Old Testament
Daniel 2:35
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then the entire statue — the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold — shattered all at once and became like chaff blown from a threshing floor in summer. The wind swept it all away without a trace. But the stone that struck the statue grew into a great mountain that filled the whole earth.
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Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
What Daniel 2:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this vision, a statue made of various metals represents different kingdoms. When a stone strikes the statue, it shatters into pieces, just like chaff that the wind blows away. This symbolizes the temporary nature of human power and achievements. The stone, which grows into a mountain, represents a kingdom that will last forever. This kingdom will fill the earth, signifying a new era of peace and justice. The imagery of the stone and the mountain highlights the contrast between human empires and the enduring nature of divine authority. Ultimately, this passage reminds us that while earthly powers may rise and fall, there is a greater force at work that will establish a lasting kingdom. It encourages us to look beyond the temporary and seek what is eternal, finding hope in the promise of lasting change and stability in our lives and the world around us. Understanding this vision can inspire us to trust in something greater than ourselves, especially during uncertain times.
How to apply Daniel 2:35 to your life
Reflect on what you value most in life. Are you investing in things that will last, or are you caught up in temporary pursuits? Seek to align your goals with what truly matters, focusing on building a legacy that endures beyond your lifetime. Trust in the greater purpose at work in your life and community. Embrace the hope of lasting change and stability as you navigate challenges ahead.
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
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Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: The King's Dream (Daniel 2:1–49)
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Daniel
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Daniel 2:35
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Daniel
- Author
- Daniel the prophet
- Written
- Around 530 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Exiled Jews and future generations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Daniel 2:35 mean?
Daniel 2:35 describes a vision where a statue made of various metals represents different kingdoms. When a stone strikes the statue, it symbolizes the downfall of human power, while the stone growing into a mountain represents a lasting divine kingdom that will fill the earth.
What is the significance of the stone in Daniel 2:35?
The stone in Daniel 2:35 represents a divine kingdom that will ultimately replace all earthly powers. Its growth into a great mountain signifies the establishment of a lasting authority that brings peace and justice to the world.
What does the chaff symbolize in Daniel 2:35?
In Daniel 2:35, the chaff symbolizes the temporary nature of human achievements and power. Just as chaff is blown away by the wind, earthly kingdoms will eventually fade and be forgotten.
What is the overall message of Daniel 2:35?
The overall message of Daniel 2:35 is that while human kingdoms may rise and fall, there is a divine authority that will establish a lasting kingdom. This passage encourages readers to focus on what is eternal rather than temporary.
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