Daniel Explains and Interprets the Vision

15 “As for me, Daniel,[fn] my spirit was troubled within me,[fn] and the visions of my head terrified me. 16 So I approached one of the attendants and I asked him[fn] about the truth concerning all this; and he told me[fn] that he would make known to me the explanation of the matter. 17 ‘These great beasts which are four in number are four kings who will arise from the earth. 18 But the holy ones[fn] of the Most High will receive the kingdom, and they will take possession of the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’[fn]

19 “Then I desired to make certain concerning the fourth beast that was different from all the others[fn]—exceedingly terrifying, with its iron teeth and its claws of bronze; it devoured and crushed and stamped the remainder with its feet— 20 and concerning the horns that were on its head, and concerning the other horn that came up and before which three horns fell,[fn] and this horn had eyes[fn] and a mouth speaking boastfully,[fn] and its appearance was larger than its companions. 21 I continued watching,[fn] and this horn made war with the holy ones[fn] and it prevailed over them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and gave judgment to the holy ones[fn] of the Most High; and the time arrived and the holy ones[fn] took possession of the kingdom.

23 “And he said, ‘The fourth beast is the fourth kingdom that will be on the earth that will be different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth and it will trample it and it will crush it. 24 And as for the ten horns coming from it, from this kingdom[fn] ten kings will arise, and another will arise after them. And he will be different from the earlier ones, and he will subdue three kings. 25 And he will speak words against the Most High, and he will wear out the holy ones[fn] of the Most High, and he will attempt to change times and law, and they will be given into his hand for a time and two times and half a time. 26 Then the court will sit, and his dominion will be removed,[fn] to be eradicated and to be destroyed totally.[fn] 27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the nation of the holy ones[fn] of the Most High; his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,[fn] and all the dominions will serve and obey him.’

28 This is the end of the account.[fn] As for me, Daniel[fn]—my thoughts terrified me greatly and my face changed over me, but I kept the matter in my heart.”[fn]