Daniel 8:21
Daniel 8:21 in Multiple Translations
The shaggy goat represents the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king.
And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
And the rough he-goat is the king of Greece: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
And the he-goat is the king of Greece: and the great horn between his eyes is the first king.
The male goat is the kingdom of Greece, and the large horn between its eyes is its first king.
And the goate is the King of Grecia, and the great horne that is betweene his eyes, is the first King.
And the young he-goat, the hairy one, [is] the king of Javan; and the great horn that [is] between its eyes is the first king;
The rough male goat is the king of Greece. The great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
And the he goat, is the king of the Greeks, and the great horn that was between his eyes, the same is the first king.
The goat that you saw represents the kingdom of Greece, and the horn that appeared between its eyes represents its first king.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 8:21
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 8:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/צָּפִ֥יר
הַ/שָּׂעִ֖יר
מֶ֣לֶךְ
יָוָ֑ן
וְ/הַ/קֶּ֤רֶן
הַ/גְּדוֹלָה֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
בֵּין
עֵינָ֔י/ו
ה֖וּא
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ
הָ/רִאשֽׁוֹן
וְ/הַ/צָּפִ֥יר
tsâphîyr
H6842
male goat
Conj | Art | N-ms
הַ/שָּׂעִ֖יר
sâʻîyr
H8163
hairy
Art | Adj
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יָוָ֑ן
Yâvân
H3120
Greece
N-proper
וְ/הַ/קֶּ֤רֶן
qeren
H7161
horn
Conj | Art | N-cs
הַ/גְּדוֹלָה֙
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בֵּין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
עֵינָ֔י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
הָ/רִאשֽׁוֹן
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 8:21
וְ/הַ/צָּפִ֥יר
tsâphîyr
H6842
"male goat"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A male goat, often translated as he-goat, is mentioned in the Bible as a strong animal, like the ones described in Genesis.
Definition: he-goat Aramaic equivalent: tse.phir (צְפִיר "male goat" H6841)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (he) goat. See also: 2 Chronicles 29:21; Daniel 8:5; Daniel 8:21.
הַ/שָּׂעִ֖יר
sâʻîyr
H8163
"hairy"
Art | Adj
This word can refer to a wild goat or a satyr, a mythical creature. In the Bible, it may also describe a demon-possessed animal, like the ones in Matthew 8:30-32.
Definition: adj hairy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: devil, goat, hairy, kid, rough, satyr. See also: Genesis 27:11; Numbers 7:52; Isaiah 13:21.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
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.
יָוָ֑ן
Yâvân
H3120
"Greece"
N-proper
Refers to Greece or the Greeks, descended from Javan, a son of Joktan. This term is used to describe the country and its people, as seen in the KJV translation of Javan.
Definition: § Javan = "Ionia" or "Greece" 1) Greece, Ionia, Ionians 2) location of descendants of Javan
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Javan. See also: Genesis 10:2; Ezekiel 27:13; Isaiah 66:19.
וְ/הַ/קֶּ֤רֶן
qeren
H7161
"horn"
Conj | Art | N-cs
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.
הַ/גְּדוֹלָה֙
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
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.
בֵּין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
עֵינָ֔י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
ה֖וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
הַ/מֶּ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
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.
הָ/רִאשֽׁוֹן
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Art | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
Study Notes — Daniel 8:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 8:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 8:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 8:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 8:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 8:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 8:21
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 8:21
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 8:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 8:21
- Sermons on Daniel 8:21
Context — Gabriel Interprets Daniel’s Vision
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. 23In the latter part of their reign, when the rebellion has reached its full measure, an insolent king, skilled in intrigue, will come to the throne.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 10:20 | “Do you know why I have come to you?” he said. “I must return at once to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I have gone forth, behold, the prince of Greece will come. |
| 2 | Daniel 11:3 | Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great authority and do as he pleases. |
| 3 | Daniel 8:5–8 | As I was contemplating all this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between his eyes came out of the west, crossing the surface of the entire earth without touching the ground. He came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and rushed at him with furious power. I saw him approach the ram in a rage against him, and he struck the ram and shattered his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him, and the goat threw him to the ground and trampled him, and no one could deliver the ram from his power. Thus the goat became very great, but at the height of his power, his large horn was broken off, and four prominent horns came up in its place, pointing toward the four winds of heaven. |
Daniel 8:21 Summary
[In Daniel 8:21, the shaggy goat represents the king of Greece, and the large horn between its eyes is the first king, which is often seen as a reference to Alexander the Great. This prophecy is part of a bigger vision about the end times and the rise and fall of kingdoms. As we read this verse, we can remember that God is in control of all nations and kingdoms, as stated in Psalm 103:19. We can also reflect on how this prophecy relates to our own lives and the world around us, and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the shaggy goat represent in Daniel 8:21?
The shaggy goat represents the king of Greece, as stated in the verse, and this is further supported by the historical context and the prophetic vision given to Daniel, similar to how the two-horned ram represents the kings of Media and Persia in Daniel 8:20.
Who is the first king represented by the large horn between the goat's eyes?
The large horn between the goat's eyes represents the first king of Greece, which is often interpreted as Alexander the Great, who conquered a vast portion of the known world and had a significant impact on history, as seen in Daniel 8:5-7 where the goat's conquests are described.
How does this prophecy relate to the end times?
This prophecy is part of a larger vision given to Daniel about the end times, as mentioned in Daniel 8:19, and it sets the stage for the rise of future kingdoms and the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan, as seen in Daniel 8:23 and supported by other scriptures like Daniel 2:28 and Ezekiel 38:17.
What can we learn from the symbolism of the horns in Daniel 8:21-22?
The symbolism of the horns in Daniel 8:21-22 teaches us about the rise and fall of kingdoms and the power struggles that occur, reminding us of the sovereignty of God over all nations and kingdoms, as stated in Psalm 103:19 and Isaiah 40:15-17.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the shaggy goat evoke in my mind, and how can I apply the lessons from this prophecy to my own life?
- How does the concept of the 'first king' relate to the idea of leadership and power in my own community or nation?
- In what ways can I see the hand of God at work in the rise and fall of kingdoms throughout history, and how does this impact my trust in Him?
- What are some ways that I can be prepared for the uncertainties of the future, knowing that God has a plan and is in control, as seen in Daniel 8:19 and other scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 8:21
And the rough goat is the king of Grecia,.... Including all the kings of it, from Alexander to the end of the Grecian monarchy; or rather the kingdom of Greece, which began in him, and continued
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 8:21
And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. The great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 8:21
The king of Grecia; of Javan, or Ion, or Joan, which properly is Asia the Less, which was inhabited by Javan, , but spread over all Greece, and all spake Greek, and the sea was thence called the Ionian Sea, See more in Bochart. The first king, i.e. Alexander the Great; called the Great from his great power, success, and possessions; and the first king, i.e. in Asia, and by his exploits and victories over the Persian monarchy; for else there were other kings of Greece before him, but none of them in the sense aforesaid.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 8:21
Daniel 8:21 And the rough goat [is] the king of Grecia: and the great horn that [is] between his eyes [is] the first king.Ver. 21. And the rough goat.] Hirtus hircus. See on Daniel 8:5.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 8:21
(20-22) See Notes on Daniel 8:3-8.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 8:21
21. the rough he-goat] Daniel 8:5. The word rendering ‘rough’ (sβ‘ξr), treated as a subst., is the usual old Hebrew word for a he-goat (Genesis 37:31, &c.): the word here rendered ‘he-goat’ (ṣ ?βphξr) being properly the Aramaic word for the same animal (Ezra 6:17, and in the Targums), and being found in Heb. only in late passages (Daniel 8:5; Daniel 8:8; 2 Chronicles 29:21; Ezra 8:35). Perhaps, therefore, sβ‘ξr is not intended here to be an adj., but is simply the old Heb. synonym of ṣ ?βphξr, added by way of explanation; and the whole expression should be rendered simply the he-goat. Grecia] or, as we should now say, Greece. So Daniel 10:20; Daniel 11:2 (but Zechariah 9:13 ‘Greece’); and similarly Grecians for Greeks, Joe 3:6, Acts 6:1 al. The Heb. (both here and elsewhere) is Yavan, Genesis 10:2; Genesis 10:4 = 1 Chronicles 1:5; 1 Chronicles 1:7; Isaiah 66:19; Ezekiel 27:13; Ezekiel 27:19 (?), i.e. Ἰάϝων, Ἰάϝον-ες, the name by which the ‘Greeks’ were known also to the Assyrians and Egyptians. The reason is to be found in the fact that the ‘Ionians’ on the west coast of Asia Minor were that branch of the Greeks which was the earliest to develope civilization, and to engage extensively in commerce; it was thus the first to become generally known in the Eastern world. the first king] i.e. Alexander the Great.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 8:21
And the rough goat - See the notes at Daniel 8:5. In Daniel 8:5 he is called a he-goat. Here the word rough or hairy - שׂעיר s'â‛ı̂yr - is applied to it.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 8:21
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 8:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Kingdom of Greece by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the prophecy of Daniel, focusing on the rise and conquests of the Grecian Empire under Alexander the Great. The accuracy of Daniel's prophecies regardi |
|
2 Peter 2:11 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:11, emphasizing the superiority of good angels over earthly authorities and their restraint in not bringing accusations against them, despite their |
|
Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-02 Studies in Daniel 11 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecy in the book of Daniel regarding the rise and fall of kings in Persia and Greece. The angel reveals that there will be three kings |