Old Testament
Daniel 7:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then a second beast appeared, one that looked like a bear. It was raised up on one side, with three ribs clenched between its teeth. They said to it, 'Get up! Devour much flesh.'
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And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
What Daniel 7:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this vision, Daniel sees a second beast that resembles a bear. This bear is not just any bear; it stands up on one side, suggesting a sense of power and dominance. The three ribs in its mouth symbolize the nations or kingdoms it has conquered. The command to the bear, 'Get up! Devour much flesh,' indicates its aggressive nature and insatiable appetite for power. This imagery reflects the harsh realities of empires that rise and consume others in their quest for control. The bear's posture and the ribs highlight the idea of strength and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Daniel's vision serves as a reminder of the struggles between nations and the impact of their actions on the world stage. It invites us to reflect on the nature of power and the responsibilities that come with it, urging us to consider how we engage with the world around us and the choices we make in pursuit of our goals. Understanding this vision can help us navigate our own ambitions with wisdom and caution.
How to apply Daniel 7:5 to your life
This passage encourages us to reflect on our own ambitions and the impact they have on others. As we pursue our goals, we should consider the consequences of our actions. Striving for success is important, but we must do so with integrity and respect for those around us. Let this vision remind us to balance ambition with responsibility and compassion in our lives. We can achieve our dreams without trampling on others in the process.
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
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Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Four Beasts and the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:1–28)
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Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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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 7:5 mean?
Daniel 7:5 describes a vision of a second beast that looks like a bear, symbolizing a powerful empire. The bear's raised posture and the three ribs in its mouth represent its dominance and the nations it has conquered.
What is the significance of the bear in Daniel 7:5?
The bear in Daniel 7:5 signifies strength and aggression, reflecting an empire's insatiable desire for power. Its posture and the ribs symbolize the nations it has devoured in its quest for dominance.
What does 'devour much flesh' mean in Daniel 7:5?
The phrase 'devour much flesh' indicates the bear's aggressive nature and its relentless pursuit of power. It reflects the idea of empires consuming others in their quest for control.
How does Daniel 7:5 relate to themes of power and responsibility?
Daniel 7:5 highlights the themes of power and ambition by showing the consequences of unchecked desires for dominance. It serves as a reminder to balance ambition with responsibility and consider the impact of our actions on others.
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