Daniel 2:44
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Original Language Analysis
דִּ֧י
H1768
דִּ֧י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
2 of 25
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
תְּק֥וּם
set up
H6966
תְּק֥וּם
set up
Strong's:
H6966
Word #:
5 of 25
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
שְׁמַיָּ֤א
of heaven
H8065
שְׁמַיָּ֤א
of heaven
Strong's:
H8065
Word #:
7 of 25
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
דִּ֤י
H1768
דִּ֤י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
9 of 25
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
לְעָלְמַיָּֽא׃
for ever
H5957
לְעָלְמַיָּֽא׃
for ever
Strong's:
H5957
Word #:
10 of 25
remote time, i.e., the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever
לְעַ֥ם
people
H5972
לְעַ֥ם
people
Strong's:
H5972
Word #:
14 of 25
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
תַּדִּ֤ק
but it shall break in pieces
H1855
תַּדִּ֤ק
but it shall break in pieces
Strong's:
H1855
Word #:
18 of 25
to crumble or (transitive) crush
כָּל
all
H3606
כָּל
all
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
20 of 25
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְהִ֖יא
and it
H1932
וְהִ֖יא
and it
Strong's:
H1932
Word #:
23 of 25
he (she or it); self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally (instead of copula) as or are
Cross References
Psalms 145:13Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Daniel 6:26I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.Micah 4:7And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.Revelation 11:15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.Isaiah 60:12For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.Daniel 7:27And 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.Daniel 4:34And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:Daniel 2:37Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.Daniel 4:3How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
Historical Context
Church history demonstrates this prophecys progressive fulfillment. Christianity, beginning as small Jewish sect, spread throughout the Roman Empire despite persecution, eventually becoming Romes official religion. As Rome fell, the church endured, spreading to Germanic tribes, then globally. Today, Christianity is the worlds largest religion, having outlasted numerous empires. This growth from stone to mountain (verse 35) continues, awaiting consummation at Christs return when every knee bows (Philippians 2:10-11) and Gods kingdom becomes universally visible.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Gods kingdom consuming all previous kingdoms demonstrate its qualitative superiority, not merely chronological succession?
- What does eternal permanence (stand forever) teach about where believers should place ultimate trust and hope?
- In what ways does the kingdoms progressive growth (stone to mountain) encourage patient faithfulness rather than anxious political activism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Continuing the description of Gods eternal kingdom (from verse 44): This stone kingdom cut without hands shall break in pieces and consume all previous kingdoms (Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome) yet itself stand forever. The verb consume (Aramaic: seyph, סֵיף) means to bring to an end or finish completely. Gods kingdom doesnt merely succeed human kingdoms chronologically—it supersedes them qualitatively, ending their authority forever.
The phrase shall stand for ever (Aramaic: leolmaya tequm, לְעָלְמַיָּא תְקוּם) emphasizes eternal permanence. Unlike human empires that rise and fall, Gods kingdom endures infinitely. This occurred spiritually at Christs first coming (inaugurating the kingdom) and will occur visibly at His return (consummating it). The kingdom grows like yeast through dough (Matthew 13:33), progressively transforming the world until Christs return establishes visible universal rule.
This verse provides ultimate hope—all human political systems, however powerful, are temporary. Wars, empires, governments come and go, but Gods kingdom alone endures eternally. Believers need not fear geopolitical upheaval; human kingdoms serve Gods purposes and will yield to His eternal kingdom. This encourages patient faithfulness rather than anxious political manipulation, trusting that Gods purposes will certainly prevail.