Chapter Overview
Summary
The vision of the four beasts and the Son of Man. This is the most theologically significant chapter in Daniel. The OG and Theodotion are relatively close to the MT here, with both preserving the Son of Man figure in 7:13. Key variants concern the prepositions used with the Son of Man's approach to the Ancient of Days.
Notable Variants
In 7:13, the OG reads 'as a son of man came, and he was present as the Ancient of Days' (hōs palaios hēmerōn parēn) — a striking variant suggesting the Son of Man IS the Ancient of Days. Theodotion reads 'came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him' — matching the MT. This variant has enormous Christological implications.
Structural Notes
All three versions have 28 verses. The OG's 7:13 is the most theologically significant variant in the entire book.
In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions passed through his mind as he lay on his bed. He wrote the dream down and recorded the substance of the matter.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
Daniel declared: "In my vision during the night I watched as the four winds of heaven churned up the great sea.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
Four great beasts came up from the sea, each one different from the others.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
The first was like a lion with eagle's wings. I watched until its wings were plucked off. It was lifted from the ground, set on its feet like a human, and a human mind was given to it.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
Then a second beast appeared, resembling a bear. It was raised up on one side, with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth, and it was told, 'Get up and devour much flesh!'
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
After this I watched, and there was another beast, like a leopard with four bird's wings on its back. The beast also had four heads, and authority was given to it.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
After this I watched in the night visions, and there was a fourth beast — terrifying, dreadful, and extraordinarily powerful. It had great iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and whatever remained it trampled with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that preceded it, and it had ten horns.
Masoretic (WLC)
חֵיוָה רְבִיעָיָה דְּחִילָה וְאֵימְתָנִי
a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying
Septuagint (LXX)
θηρίον τέταρτον φοβερὸν καὶ ἔκθαμβον
a fourth beast, fearful and astonishing
Both Greek versions preserve the exceptional description. The OG adds that it was 'exceedingly strong' (ischyron perissos) — an intensification.
I was contemplating the horns when another horn — a small one — came up among them, and three of the previous horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like human eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant words.
Masoretic (WLC)
קַרְנַיָּא
horns
Septuagint (LXX)
κέρατα (kerata)
horns
Both versions describe the ten horns and the little horn with eyes and a mouth. OG and Theodotion agree closely here.
I watched until thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head was like pure wool. His throne was flames of fire, its wheels were blazing fire.
Masoretic (WLC)
עַתִּיק יוֹמִין
the Ancient of Days
Septuagint (LXX)
παλαιὸς ἡμερῶν (palaios hēmerōn)
the Ancient of Days
Both Greek versions render Attiq Yomin as palaios hēmerōn. The description of the throne, fire, and garment is consistent across all versions.
A river of fire flowed out from before him. Thousands upon thousands served him, and myriads upon myriads stood attending him. The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.
Masoretic (WLC)
אֶלֶף אַלְפִין
a thousand thousands
Septuagint (LXX)
χίλιαι χιλιάδες
a thousand thousands
Both versions preserve the cosmic court scene with its innumerable attendants.
I kept watching then because of the arrogant words the horn was speaking. I watched until the beast was killed, its body destroyed and given over to the burning fire.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
As for the remaining beasts, their authority was stripped from them, but an extension of life was granted to them for a set time and season.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
I watched in the night visions, and there — coming with the clouds of heaven was one like a son of man. He approached the Ancient of Days and was brought into his presence.
Masoretic (WLC)
עִם־עֲנָנֵי שְׁמַיָּא כְּבַר אֱנָשׁ אָתֵה הֲוָה וְעַד־עַתִּיק יוֹמַיָּא מְטָה
one like a son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and he reached the Ancient of Days
Septuagint (LXX)
OG: ὡς υἱὸς ἀνθρώπου ἤρχετο καὶ ὡς παλαιὸς ἡμερῶν παρῆν / Th: ὡς υἱὸς ἀνθρώπου ἐρχόμενος... ἕως τοῦ παλαιοῦ τῶν ἡμερῶν ἔφθασεν
OG: 'as a son of man was coming, and as the Ancient of Days he was present' / Th: 'as a son of man coming... he reached the Ancient of Days'
CRITICAL THEOLOGICAL VARIANT. The MT and Theodotion describe two figures: the Son of Man approaches the Ancient of Days and is presented before him. The OG appears to IDENTIFY the Son of Man with the Ancient of Days — 'as the Ancient of Days he was present' (hōs palaios hēmerōn parēn). This OG reading supports a divine Christology where the Son of Man shares the identity of the Ancient of Days. Early church fathers (including those who used the OG) cited this reading. The textual situation is complex and debated, but the OG variant is one of the most theologically consequential in all of Daniel.
To him was given authority, glory, and a kingdom, so that all peoples, nations, and languages would serve him. His authority is an everlasting authority that will never pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Masoretic (WLC)
שָׁלְטָן וִיקָר וּמַלְכוּ
dominion and glory and a kingdom
Septuagint (LXX)
ἐξουσία καὶ τιμὴ καὶ βασιλεία
authority and honor and kingship
Both Greek versions preserve the threefold gift to the Son of Man. The universality of his dominion is emphasized in all traditions.
As for me, Daniel — my spirit was deeply troubled within me, and the visions passing through my mind alarmed me.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
I approached one of those standing by and asked him for the true meaning of all this. He spoke to me and made the interpretation known to me:
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
"These great beasts, which are four in number, represent four kings who will arise from the earth.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
But the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever — for all ages to come."
Masoretic (WLC)
קַדִּישֵׁי עֶלְיוֹנִין
the saints of the Most High
Septuagint (LXX)
οἱ ἅγιοι τοῦ ὑψίστου
the holy ones of the Most High
Both Greek versions render qaddishei elyonin as 'the holy ones of the Most High.' The identification of these figures — angels, Israel, or both — is debated.
Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others — exceedingly terrifying, with iron teeth and bronze claws, devouring, crushing, and trampling whatever remained with its feet;
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
and about the ten horns on its head, and the other horn that came up, before which three fell — the horn that had eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant words, and whose appearance was greater than its companions.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
I watched as that horn waged war against the holy ones and was prevailing over them,
Masoretic (WLC)
וּקְרָב עֲבֵד עִם־קַדִּישִׁין
made war with the saints
Septuagint (LXX)
ἐποίει πόλεμον μετὰ τῶν ἁγίων
made war with the holy ones
Both versions describe the horn's persecution. The language is echoed in Revelation 13:7.
until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was rendered in favor of the holy ones of the Most High, and the appointed time arrived when the holy ones took possession of the kingdom.
Masoretic (WLC)
עַד דִּי־אֲתָה עַתִּיק יוֹמַיָּא
until the Ancient of Days came
Septuagint (LXX)
ἕως τοῦ ἐλθεῖν τὸν παλαιὸν τῶν ἡμερῶν
until the Ancient of Days came
OG adds that judgment was given 'against' (kata) the little horn, slightly different from MT/Theodotion which say judgment was given 'to/for' the saints.
He said: 'The fourth beast represents a fourth kingdom on earth, which will be different from all other kingdoms. It will devour the entire earth, trample it, and crush it.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
The ten horns mean that ten kings will arise from this kingdom. After them another will arise, different from the previous ones, and he will bring down three kings.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
He will speak words against the Most High and will wear down the holy ones of the Most High. He will intend to change the sacred times and the law, and they will be handed over to him for a time, times, and half a time.
Masoretic (WLC)
עִדָּן וְעִדָּנִין וּפְלַג עִדָּן
a time, times, and half a time
Septuagint (LXX)
καιρὸν καὶ καιροὺς καὶ ἥμισυ καιροῦ
a time, times, and half a time
All three versions agree on this enigmatic temporal formula (3.5 years). The OG and Theodotion translate identically. This formula recurs in Revelation 12:14.
But the court will sit in judgment, and his authority will be stripped away, to be annihilated and destroyed completely.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
Then the kingdom, the authority, and the greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the people of the holy ones of the Most High. Their kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all authorities will serve and obey them.'
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
Here the account ends. As for me, Daniel — my thoughts greatly alarmed me and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter in my heart."
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.