3. Then four large beasts came up from the sea; they were different from one another.
4. “The first one was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off and it was lifted up from the ground. It was made to stand on two feet like a human being, and a human mind was given to it.
5. “Then a second beast appeared, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and there were three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and devour much flesh!’
6. “After these things, as I was watching, another beast like a leopard appeared, with four bird-like wings on its back. This beast had four heads, and ruling authority was given to it.
7. “After these things, as I was watching in the night visions a fourth beast appeared – one dreadful, terrible, and very strong. It had two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and anything that was left it trampled with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that came before it, and it had ten horns.
8. “As I was contemplating the horns, another horn – a small one – came up between them, and three of the former horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This horn had eyes resembling human eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant things.
9. “While I was watching,thrones were set up,and the Ancient of Days took his seat.His attire was white like snow;the hair of his head was like lamb’s wool.His throne was ablaze with fireand its wheels were all aflame.
10. A river of fire was streaming forthand proceeding from his presence.Many thousands were ministering to him;Many tens of thousands stood ready to serve him.The court convenedand the books were opened.
11. “Then I kept on watching because of the arrogant words of the horn that was speaking. I was watching until the beast was killed and its body destroyed and thrown into the flaming fire.
12. As for the rest of the beasts, their ruling authority had already been removed, though they were permitted to go on living for a time and a season.
13. I was watching in the night visions,“And with the clouds of the skyone like a son of man was approaching.He went up to the Ancient of Daysand was escorted before him.
14. To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty.All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him.His authority is eternal and will not pass away.His kingdom will not be destroyed.
15. “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed, and the visions of my mind were alarming me.
16. I approached one of those standing nearby and asked him about the meaning of all this. So he spoke with me and revealed to me the interpretation of the vision:
17. ‘These large beasts, which are four in number, represent four kings who will arise from the earth.
18. The holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will take possession of the kingdom forever and ever.’