Daniel 7:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
קִרְבֵ֗ת
I came near
H7127
קִרְבֵ֗ת
I came near
Strong's:
H7127
Word #:
1 of 16
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
עַֽל
unto
H5922
עַֽל
unto
Strong's:
H5922
Word #:
2 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חַד֙
one
H2298
חַד֙
one
Strong's:
H2298
Word #:
3 of 16
as card. one; as article single; as an ordinal, first; adverbially, at once
מִנֵּ֖הּ
him
H4481
מִנֵּ֖הּ
him
Strong's:
H4481
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
קָ֣אֲמַיָּ֔א
them that stood by
H6966
קָ֣אֲמַיָּ֔א
them that stood by
Strong's:
H6966
Word #:
5 of 16
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
מִנֵּ֖הּ
him
H4481
מִנֵּ֖הּ
him
Strong's:
H4481
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
עַֽל
unto
H5922
עַֽל
unto
Strong's:
H5922
Word #:
9 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
of all
H3606
כָּל
of all
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Revelation 5:5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.Zechariah 2:3And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,Daniel 7:10A 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.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern dream interpretation relied on professional interpreters using omen texts and symbolic systems. Daniel rejects such human methodology, instead seeking divine interpretation from authorized heavenly messengers. This distinguished biblical prophecy from pagan divination—God reveals and God interprets, ensuring accuracy and preventing human manipulation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Daniel's request for divinely authorized interpretation challenge modern fanciful prophetic speculation disconnected from biblical text?
- What does the angel's ready explanation teach about God's desire to communicate clearly rather than mystify through revelation?
- How should recognizing that Scripture interprets Scripture shape our approach to understanding difficult prophetic passages?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Daniel's approach—"I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this"—demonstrates proper response to confusing revelation: seeking divinely provided interpretation rather than relying on human speculation. The angelic interpreter "stood by" ready to explain, indicating God provides understanding through authorized channels. Daniel's humility in asking "the truth of all this" acknowledges his need for divine explanation despite being a wise man himself.
The angel's willingness to explain—"So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things"—demonstrates God's desire to communicate clearly. Revelation isn't given to mystify but to inform and prepare God's people. The parallel phrasing "told me...made me know" emphasizes thoroughness—the angel ensures Daniel grasps the vision's meaning. This models proper prophetic interpretation: Scripture interprets Scripture, and God provides understanding through His Word and Spirit, not human ingenuity.
This passage establishes the principle that biblical prophecy contains divinely authorized interpretation, not infinite possible meanings. Daniel doesn't speculate about symbolic significance—he receives authoritative explanation from God's messenger. This warns against fanciful prophetic interpretation disconnected from biblical text and context. It points to Christ who "opened their understanding" of Scripture (Luke 24:45) and the Spirit who guides into truth (John 16:13).