Daniel 7:13 Meaning: The Son of Man Comes to the Ancient of Days
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him.
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
`I was seeing in the visions of the night, and lo, with the clouds of the heavens as a son of man was one coming, and unto the Ancient of Days he hath come, and before Him they have brought him near.
I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of heaven [one] like a son of man, and he came up even to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
Meaning in one sentence
Who is the 'son of man' in Daniel 7:13? A vision of one like a son of man approaching the Ancient of Days, revealing hope for God's eternal kingdom.
Context
In Daniel's night vision, he has seen four great beasts rising from the sea, each representing a world empire. Then the scene shifts to a throne room. The Ancient of Days sits in judgment, fiery and glorious, with countless attendants. The beasts are judged, their power taken away. Then Daniel sees another figure: not a beast, but one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. This figure does not rise from the sea like the beasts; he comes from heaven itself. He approaches the Ancient of Days and is brought near into his presence. The vision sets the stage for the giving of an eternal kingdom, described in the next verse.
Key Words
The phrase 'son of man' translates bar enash, Aramaic for a human being. But here it is indefinite, 'like a son of man', suggesting a figure in human form, yet one that comes from the clouds of heaven, not from the earth. The clouds (anan) echo the glory and majesty of God himself, who rides on the clouds in the Old Testament. This figure is not a beast; he is human-like. The 'Ancient of Days' (attiq yomin) is God the Father, depicted as aged in dignity, seated on a fiery throne. The verb for 'brought near' (haqrəvu) implies a formal presentation before the divine throne. This is no ordinary human. This one is brought into the very presence of the Eternal One.
How Christians Read This Verse
Most Christian interpreters throughout history, including Calvin, Matthew Henry, and Wesley, see this 'son of man' as the Messiah, Jesus Christ. They point to how Jesus applies the title 'Son of Man' to himself and connects this vision to his coming in glory. Others, including some modern scholars and ancient Jewish interpreters like Aben Ezra, understand the figure as representing the people of Israel: a human-like kingdom to replace the beastly kingdoms. The Cambridge Bible notes this possibility. Both readings affirm that the vision points to God's faithful people receiving the kingdom, whether directly through a representative or as a collective.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers assume the 'son of man' here is simply a human being, a king or an angel, because the phrase can mean 'a human' in the Old Testament. In fact, the context shows far more. This figure comes with the clouds of heaven, a sign of divine presence. He is led into the presence of the Ancient of Days and receives eternal worship and dominion that belong only to God. The New Testament writers understood this as a revelation of Christ's divine identity.
Living This Out
This verse asks you to trust that the Son of Man has already approached the Father on your behalf. He was brought near, and he received the kingdom. Your struggles, the chaos of world events, the rise and fall of powers, none of it outruns his authority. This week, when you feel the weight of a world that seems ruled by beasts, remember the vision: a human figure riding the clouds into the throne room. His kingdom is already real. You can pray with confidence because the Son of Man stands before the Ancient of Days, and he holds your future.
Main takeaway: The Son of Man comes before the Ancient of Days to receive an everlasting kingdom for all peoples, bringing hope beyond earthly empires.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Daniel saw a vision of someone like a son of man coming on clouds. This is Jesus, the Son of Man. He came to God the Father to receive a kingdom that will never end.
For ages 9, 12
In Daniel's vision, the four beasts stood for powerful kingdoms that crushed people. Then a figure like a son of man appeared on clouds. He was not from the earth like the beasts, he came from heaven. When he reached the Ancient of Days, he was given a kingdom that would never be destroyed. Jesus later called himself the Son of Man, and this verse shows that he is the one who rules over all nations forever.
Questions People Ask
Who is the 'son of man' in Daniel 7:13?
Most Christians see this as Jesus Christ. He is called 'Son of Man' many times in the Gospels. The vision shows him receiving dominion and a kingdom from God the Father.
What does 'Ancient of Days' mean?
It refers to God the Father, depicted as an aged figure seated on a throne of fire, representing his eternal existence and authority.
Why does the son of man come with clouds?
Clouds in the Bible often signal God's presence and glory. Coming with clouds shows that this figure shares divine majesty. Jesus later speaks of the Son of Man coming on the clouds, as noted in the Gospels.
Did Jesus refer to this verse?
Yes. At his trial, Jesus quoted Daniel 7:13 when he said the Son of Man would be seated at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds (Matthew 26:64). He identified himself as the figure in Daniel's vision.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study