Daniel 7:6
Daniel 7:6 in Multiple Translations
Next, as I watched, another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.
After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
After this I beheld, and, lo, another, like a leopard, which had upon its back four wings of a bird; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
After this I saw another beast, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings like those of a bird; and the beast had four heads, and the power of a ruler was given to it.
After this I saw a third beast. It looked like a leopard with four wings like those of a bird on its back, and it had four heads. It was given power to impose its rule.
After this I behelde, and loe, there was an other like a leopard, which had vpon his backe foure wings of a foule: the beast had also foure heads, and dominion was giuen him.
'After this I was seeing, and lo, another like a leopard, and it hath four wings of a fowl on its back, and four heads hath the beast, and dominion is given to it.
“After this I saw, and behold, another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The animal also had four heads; and dominion was given to it.
After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
After this I beheld, and lo, another like a leopard, and it had upon it four wings as of a fowl, and the beast had four heads, and power was given to it.
Then I saw in front of me the third of those beasts. It resembled a leopard, but it had four wings protruding from its back. The wings were like a bird’s wings. It had four heads. It was given the power/authority to rule people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 7:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Daniel 7:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בָּאתַ֨ר
דְּנָ֜ה
חָזֵ֣ה
הֲוֵ֗ית
וַ/אֲר֤וּ
אָֽחֳרִי֙
כִּ/נְמַ֔ר
וְ/לַ֨/הּ
גַּפִּ֥ין
אַרְבַּ֛ע
דִּי
ע֖וֹף
עַל
גבי/ה
גַּבַּ֑/הּ
וְ/אַרְבְּעָ֤ה
רֵאשִׁין֙
לְ/חֵ֣יוְתָ֔/א
וְ/שָׁלְטָ֖ן
יְהִ֥יב
לַֽ/הּ
בָּאתַ֨ר
ʼăthar
H870
place
Adj
דְּנָ֜ה
dên
H1836
this
Adj
חָזֵ֣ה
chăzâʼ
H2370
to see
Adj
הֲוֵ֗ית
hâvâʼ
H1934
to be
Adj
וַ/אֲר֤וּ
ʼărûw
H718
behold!
Adj | Part
אָֽחֳרִי֙
ʼochŏrîy
H317
another
Adj
כִּ/נְמַ֔ר
nᵉmar
H5245
leopard
Adj | N-ms
וְ/לַ֨/הּ
Adj | Prep | Suff
גַּפִּ֥ין
gaph
H1611
wing
Adj
אַרְבַּ֛ע
ʼarbaʻ
H703
four
Adj
דִּי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
ע֖וֹף
ʻôwph
H5776
bird
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
גבי/ה
gab
H1355
back
Adj | Art
גַּבַּ֑/הּ
gab
H1355
back
Adj | Suff
וְ/אַרְבְּעָ֤ה
ʼarbaʻ
H703
four
Adj | Adj
רֵאשִׁין֙
rêʼsh
H7217
head
Adj
לְ/חֵ֣יוְתָ֔/א
chêyvâʼ
H2423
beast
Adj | N-fs | Art
וְ/שָׁלְטָ֖ן
sholṭân
H7985
dominion
Adj | N-ms
יְהִ֥יב
yᵉhab
H3052
to give
Adj
לַֽ/הּ
Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 7:6
בָּאתַ֨ר
ʼăthar
H870
"place"
Adj
This word refers to a place or location, and can also mean after or following something. It is used in various contexts throughout the Bible to describe physical locations or sequences of events.
Definition: track, place
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: after, place. See also: Ezra 5:15; Daniel 2:35; Daniel 7:7.
דְּנָ֜ה
dên
H1836
"this"
Adj
This Hebrew word means 'this' or 'therefore' and is used to point to something specific. It is often used in the Bible to connect ideas or explain a reason.
Definition: demons pron 1) this, on account of this adv 2) therefore
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (afore-) time, [phrase] after this manner, here (-after), one...another, such, there(-fore), these, this (matter), [phrase] thus, where(-fore), which. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 2:29; Jeremiah 10:11.
חָזֵ֣ה
chăzâʼ
H2370
"to see"
Adj
Chaza means to see or gaze, and can also mean to dream or seem. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in a vision.
Definition: 1) to see, behold 1a)(P'al) 1a1) to see 1a2) to see, behold, witness 1a3) to behold (in a dream or vision) 1a4) customary, seemly (passive)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: behold, have (a dream), see, be wont. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 4:10; Daniel 7:21.
הֲוֵ֗ית
hâvâʼ
H1934
"to be"
Adj
Similar to H1933, this word means 'to be' or 'to exist', but with a broader range of applications, as seen in Daniel and Ezra. It can describe something coming to pass or becoming known.
Definition: 1) to come to pass, become, be 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to come to pass 1a2) to come into being, arise, become, come to be 1a2a) to let become known (with participle of knowing) 1a3) to be
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: be, become, [phrase] behold, [phrase] came (to pass), [phrase] cease, [phrase] cleave, [phrase] consider, [phrase] do, [phrase] give, [phrase] have, [phrase] judge, [phrase] keep, [phrase] labour, [phrase] mingle (self), [phrase] put, [phrase] see, [phrase] seek, [phrase] set, [phrase] slay, [phrase] take heed, tremble, [phrase] walk, [phrase] would. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 4:1; Daniel 7:23.
וַ/אֲר֤וּ
ʼărûw
H718
"behold!"
Adj | Part
This Hebrew word means to look or pay attention, like saying 'behold!' It's used to get someone's attention, similar to 'lo!' in English. It appears in various Bible verses, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: behold, lo Aramaic of al.lay (אַלְלַי "woe!" H0480)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo. See also: Daniel 7:2; Daniel 7:6; Daniel 7:13.
אָֽחֳרִי֙
ʼochŏrîy
H317
"another"
Adj
The Hebrew word for another or other, used to describe something or someone different. It appears in various books of the Bible, including the Aramaic sections. This word is often translated as 'another' in the KJV.
Definition: other, another Aramaic of a.cher (אַחֵר "another" H0312)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other. See also: Daniel 2:39; Daniel 7:6; Daniel 7:20.
כִּ/נְמַ֔ר
nᵉmar
H5245
"leopard"
Adj | N-ms
The Hebrew term for leopard, probably referencing its striped fur. In Hosea 13:7 and Daniel 7:6, leopards symbolize speed and agility.
Definition: leopard Aramaic of na.mer (נָמֵר "leopard" H5246)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: leopard. See also: Daniel 7:6.
וְ/לַ֨/הּ
""
Adj | Prep | Suff
גַּפִּ֥ין
gaph
H1611
"wing"
Adj
Gaph also means a bird's wing, referring to the feathered limb used for flying.
Definition: wing (of bird)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: wing. See also: Daniel 7:4; Daniel 7:6.
אַרְבַּ֛ע
ʼarbaʻ
H703
"four"
Adj
The Hebrew word for four is used to describe quantities and measurements in the Bible. It is mentioned in various biblical books and is an important number in biblical numerology. The word for four is also used in Aramaic as arba.
Definition: four Aramaic of ar.ba (אַרְבַּע "four" H0702)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Ezra 6:17; Daniel 7:3; Daniel 7:17.
דִּי
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
ע֖וֹף
ʻôwph
H5776
"bird"
Adj
In the Bible, this word refers to a bird, often used to describe a group of birds, like a flock. It appears in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, describing the types of birds the Israelites could eat. The word is also related to the idea of covering with wings.
Definition: fowl Aramaic of oph (עוֹף "bird" H5775)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fowl. See also: Daniel 2:38; Daniel 7:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
גבי/ה
gab
H1355
"back"
Adj | Art
In the book of Ezra, this Aramaic word means the back or side of something, similar to the Hebrew word in H1354. It's used to describe the back or rear of an object or a person.
Definition: back or side Aramaic of gav (גַּב "back/rim/brow" H1354)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: back. See also: Daniel 7:6.
גַּבַּ֑/הּ
gab
H1355
"back"
Adj | Suff
In the book of Ezra, this Aramaic word means the back or side of something, similar to the Hebrew word in H1354. It's used to describe the back or rear of an object or a person.
Definition: back or side Aramaic of gav (גַּב "back/rim/brow" H1354)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: back. See also: Daniel 7:6.
וְ/אַרְבְּעָ֤ה
ʼarbaʻ
H703
"four"
Adj | Adj
The Hebrew word for four is used to describe quantities and measurements in the Bible. It is mentioned in various biblical books and is an important number in biblical numerology. The word for four is also used in Aramaic as arba.
Definition: four Aramaic of ar.ba (אַרְבַּע "four" H0702)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Ezra 6:17; Daniel 7:3; Daniel 7:17.
רֵאשִׁין֙
rêʼsh
H7217
"head"
Adj
The Hebrew word for head can refer to the physical head or the chief of something. It is used in various contexts, including the book of Genesis and the Psalms.
Definition: 1) chief, head 1a) head (of man) 1b) head (as seat of visions) 1c) chief 1d) sum (essential content)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: chief, head, sum. See also: Ezra 5:10; Daniel 4:7; Daniel 7:20.
לְ/חֵ֣יוְתָ֔/א
chêyvâʼ
H2423
"beast"
Adj | N-fs | Art
This word refers to any kind of animal, from small creatures to large beasts. It is used in the Bible to talk about animals in general, and is translated as 'beast'.
Definition: beast, animal Aramaic of chay.yah (חַיָּה "living thing" H2416C)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: beast. See also: Daniel 2:38; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 7:23.
וְ/שָׁלְטָ֖ן
sholṭân
H7985
"dominion"
Adj | N-ms
This word refers to a kingdom or empire, describing a territory under the control of a ruler or government. It can also refer to the power or authority of that ruler. The KJV translates it as 'dominion'.
Definition: 1) dominion, sovereignty 1a) dominion, sovereignty 1b) realm
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: dominion. See also: Daniel 3:33; Daniel 7:6; Daniel 7:27.
יְהִ֥יב
yᵉhab
H3052
"to give"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give or provide something, like a gift or a foundation. It appears in various forms, such as giving, laying, or paying. For example, it is used in Genesis when God gives instructions to Noah.
Definition: 1) to give, provide 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to give 1a2) to place, lay (foundations) 1b) (Hithp'al) 1b1) to be given 1b2) to be paid
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: deliver, give, lay, [phrase] prolong, pay, yield. See also: Ezra 4:20; Daniel 4:13; Daniel 7:27.
לַֽ/הּ
""
Adj | Suff
Study Notes — Daniel 7:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 7:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 7:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 7:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 7:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 7:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 7:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 7:6
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 7:6
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 7:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 7:6
- Sermons on Daniel 7:6
Context — Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts
4The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man and given the mind of a man.
5Suddenly another beast appeared, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. So it was told, ‘Get up and gorge yourself on flesh!’
6Next, as I watched, suddenly another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.
7After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, and it was terrifying—dreadful and extremely strong—with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed; then it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns. 8While I was contemplating the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like those of a man and a mouth that spoke words of arrogance.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 13:2 | The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. |
| 2 | Daniel 8:20–22 | The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The shaggy goat represents the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king. The four horns that replaced the broken one represent four kingdoms that will rise from that nation, but will not have the same power. |
| 3 | Daniel 8:5–8 | As I was contemplating all this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between his eyes came out of the west, crossing the surface of the entire earth without touching the ground. He came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and rushed at him with furious power. I saw him approach the ram in a rage against him, and he struck the ram and shattered his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him, and the goat threw him to the ground and trampled him, and no one could deliver the ram from his power. Thus the goat became very great, but at the height of his power, his large horn was broken off, and four prominent horns came up in its place, pointing toward the four winds of heaven. |
| 4 | Hosea 13:7 | So like a lion I will pounce on them; like a leopard I will lurk by the path. |
| 5 | Daniel 10:20 | “Do you know why I have come to you?” he said. “I must return at once to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I have gone forth, behold, the prince of Greece will come. |
| 6 | Daniel 2:39 | But after you, there will arise another kingdom, inferior to yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule the whole earth. |
| 7 | Daniel 7:4 | The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and given the mind of a man. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 17:3 | and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar. |
| 9 | Daniel 11:3–20 | Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great authority and do as he pleases. But as soon as he is established, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the authority with which he ruled, because his kingdom will be uprooted and given to others. The king of the South will grow strong, but one of his commanders will grow even stronger and will rule his own kingdom with great authority. After some years they will form an alliance, and the daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the North to seal the agreement. But his daughter will not retain her position of power, nor will his strength endure. At that time she will be given up, along with her royal escort and her father and the one who supported her. But one from her family line will rise up in his place, come against the army of the king of the North, and enter his fortress, fighting and prevailing. He will take even their gods captive to Egypt, with their metal images and their precious vessels of silver and gold. For some years he will stay away from the king of the North, who will invade the realm of the king of the South and then return to his own land. But his sons will stir up strife and assemble a great army, which will advance forcefully, sweeping through like a flood, and will again carry the battle as far as his fortress. In a rage, the king of the South will march out to fight the king of the North, who will raise a large army, but it will be delivered into the hand of his enemy. When the army is carried off, the king of the South will be proud in heart and will cast down tens of thousands, but he will not triumph. For the king of the North will raise another army, larger than the first, and after some years he will advance with a great army and many supplies. In those times many will rise up against the king of the South. Violent ones among your own people will exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision, but they will fail. Then the king of the North will come, build up a siege ramp, and capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will not stand; even their best troops will not be able to resist. The invader will do as he pleases, and no one will stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land, with destruction in his hand. He will resolve to come with the strength of his whole kingdom, and will reach an agreement with the king of the South. He will give him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom, but his plan will not succeed or help him. Then he will turn his face to the coastlands and capture many of them. But a commander will put an end to his reproach and will turn it back upon him. After this, he will turn back toward the fortresses of his own land, but he will stumble and fall and be no more. In his place one will arise who will send out a tax collector for the glory of the kingdom; but within a few days he will be destroyed, though not in anger or in battle. |
Daniel 7:6 Summary
[The verse Daniel 7:6 describes a beast that is like a leopard, with four wings and four heads, which is given authority to rule. This beast represents a powerful kingdom or empire that will rise to power, but its authority is still subject to God's sovereignty (Daniel 4:25). The image of the leopard-like beast reminds us that human power and authority are not absolute, but are subject to God's will and purposes (Psalm 103:19). We can learn from this verse to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, even when human authorities seem to be in control, and to submit to His authority and plan (Proverbs 21:1).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the leopard-like beast in Daniel 7:6 represent?
The leopard-like beast in Daniel 7:6 represents a kingdom or empire that will rise to power, as seen in the book of Daniel, which often uses beasts to symbolize kingdoms or empires (Daniel 7:1-5, Daniel 8:1-27).
What is the significance of the four wings and four heads of the beast in Daniel 7:6?
The four wings and four heads of the beast in Daniel 7:6 may signify speed, agility, and multiple leaders or ruling powers, which is consistent with the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over human kingdoms (Daniel 4:17, Romans 13:1-7).
How does the authority to rule given to the beast in Daniel 7:6 relate to God's plan?
The authority to rule given to the beast in Daniel 7:6 is a demonstration of God's sovereignty, as He allows human kingdoms to rise and fall according to His plan (Daniel 4:25, Isaiah 46:10).
What can we learn from the beast's ability to rule in Daniel 7:6?
The beast's ability to rule in Daniel 7:6 reminds us that human power and authority are subject to God's will and purposes, and that we should trust in His goodness and wisdom (Psalm 103:19, Proverbs 21:1).
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the leopard-like beast evoke in my mind, and how does it relate to my understanding of God's sovereignty?
- How do I see the themes of power and authority playing out in my own life, and what can I learn from the way God allows human kingdoms to rise and fall?
- What are some ways in which I can trust in God's goodness and wisdom, even when human authorities seem to be in control?
- How can I apply the lessons of Daniel 7:6 to my own life, and what are some practical ways I can submit to God's authority and plan?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 7:6
After this I beheld, and, lo another, like a leopard,.... Another beast, another monarchy, a third monarchy succeeding the Persian monarchy, and which rose up on the ruins of that; Darius king of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 7:6
After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 7:6
This leopard was the Grecian monarchy; a leopard is less than a lion, so was this monarchy at first, but yet durst fight with a lion; so did Alexander encounter Darius with a force very small to the other. A leopard also for his swiftness; therefore described with four wings on his back. The beast had also four heads, because his commanders that succeeded him were four of his chief commanders, that divided that empire into four parts between them; and these were the four heads to whom dominion was given, Ptolemy, Seleucus, Philippus, Antigonus, or, as others, Perdiccas and Meleager, ,22. Dominion was given to it: Alexander did this by the mighty power of God; else how could he conquer Darius, that had six hundred thousand, with thirty thousand, and in so short a time go conqueror over Asia to the East Indies, I mean that part which now the Mogul possesseth, where he fought with Porus and beat him?
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 7:6
Daniel 7:6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.Ver. 6. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard.] Which is a creature cruel, desirous of man’ s blood, crafty, spotted, and very swift of foot. So were the Grecians; Alexander especially (the founder of that third monarchy), active, bold, and headlong, but directed much by those who had been counsellors to his father Philip, a subtle prince; leopard-like, he was spotted by a mixture of virtues and vices; he was very quick of despatch, Mηδεναναβαλλομενος, never deferring any enterprise; he much delighted in wine, and so took his death; like as the leopard is no way else to be taken but by such a bait laid for him. Which had upon the back of it four wings.] Denoting the rapidity and celerity of Alexander and some other of the Grecian monarchs, in overrunning countries, as if they had flown. The beast had also four heads,] i.e., This monarchy was, after Alexander’ s death, divided into four satrapies, or rather kingdoms. Cassander had Macedonia; Antigonus, Asia; Seleucus, Syria; and Ptolemy, Egypt.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 7:6
(6) A leopard.—More correctly, a panther. On the great vigilance and swiftness of the panther, comp. Jeremiah 5:6; Hosea 13:7; Habakkuk 1:8. The third beast corresponds to the copper belly and thighs of the image (Daniel 2). It should be noticed that as unity characterises the first beast, and duality the second, so quadruplicity marks the third. It has four wings—wings as of a bird, not of an eagle—by which a degree of swiftness is implied inferior to that of the first beast. It has four heads, indicating four kingdoms, into which the third kingdom should develop itself. (Comp. Daniel 8:8, where the same predominance of the number “four” is to be observed.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 7:6
Verse 6. Another like a leopard - four wings - four heads] This was the Macedonian or Greek empire; and Alexander the Great its king. Alexander and his subjects are fitly compared to a leopard. 1. The leopard is remarkable for its swiftness. Alexander and the Macedonians were very rapid in their conquests. 2. The leopard is a spotted animal; a proper emblem of the various nations, with their various customs and languages, which constituted the Macedonian empire. It may refer to the character of Alexander himself, sometimes mild, at others cruel; sober and drunken; continent and lecherous; having a great power of self-government, and at other times being a slave to his passions. 3. The leopard, though small, is not afraid to attack the lion. Four wings of a fowl] The Babylonian empire was represented with two wings; and they sufficiently marked the rapidity of Nebuchadnezzar's conquests; but the Macedonian has here four wings; for nothing, in the history of the world, was equal to the conquests of Alexander, who ran through all the countries from Illyricum and the Adriatic Sea to the Indian Ocean and the River Ganges; and in twelve years subdued part of Europe, and all Asia. The beast had also four heads] Signifying the empire after the death of Alexander, divided between his four generals.
Cassander reigning over Macedon and Greece; Lysimachus, over Thrace and Bithynia; Ptolemy, over Egypt; and Seleucus, over Syria. Dominion was given to it.] It was not owing to the skill, courage, or valour of Alexander and his troops, that he made those wondrous conquests; the nations were given to him. For, as Bishop Newton says, had he not been assisted by the mighty power of God, how could he, with only thirty thousand men, have overcome Darius with six hundred thousand; and in so short a time have brought the countries from Greece as far as India into subjection?
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 7:6
6. The third beast. A leopard. upon the back of it] The Aram. word means both back and side; and, as the Heb. text (K’tib) has the mark of the plural, perhaps we ought to render on its sides (so Bevan, Behrmann). of a fowl] i.e., as we should now say, of a bird. The leopard is a fierce, carnivorous animal, remarkable for the swiftness and agility of its attack (cf. Habakkuk 1:8, where the horses of the Chaldæans are said to be ‘swifter than leopards’). It is particularly dangerous to cattle; and “specially noted for the patience with which it waits, extended on the branch of a tree, or a rock near a watering place, expecting its prey, on which it springs with a deadly precision. Hence Hosea 13:7, ‘as a leopard by the way will I observe them’; Jeremiah 5:6” (G. E. Post, in Hastings’ Dict. of the Bible, s. v.). Here the four wings upon the leopard’s back indicate that it is invested with more than ordinary agility of movement; while the four heads, looking, it may be presumed, towards the four quarters of the earth, are meant apparently to indicate that the empire which it symbolised was to extend in every direction[270].
It was thus a fit emblem of the Persian empire, the founder of which, Cyrus, astonished the world by the extent and rapidity of his conquests. [270] So at least Keil, Meinhold, Behrmann. Others, however, as von Lengerke, Ew., Hitz., Delitzsch, Kuenen, Bevan, Prince, think that the four heads denote the four kings of Persia referred to in Daniel 11:2.and dominion was given to it] emphasizing the vastness of its rule: cf. Daniel 2:39, where the corresponding empire is described as ‘ruling over all the earth.’
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 7:6
After this I beheld, and, lo, another, like a leopard - That is, as before, after the bear had appeared - indicating that this was to be a succeeding kingdom or power.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 7:6
6. Since the second animal could not represent an independent Median empire, because, historically, there was no independent Median empire between Nebuchadnezzar and Alexander, and because Daniel
Sermons on Daniel 7:6
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The Second Coming 08 Rise and Fall of Antichrist by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issues of apostasy, apathy, and anarchy in the world today. He emphasizes the importance of making time for Jesus Christ and not being co |
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Spirit Force vs. Psychic Force by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the distinction between spiritual power and psychic force, warning against the deceptive signs and wonders that may arise in the last days. He highlights th |
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The Holy Spirit: Restrainer of Evil by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the restrainer of evil in the world, highlighting the ongoing spiritual battle against Satan's forces. He explains that while |
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An Answer to That Common Objection Against the Quakers &C. by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches about the dangers of setting up forms and appearances in worship that betray the sincerity of the heart, hindering the true life and power of godliness. He |
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Superpowers in Conflict by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on the prophetic vision in Daniel 8, highlighting the conflict between two great world powers, the Medo-Persian Empire symbolized by a ram and the Greek Empire |
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Day 251, Revelation 13 by David Servant | David Servant delves into the Book of Revelation, explaining the symbolism behind the first beast introduced to John, representing the antichrist who will rise to power through a t |
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The Vision of the Ram and the Goat by John F. Walvoord | In Daniel 8, the vision of the ram and the he goat is interpreted to represent the kings of Media and Persia and the king of Grecia, identified as Alexander the Great. The four hor |