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.

DANIEL 7:22KJV
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Daniel 7:22 (KJV)

What does Daniel 7:22 mean?

Daniel 7:22 describes a moment when God, called the "Ancient of days," arrives and gives judgment in favor of the "saints of the most High," allowing them to receive and possess the kingdom. This verse shows a turning point where those faithful to God are granted authority and victory after a time of oppression.

In the book of Daniel, Daniel is recounting a vision about future kingdoms and God's ultimate rule. The "Ancient of days" is a title for God, highlighting His eternal nature and authority. The "saints" refers to God's faithful people, who had been suffering under hostile powers. This verse marks the moment when God intervenes, judges in their favor, and gives them the kingdom, signaling hope and restoration for those who remain loyal to Him.

The Aramaic behind Daniel 7:22

  • "Ancient" (עַתִּיק, attiq) and "days" (יוֹם, yom): This phrase, "Ancient of days," emphasizes God's timelessness and wisdom, setting Him apart from all earthly rulers described earlier in Daniel's vision.
  • "Judgment" (דִּין, din): This word means a legal decision or verdict. Here, it highlights that God is acting as the ultimate judge, making a decisive ruling in favor of His people.
  • "Saints" (קַדִּישִׁין, qaddishin): This term refers to those set apart for God, often understood as the faithful or holy people. It underscores that the ones receiving the kingdom are those who belong to God.
  • "Possessed" (חֲסַן, chasan): This word means to take possession or to inherit. It shows that the saints do not just receive a temporary victory but actually take ownership of the kingdom.

Why Daniel 7:22 matters

  • Daniel 7:22 clarifies that the final authority and victory belong to God and His people, not to the oppressive kingdoms seen earlier in Daniel’s vision.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s judgment is not random but is given specifically to the "saints," highlighting the value of faithfulness and perseverance.
  • This verse connects the vision’s flow: after a period of suffering and injustice, God’s intervention brings lasting justice and hope, which is a central theme in the book of Daniel.

Where else these words appear

“possessed” Hebrew H2631 · used in 2 verses

  • Daniel 7:18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

“Ancient” Hebrew H6268 · used in 3 verses

  • Daniel 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
  • Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

“High” Hebrew H5946 · used in 4 verses

  • Daniel 7:18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
  • Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
  • Daniel 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.

“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 7:10 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.