And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
This verse continues describing the Son of Man's coronation and kingdom. The phrase "there was given him dominion" emphasizes that authority is bestowed by God the Father, not seized through conquest. The Aramaic yahiv (יְהִיב, "given") indicates gracious gift and authorized delegation. The threefold grant—"dominion, and glory, and a kingdom"—encompasses complete sovereign authority: practical rule (dominion), honor and majesty (glory), and realm of governance (kingdom).
The kingdom's scope is universal: "all people, nations, and languages, should serve him." This transcends ethnic Israel to encompass every tribe and tongue, fulfilling Abrahamic promises that through Abraham's seed all nations would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). The verb "serve" (pelach, פְּלַח) can mean both worship and service, suggesting the kingdom involves willing submission and active participation in God's purposes.
The kingdom's eternal nature is emphasized twice: "his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away" and "his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." Unlike the beast kingdoms that rise and fall, Christ's kingdom possesses inherent permanence. This fulfills prophecies of an eternal Davidic throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16) and God's indestructible kingdom (Daniel 2:44). The repetition emphasizes absolute certainty—Christ's kingdom cannot fail, cannot be conquered, cannot be corrupted, and will never end.
Historical Context
First-century Jews intensely debated Daniel 7's meaning, particularly during Roman occupation. Many expected a militaristic Messiah who would violently overthrow Rome and establish Jewish political dominance. Jesus' claim to be the Son of Man (Mark 14:61-62) directly referenced Daniel 7:13-14 but redefined messianic expectations—His kingdom came first through suffering and sacrifice, not military conquest. His coronation occurred through crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, establishing spiritual reign that will culminate in visible, physical rule at His return.
The apostolic writings consistently apply Daniel 7:13-14 to Christ's present and future reign. Paul teaches that Christ must reign "till he hath put all enemies under his feet" (1 Corinthians 15:25), indicating progressive subjugation of opposition until complete consummation. Revelation depicts Christ returning "with clouds" to establish visible, universal rule (Revelation 1:7, 19:11-16), fulfilling Daniel's prophecy completely.
Questions for Reflection
How should understanding Christ's universal authority over "all people, nations, and languages" shape your evangelistic vision and prayer for the nations?
What is the relationship between Christ's present spiritual reign (inaugurated) and His future visible rule (consummated)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse continues describing the Son of Man's coronation and kingdom. The phrase "there was given him dominion" emphasizes that authority is bestowed by God the Father, not seized through conquest. The Aramaic yahiv (יְהִיב, "given") indicates gracious gift and authorized delegation. The threefold grant—"dominion, and glory, and a kingdom"—encompasses complete sovereign authority: practical rule (dominion), honor and majesty (glory), and realm of governance (kingdom).
The kingdom's scope is universal: "all people, nations, and languages, should serve him." This transcends ethnic Israel to encompass every tribe and tongue, fulfilling Abrahamic promises that through Abraham's seed all nations would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). The verb "serve" (pelach, פְּלַח) can mean both worship and service, suggesting the kingdom involves willing submission and active participation in God's purposes.
The kingdom's eternal nature is emphasized twice: "his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away" and "his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." Unlike the beast kingdoms that rise and fall, Christ's kingdom possesses inherent permanence. This fulfills prophecies of an eternal Davidic throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16) and God's indestructible kingdom (Daniel 2:44). The repetition emphasizes absolute certainty—Christ's kingdom cannot fail, cannot be conquered, cannot be corrupted, and will never end.