Daniel 8:20
Daniel 8:20 in Multiple Translations
The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia.
The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.
The ram which thou sawest, that had the two horns, they are the kings of Media and Persia.
The sheep which you saw with two horns, they are the kings of Media and Persia.
The ram with two horns that you saw symbolizes the kings of Media and Persia.
The ramme which thou sawest hauing two hornes, are the Kings of the Medes and Persians.
'The ram that thou hast seen possessing two horns, [are] the kings of Media and Persia.
The ram which you saw, that had the two horns, they are the kings of Media and Persia.
The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.
The ram, which thou sawest with horns, is the king of the Medes and Persians.
As for the ram with two horns that you saw, those horns represent the kingdoms of Media and Persia.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 8:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Daniel 8:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָ/אַ֥יִל
אֲשֶׁר
רָאִ֖יתָ
בַּ֣עַל
הַ/קְּרָנָ֑יִם
מַלְכֵ֖י
מָדַ֥י
וּ/פָרָֽס
הָ/אַ֥יִל
ʼayil
H352
ram
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
רָאִ֖יתָ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בַּ֣עַל
baʻal
H1167
master
N-ms
הַ/קְּרָנָ֑יִם
qeren
H7161
horn
Art | N-cd
מַלְכֵ֖י
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
מָדַ֥י
Mâday
H4074
Mede
N-proper
וּ/פָרָֽס
Pâraç
H6539
Persia
Conj | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 8:20
הָ/אַ֥יִל
ʼayil
H352
"ram"
Art | N-ms
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
רָאִ֖יתָ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בַּ֣עַל
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-ms
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
הַ/קְּרָנָ֑יִם
qeren
H7161
"horn"
Art | N-cd
In the Bible, this word means a horn or a corner, and can also refer to power or a mountain peak. It's used to describe a place called Karnaim, which was conquered by Israel. The KJV translation uses phrases like 'hill' or 'horn' to convey the idea.
Definition: 1) horn 1a) horn 1b) of strength (fig) 1c) flask (container for oil) 1d) horn (as musical instrument) 1e) horn (of horn-like projections on the altar) 1f) of rays of light 1g) hill Aramaic equivalent: qe.ren (קֶ֫רֶן "horn" H7162)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] hill, horn. See also: Genesis 22:13; Psalms 75:5; Psalms 18:3.
מַלְכֵ֖י
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מָדַ֥י
Mâday
H4074
"Mede"
N-proper
Medai refers to the Medes, a people descended from Japheth, living in Media, a land northwest of Persia. This area is mentioned in the Bible as a significant region. The Medes played a role in biblical events, including the conquest of Babylon.
Definition: also called Mede frequently Group of me.dan (מְדָן "Medan" H4091) § Media or Medes or Madai = "middle land" 1) a people descended from the son of Japheth and who inhabited the territory of Media 2) land inhabited by the descendants of Japheth; located northwest of Persia proper, south and southwest of the Caspian Sea, east of Armenia and Assyria, and west and northwest of the great salt desert of Iram
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Madai, Medes, Media. See also: Genesis 10:2; Esther 10:2; Isaiah 13:17.
וּ/פָרָֽס
Pâraç
H6539
"Persia"
Conj | N-proper
This word refers to the ancient country of Persia, which included a vast territory from India to Egypt. The Bible mentions Persia in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where it plays a significant role in the history of the Israelites.
Definition: § Persia = "pure" or "splendid" the empire Persia; encompassed the territory from India on the east to Egypt and Thrace on the west, and included, besides portions of Europe and Africa, the whole of western Asia between the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Caspian and the Jaxartes on the north, the Arabian desert, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean on the south Persia proper was bounded on the west by Susiana or Elam, on the north by Media, on the south by the Persian Gulf and on the east by Carmania Persian, of Persia "pure" or "splendid"
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Persia, Persians. See also: 2 Chronicles 36:20; Esther 1:3; Daniel 11:2.
Study Notes — Daniel 8:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 8:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 8:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 8:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 8:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 8:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 8:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 8:20
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 8:20
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 8:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 8:20
- Sermons on Daniel 8:20
Context — Gabriel Interprets Daniel’s Vision
18While he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me, helped me to my feet,
19and said, “Behold, I will make known to you what will happen in the latter time of wrath, because it concerns the appointed time of the end.
20The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia.
21The shaggy goat represents the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king. 22The four horns that replaced the broken one represent four kingdoms that will rise from that nation but will not have the same power.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 8:3 | Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a ram with two horns standing beside the canal. The horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one grew up later. |
| 2 | Daniel 11:1–2 | “And I, in the first year of Darius the Mede, stood up to strengthen and protect him. Now then, I will tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. By the power of his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece. |
Daniel 8:20 Summary
[Daniel 8:20 tells us that the two-horned ram in Daniel's vision represents the kings of Media and Persia, which were two powerful nations at that time. This vision is helping Daniel understand what will happen in the future, as God is revealing to him the rise and fall of empires, similar to what is described in Daniel 2:37-39. The idea is that God is in control of all human history, as seen in Psalm 103:19, and He is revealing His plan to Daniel. By understanding this prophecy, we can gain a deeper appreciation for God's sovereignty and His plan for humanity, as seen in Ephesians 1:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the two-horned ram represent in Daniel 8:20?
The two-horned ram represents the kings of Media and Persia, as stated in Daniel 8:20, which is a prophetic vision given to Daniel about the rise and fall of empires, similar to what is described in Daniel 2:37-39 and Daniel 7:1-8.
Why is it important to understand the symbolism in Daniel 8:20?
Understanding the symbolism in Daniel 8:20 helps us to comprehend the prophetic message of Daniel, which is connected to the larger narrative of God's plan for humanity, as seen in Daniel 2:44 and Revelation 11:15.
How does the vision in Daniel 8:20 relate to other biblical prophecies?
The vision in Daniel 8:20 is part of a larger series of prophetic visions in the book of Daniel, which are connected to other biblical prophecies, such as those found in Ezekiel 38:1-23 and Zechariah 1:7-11, that speak to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over human empires.
What can we learn from the historical context of Daniel 8:20?
The historical context of Daniel 8:20, which refers to the Medo-Persian Empire, teaches us about the sovereignty of God over human history, as seen in Daniel 4:17 and Romans 13:1, and how He uses various empires to accomplish His purposes.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the two-horned ram evoke in my mind, and how does it relate to the concept of power and authority in my life?
- How does the prophecy in Daniel 8:20 speak to the idea of God's control over the nations and the course of human history?
- In what ways can I apply the lessons from Daniel 8:20 to my own understanding of God's sovereignty in my personal life and in the world?
- What does the specificity of the prophecy in Daniel 8:20, naming Media and Persia, teach me about God's attention to detail and His involvement in human affairs?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 8:20
The ram which thou sawest having two horns,.... Here begins the particular explanation of the above vision, and of the first thing which the prophet saw in it, a ram with two horns: which two horns,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 8:20
The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 8:20
Or the kingdom, .
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 8:20
Daniel 8:20 The ram which thou sawest having [two] horns [are] the kings of Media and Persia.Ver. 20. The ram which thou sawest.] See Daniel 8:3.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 8:20
(20-22) See Notes on Daniel 8:3-8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 8:20
Verse 20. The ram which thou sawest] See this explained under the vision itself, Daniel 8:3, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 8:20
15–27. Daniel seeks to know the meaning of the vision, which is imparted to him, as in Daniel 7:16 ff., by an angel. 15 that I sought to understand (it), and, behold, &c.] cf. Daniel 7:19. there was standing in front of me] appearing suddenly, some little way off (see Daniel 8:17, ‘came near’). as the appearance of a man] The expression ‘as the appearance of’ is borrowed from Ez. (Ezekiel 1:13-14; Ezekiel 1:26-28, Ezekiel 8:2, Daniel 10:1, Ezekiel 40:3, Ezekiel 42:11), and recurs below, Daniel 10:6; Daniel 10:18. The word for man (geber)—different from that in Daniel 10:18—is evidently chosen with allusion to the name ‘Gabriel,’ ‘man of God’ [not the word used in the common phrase, ‘man of God,’ for a prophet].
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 8:20
The ram which thou sawest ... - See the notes at Daniel 8:3. This is one of the instances in the Scriptures in which symbols are explained. There can be no doubt, therefore, as to the meaning.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 8:20
20-22. These verses explain Daniel 8:3-8. (See notes.) The explanation is brief, because the interest centers not in the great horn (Alexander the Great), but in the “little horn” (Antiochus Epiphanes).
Sermons on Daniel 8:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Vision of the Ram and the Goat by John F. Walvoord | In Daniel 8, the vision of the ram and the he goat is interpreted to represent the kings of Media and Persia and the king of Grecia, identified as Alexander the Great. The four hor |
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(Common Market)\tthe Unity of the Market by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a dream that the king had, which involved a great image made of different materials. The image had a head of gold, arms and chest of silver, |
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The Medes and the Persians by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the historical rise and fall of the Medes and the Persians, emphasizing their significant background in Biblical history spanning over two hundred year |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.11 & 12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Daniel chapter 11 and the continuation of the angel Gabriel's message to Daniel. The chapter recounts historical events that were to take pla |
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(Daniel) a Chapter of Detailed Prophecy by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Daniel, specifically chapter 11. He mentions that this chapter is long and difficult, but he is determined to address the diffic |