Daniel 7:15-18

Context

An Angel Interprets Daniel’s Vision

7:15 “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed,¹ and the visions of my mind² were alarming me. 7:16 I approached one of those standing nearby and asked him about the meaning³ of all this. So he spoke with me and revealed⁴ 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 ones⁶ of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will take possession of the kingdom forever and ever.’

[7:15] ¹tn 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.”

[7:15] ²tn Aram “head.”

[7:16] ³tn Aram “what is certain.”

[7:16] ⁴tn Aram “and made known.”

[7:16] ⁵tn Aram “matter,” but the matter at hand is of course the vision.

[7:18] ⁵sn The expression holy ones is either a reference to angels or to human beings devoted to God.