Definition: After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Daniel 7:7. It's a pretty complex verse, but we can understand its core meaning with some simple steps. Here’s what it says in plain language: “After this I saw in the night visions, and behold… a fourth beast came on the scene – dreadful and terrible – and strong exceedingly. It had great iron teeth, and devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it.” Let’s unpack each part: "After this I saw..." : This tells us that we're seeing something after a previous vision or event. It’s a continuation of a story. "...in the night visions..." : This is a metaphor – it means the vision happened while we were asleep, often in dreams or imagination. It's not a literal dream. "...and behold a fourth beast..." : This introduces the key point: there’s another powerful animal coming into view. It’s a fourth beast, which is significant. "dreadful and terrible..." : This emphasizes how serious and frightening this beast is. It's not just an ordinary animal; it’s something profoundly bad. "...and strong exceedingly..." : This reinforces the intensity – it’s powerful and dominating. "...had great iron teeth..." : This is a striking image. The "teeth" are metaphorical, representing judgment or punishment. They're sharp and menacing. "...devoured and broke in pieces..." : This describes how this beast actively destroys things – it’s consuming everything. It's not just passively existing; it’s actively taking something apart. "...and stamped the residue with the feet of it..." : This is a crucial part. The "residue" refers to the remnants, or what’s left behind after this beast has been destroyed. The “feet” symbolize authority and power – the beast is crushing everything it touches. What does all this mean in general? This passage describes a final battle between good and evil. It suggests that Satan (the enemy) will have a fourth, powerful beast come into the world to oppose God's plan. It’s a warning about the ongoing struggle for supremacy between good and evil. Important Note: This is a complex passage with many interpretations. Different people have different ideas about what it means. However, this explanation provides a basic understanding of its core message – one of a final, devastating battle that will ultimately determine the fate of the world. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or concepts? Discuss potential interpretations of what this passage might symbolize (like a spiritual battle)?