A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

DANIEL 7:10KJV
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Daniel 7:10 (KJV)

What does Daniel 7:10 mean?

Daniel 7:10 describes a powerful scene where a stream of fire flows from before God, countless beings serve Him, and an even greater number stand in His presence as a court is convened and the books are opened for judgment. This verse paints a picture of God’s overwhelming majesty and authority as He prepares to judge.

In the book of Daniel, Daniel is seeing a vision about God’s final judgment over the kingdoms of the world. The “fiery stream” shows God’s purity and power, while the “thousand thousands” and “ten thousand times ten thousand” highlight the vast number of heavenly beings involved. The opening of the books signals a formal, thorough judgment, emphasizing that nothing is hidden from God.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 7:10

  • "fiery" (נּוּר nār): This word means "fire" or "fiery," and its use here underlines the intense, awe-inspiring presence of God, often associated with purity and judgment.
  • "ministered" (שְׁמַשׁ shemash): This word means "to serve" or "to minister." The verse uses it to show that countless beings are actively serving God, not just standing by.
  • "judgment" (דִּין din): This word refers to a legal decision or a court session. Its use here makes clear that this is a formal act of judgment, not just a display of power.
  • "books" (סְפַר sefar): This word means "books" or "records." The opening of the books suggests a careful review of deeds or records, reinforcing the idea of a fair and thorough judgment.

Why Daniel 7:10 matters

  • Daniel 7:10 clarifies that God’s judgment is not arbitrary or hidden; it is public, orderly, and based on records (“the books were opened”).
  • The verse connects Daniel’s vision to other biblical scenes of divine judgment, such as those found in Revelation, helping readers see the consistency of this theme.
  • The overwhelming number of attendants and the fiery imagery emphasize God’s unmatched authority and the seriousness of the judgment, correcting any idea that this is a small or private event.

Where else these words appear

“thousand” Hebrew H506 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 5:1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

“opened” Hebrew H6606 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

“books” Hebrew H5609 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 4:15 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.
  • Ezra 6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
  • Ezra 6:18 And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.

“judgment” Hebrew H1780 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 7:26 And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
  • Daniel 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
  • Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.