Daniel 7:16

Verse

I approached one of those who were standing there, and I asked him the true meaning of all this. So he told me the interpretation of these things:

American Standard Version (1901)

I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

Bible in Basic English

I came near to one of those who were waiting there, questioning him about what all this was. And he said to me that he would make clear to me the sense of these things.

Free Bible Version

I went up to one of the attendants and asked him to explain what all this meant. He said he would explain it so I could understand.

King James (Authorized) Version

I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

Translation for Translators

I went to one of those who were standing in front of the throne of God, and I asked him to tell me what it meant. So he told me the meaning of it.

Unlocked Literal Bible

I approached one of them standing there and asked him to show me the meaning of these things.

Noah Webster Bible

I came near to one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

World English Bible

I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. “So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

Young's Literal Translation

I have drawn near unto one of those standing, and the certainty I seek from him of all this; and he hath said to me, yea, the interpretation of the things he hath caused me to know:

Context

Daniel’s Visions Interpreted

¹⁵I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit, and the visions in my mind alarmed me. ¹⁶I approached one of those who were standing there, and I asked him the true meaning of all this. So he told me the interpretation of these things:¹⁷‘These four great beasts are four kings who will arise from the earth.

Summary

In this verse, Daniel seeks understanding from one of the heavenly beings about the vision he had seen. The verse highlights Daniel's humility and desire for wisdom, as he approaches the angelic being to interpret the mysterious vision. This interaction reflects the importance of seeking divine insight and guidance when faced with spiritual mysteries or challenges. It also underscores the idea that God is willing to provide understanding to those who earnestly seek Him, demonstrating the value of humility and faith in the pursuit of divine knowledge.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

I came near unto one of them that stood by,.... To one of the angels that attended, either the throne of judgment, or, the Son of man in his approach to his divine Father: and asked him the truth of all this; the substance of these visions; what these images, presented to his view, were shadows and representations of; so type and truth, shadow and substance, are opposed to each other. The real meaning of all this was what he asked; nor need any be ashamed to ask of whomsoever they can hope to get knowledge of truth, and especially of superiors, of the angels of the churches, or pastors of them: so he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things; he interpreted everything in the vision to him, and gave him the true meaning and real design of the whole, as follows: this was asked and told, not when Daniel was awake, and was considering of what he had dreamed; but in his dream, in his vision by night; this was all transacted in a visionary way, both the things and the interpretation of them.