem dominant now are ultimately instruments in God’s hands, destined to fulfill His purposes. His plan is comprehensive, extending beyond a single nation or era to encompass all of creation.
Understand the original words
malḵû · Aramaic Noun
A term used to describe a political entity or reign; in biblical prophecy, it often refers to world powers or the ultimate, eternal rule of God.
qaddîsh · Aramaic Noun
Those set apart for God; in this context, it refers to the faithful people of God who will inherit the Messianic kingdom.
‘illāyā’ · Aramaic Noun/Adjective
A title for God emphasizing His supremacy, sovereignty, and transcendence above all earthly rulers and spiritual powers.
‘ālam · Aramaic Adjective
Lasting for an infinite period; used in Scripture to describe the eternal nature of God and His kingdom, which will never end or be destroyed.
This verse speaks directly to the early Christian community, who, living under Roman rule and experiencing persecution, found immense hope in the promise of an eternal kingdom given to God's people through Christ, even when earthly kingdoms seemed powerful and oppressive.
c. 6th century BC
Babylonian Exile of Jews
Many Jewish people were forcibly relocated to Babylon, a period of great hardship and cultural challenge, shaping their identity and yearning for divine restoration.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
The Medo-Persian Empire conquered Babylon, leading to a shift in geopolitical power and eventually allowing some Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem.
c. 538 BC onwards
Return from Exile and Temple Reconstruction
Under Persian rule, Jewish exiles began returning to Judea and rebuilding the Temple, a significant step in re-establishing their religious and national life.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A rebellion erupted against Seleucid rule when Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Jerusalem Temple, leading to a period of conflict and religious struggle.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome exerted its influence, ultimately incorporating Judea into its empire, setting the stage for the political and social context of Jesus' life.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central events of Christianity, signifying redemption and the inauguration of a new covenant, profoundly impacting the followers of Jesus.
c. AD 50-60
Apostolic Missions and Church Growth
The apostles, especially Paul, spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire, establishing Christian communities and facing both acceptance and persecution.
This passage echoes Daniel's vision by prophesying that nations and kingdoms that refuse to serve God's people will be destroyed, while kings will bring tribute and worship, directly paralleling the idea of universal submission in Daniel 7:27.
Revelation 11:15This New Testament passage directly fulfills Daniel's vision, stating that the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, who shall reign forever and ever, aligning with the everlasting kingdom promised to the saints.
Daniel 2:44This earlier prophecy in Daniel states that the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, which shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever, reinforcing the theme of an eternal, divine kingdom replacing earthly ones.
Luke 1:32-33The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary speaks of Jesus being given the throne of his father David and reigning over the house of Jacob forever, mirroring the concept of an everlasting kingdom established by God's chosen people described in Daniel.
Romans 8:17Paul teaches that if we are children of God, then we are heirs—heirs with God and co-heirs with Christ—of the glory that is to be revealed, connecting the believers' future inheritance of a glorious kingdom with Christ's own reign.
ellicottDaniel 7:27: "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him."
(27) Comp. Daniel 7:14 ; Daniel 7:18 .
clarkeDaniel 7:27: "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him."
The kingdom and dominion - The people of the saints of the Most High, or the people who are the supereminent saints, shall have the kingdom. Whatever name they may be distinguished by among men, these are the people, and theirs is the Church, that no…
The verse says "all dominions shall serve and obey him," but the "him" here refers not just to God the Most High, but also to the "people of the saints," indicating a shared reign where God's people participate in His ultimate authority. This collective rule, extending "under the whole heaven," isn't just about spiritual dominance, but a profound earthly authority given as an inheritance to God's faithful.
After Daniel receives visions of powerful beasts representing earthly empires, an angel explains that these empires will eventually be destroyed. The ultimate dominion and an everlasting kingdom will be given to the "people of the saints of the Most High," signifying God's ultimate reign and the vindication of His faithful followers. This pronouncement offers comfort and a vision of hope amidst the turmoil of worldly powers.
After Daniel receives visions of powerful beasts representing earthly empires, an angel explains that these empires will eventually be destroyed. The ultimate dominion and an everlasting kingdom will be given to the "people of the saints of the Most High," signifying God's ultimate reign and the vindication of His faithful followers. This pronouncement offers comfort and a vision of hope amidst the turmoil of worldly powers.
"And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominio…" — The verse says "all dominions shall serve and obey him," but the "him" here refers not just to God the Most High, but also to the "people of the saints," indicating a shared reign where God's people…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
