Question 1

What does Daniel 7:21 mean?

Accepted Answer

Daniel 7:21 describes Daniel seeing a vision where a particular "horn" attacks the "saints" and is able to overpower them for a time. The verse shows a period when the people loyal to God are being defeated by a powerful enemy. In the setting of Daniel 7, Daniel is recounting a dream full of symbolic images about future kingdoms and rulers. The "horn" represents a specific ruler or power that rises from among others, and the "saints" are those who remain faithful to God. This verse highlights a moment in the vision where evil seems to triumph over good, setting up tension for what will happen next in Daniel's prophecy.

Question 2

The Aramaic behind Daniel 7:21

Accepted Answer

"Horn" (קַרְנָא, qarnā’): In Daniel's visions, a "horn" often stands for a king or a powerful leader. The focus on "the same horn" points to a particular figure who becomes especially hostile to the faithful. "Made war" (עֲבַד, ‘ăvad + קְרָב, qĕrāv): The phrase combines the idea of taking action ("made" or "did") with the word for "war" or "battle." This stresses that the attack is intentional and aggressive, not just a passing conflict. "Saints" (קַדִּישִׁין, qaddišīn): This word means "holy ones" or "those set apart." In Daniel, it refers to people who belong to God, not angels in this context.

Question 3

Why Daniel 7:21 matters

Accepted Answer

Daniel 7:21 clarifies that the struggle between good and evil involves real suffering for the faithful, not just symbolic conflict. The verse sets up the expectation that even when evil seems to win, the story is not finished—inviting readers to look for what God will do next. Understanding that the "horn" is a symbol for a specific ruler or power helps make sense of the rest of Daniel's vision and its message about history and hope.

Daniel 7:21 (KJV)