7:15 “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed, 1 and the visions of my mind 2 were alarming me. 7:16 I approached one of those standing nearby and asked him about the meaning 3 of all this. So he spoke with me and revealed 4 to me the interpretation of the vision: 5 7:17 ‘These large beasts, which are four in number, represent four kings who will arise from the earth. 7:18 The holy ones 6 of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will take possession of the kingdom forever and ever.’
1 tn The Aramaic text includes the phrase “in its sheath,” apparently viewing the body as a container or receptacle for the spirit somewhat like a sheath or scabbard is for a knife or a sword (cf. NAB “within its sheath of flesh”). For this phrase the LXX and Vulgate have “in these things.”
2 tn Aram “head.”
3 tn Aram “what is certain.”
4 tn Aram “and made known.”
5 tn Aram “matter,” but the matter at hand is of course the vision.
6 sn The expression holy ones is either a reference to angels or to human beings devoted to God.