Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I looked up, and there before me was a ram with two horns, standing beside the canal, and the horns were long. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later. New Living Translation As I looked up, I saw a ram with two long horns standing beside the river. One of the horns was longer than the other, even though it had grown later than the other one. English Standard Version I raised my eyes and saw, and behold, a ram standing on the bank of the canal. It had two horns, and both horns were high, but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. Berean Standard Bible Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a ram with two horns standing beside the canal. The horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one grew up later. Berean Literal Bible And I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold! One ram was standing at the face of the river, and unto it were two horns; and the two horns were high, and one was higher than the second, and the higher one came up later. King James Bible Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. New King James Version Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and there, standing beside the river, was a ram which had two horns, and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. New American Standard Bible Then I raised my eyes and looked, and behold, a ram which had two horns was standing in front of the canal. Now the two horns were long, but one was longer than the other, with the longer one coming up last. NASB 1995 Then I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a ram which had two horns was standing in front of the canal. Now the two horns were long, but one was longer than the other, with the longer one coming up last. NASB 1977 Then I lifted my gaze and looked, and behold, a ram which had two horns was standing in front of the canal. Now the two horns were long, but one was longer than the other, with the longer one coming up last. Legacy Standard Bible Then I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a ram which had two horns was standing in front of the canal. Now the two horns were long, but one was longer than the other, with the longer one coming up last. Amplified Bible Then I raised my eyes and looked, and behold, there in front of the canal stood a [lone] ram (the Medo-Persian Empire) which had two horns. The two horns were high, but one (Persia) was higher than the other (Media), and the higher one came up last. Berean Annotated Bible Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a ram with two horns standing beside the canal. The horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one grew up later. Christian Standard Bible I looked up, and there was a ram standing beside the canal. He had two horns. The two horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one came up last. Holman Christian Standard Bible I looked up, and there was a ram standing beside the canal. He had two horns. The two horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one came up last. American Standard Version Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. Contemporary English Version when I looked up and saw a ram standing there with two horns on its head--both of them were long, but the second one was longer than the first. English Revised Version Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. GOD'S WORD® Translation I looked up and saw a single ram standing beside the gate. The ram had two long horns, one longer than the other, though the longer one had grown up later. Good News Translation and there beside the river I saw a ram that had two long horns, one of which was longer and newer than the other. International Standard Version "Then I turned my head to look, and to my surprise, a two-horned ram was standing beside the canal. The two horns grew long, the first one growing longer than the second, with the longer one springing up last. NET Bible I looked up and saw a ram with two horns standing at the canal. Its two horns were both long, but one was longer than the other. The longer one was coming up after the shorter one. New Heart English Bible Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and look, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns. And the two horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one came up last. Webster's Bible Translation Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen I lifted up my eyes and saw a ram with two horns standing beside the canal. The horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one grew up later. World English Bible Then I lifted up my eyes and saw, and behold, a ram which had two horns stood before the river. The two horns were high, but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I lift up my eyes, and look, and behold, a certain ram is standing before the stream, and it has two horns, and the two horns [are] high; and one [is] higher than the other, and the high one is coming up last. Berean Literal Bible And I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold! One ram was standing at the face of the river, and unto it were two horns; and the two horns were high, and one was higher than the second, and the higher one came up later. Young's Literal Translation And I lift up mine eyes, and look, and lo, a certain ram is standing before the stream, and it hath two horns, and the two horns are high; and the one is higher than the other, and the high one is coming up last. Smith's Literal Translation And I shall lift up mine eyes, and I shall see, and behold, one ram stood before the stream, and horns to him: and the horns high; and the one high above the second, and the high came up at the last. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I lifted up my eyes, and saw: and behold a ram stood before the water, having two high horns, and one higher than the other, and growing up. Afterward Catholic Public Domain Version And I lifted up my eyes and saw, and behold, a single ram stood before the marsh, having two high horns, and one was higher than the other and growing higher still. New American Bible I looked up and saw standing by the river a ram with two great horns, the one larger and newer than the other. New Revised Standard Version I looked up and saw a ram standing beside the river. It had two horns. Both horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one came up second. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen I lifted up my eyes and saw, and behold, there stood before the river Abol a ram which had two horns; and the two horns were high, but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated [Darius the Mede] and I raised my eyes, and I saw, and behold, one ram standing before Abul, and it had horns, and its horns were high, and one higher than its neighbor, and this high one afterward grew up OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the stream a ram which had two horns; and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. Brenton Septuagint Translation And I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, a ram standing in front of the Ubal; and he had high horns; and one was higher than the other, and the high one came up last. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Daniel's Vision of the Ram and the Goat…2And in the vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa, in the province of Elam. I saw in the vision that I was beside the Ulai Canal. 3Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a ram with two horns standing beside the canal. The horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one grew up later. 4I saw the ram charging toward the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against him, and there was no deliverance from his power. He did as he pleased and became great.… Cross References Then I lifted up my eyes and saw Daniel 10:5 I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. Zechariah 5:1 Again I lifted up my eyes and saw before me a flying scroll. Zechariah 6:1 And again I lifted up my eyes and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. a ram with two horns standing beside the canal. Ezekiel 1:1 In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God. Genesis 22:13 Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Revelation 13:11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. This beast had two horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. The horns were long, Deuteronomy 33:17 His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.” Psalm 92:10 But You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; with fine oil I have been anointed. Psalm 75:10 “All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be exalted.” but one was longer than the other, Genesis 48:19 But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” Genesis 25:23 and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Romans 9:12 not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” and the longer one grew up later. Matthew 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Luke 13:30 And indeed, some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.” 1 Samuel 16:11-13 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. Revelation 13:1-2 Then I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. / The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. Treasury of Scripture Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. I lifted. Daniel 10:5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: Numbers 24:2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him. Joshua 5:13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? a ram. Daniel 8:20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. Daniel 2:39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. Daniel 7:5 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. one. Daniel 5:31 And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old. Daniel 6:28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Ezra 1:2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. the other. Jump to Previous Bank Canal Eyes Front High Higher Horns Lifted Ram River Standing Stood StreamJump to Next Bank Canal Eyes Front High Higher Horns Lifted Ram River Standing Stood StreamDaniel 8 1. Daniel's vision of the ram and he goat.13. The two thousand three hundred days of the suspension of the daily sacrifice. 15. Gabriel comforts Daniel, and interprets the vision. Then I lifted up my eyes and saw This phrase indicates a visionary experience, a common occurrence in prophetic literature. The act of lifting one's eyes often signifies a divine revelation or insight beyond the natural realm. In biblical context, visions are a means by which God communicates His plans and purposes to His prophets. a ram with two horns standing beside the canal. The horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one grew up later. Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielThe prophet who receives the vision. He is a key figure in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness to God amidst exile in Babylon. 2. Ram with Two Horns Represents the kings of Media and Persia. The two horns symbolize the dual nature of the Medo-Persian Empire, with one horn (Persia) becoming more dominant over time. 3. Canal (Ulai Canal) A location in the vision, possibly symbolizing the flow of power and influence. It is a real place, likely in the region of Susa, an important city in the Persian Empire. Teaching Points Understanding Prophetic ImageryThe vision uses symbolic language to convey historical and spiritual truths. Recognizing the symbolic nature of the horns helps us understand the rise and fall of empires in God's sovereign plan. God's Sovereignty Over Nations The vision of the ram highlights God's control over world events. Despite the apparent power of empires, they are subject to God's ultimate authority. The Rise and Fall of Powers The longer horn growing later signifies the shifting dynamics of power. This reminds us that earthly power is temporary and often changes unexpectedly. Faithfulness in Exile Daniel's experience and visions encourage believers to remain faithful to God, even when living in a culture that does not honor Him. Historical Fulfillment and Future Hope Understanding the historical fulfillment of these prophecies strengthens our faith in God's Word and gives us hope for the future fulfillment of His promises. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Daniel 8:3?2. What does the ram's two horns symbolize in Daniel 8:3's vision? 3. How can we discern God's sovereignty through the imagery in Daniel 8:3? 4. Connect Daniel 8:3 with other biblical prophecies about kingdoms and empires. 5. How does understanding Daniel 8:3 strengthen our faith in God's prophetic word? 6. What practical steps can we take to trust God's control over world events? 7. What is the significance of the two horns on the ram in Daniel 8:3? 8. How does Daniel 8:3 relate to historical events in the Medo-Persian Empire? 9. Why is the ram described as standing by the canal in Daniel 8:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 8? 11. When will the 2300 days prophecy be fulfilled? 12. How do we reconcile the identity of the “four kingdoms” (Daniel 8:20-22) with historical empires, especially when some details appear inconsistent with recorded history? 13. If the vision was to be sealed 'for many days' (Daniel 8:26), why do some interpret it as a prophecy about near-contemporary events rather than an end-times scenario? 14. What musical instruments are mentioned in the Old Testament? What Does Daniel 8:3 Mean Then I lifted up my eyes• Daniel’s repeated phrase signals a deliberate decision to focus on what God is revealing (cf. Daniel 7:2; 10:5). • Similar language in Genesis 13:14 and Zechariah 2:1 shows that “lifting the eyes” often precedes receiving divine perspective. • The verse reminds us that prophecy is not human speculation but revelation initiated by God (2 Peter 1:19-21). and saw a ram • The ram appears frequently in Levitical sacrifices (Leviticus 5:15; 16:5), symbolizing strength and atonement. • In Daniel’s vision, the animal represents a kingdom, as the angel later explains: “The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia” (Daniel 8:20). • Rams were also the emblem of the Persian army, matching the historical reality and underscoring God’s detailed foresight. with two horns • Horns in Scripture picture power and rulership (Numbers 23:22; Revelation 5:6). • The “two horns” point to the dual nature of the Medo-Persian Empire—Media and Persia joined yet distinct (cf. Esther 1:3-4, where nobles of both peoples are listed). • Daniel 8:20 explicitly ties the horns to “kings,” confirming the literal, historical identity of the symbol. standing beside the canal • Daniel earlier locates himself “beside the Ulai Canal” in Susa (Daniel 8:2), the Persian administrative center (Nehemiah 1:1; Esther 1:2). • The setting highlights how God shows forthcoming events right where they will unfold, reinforcing the certainty of the prophecy. • That the ram stands unopposed at first pictures Medo-Persia’s early dominance over surrounding nations (Daniel 8:4). The horns were long • Long horns suggest extensive power and reach. Historically, Medo-Persia stretched from India to Egypt (Esther 1:1). • The word “long” hints at sustained influence, echoing Daniel 11:2 where Persian kings wield “great power” and “great riches.” • God is revealing not only who will rule but how significant their rule will be. but one was longer than the other • Media rose first, yet Persia overshadowed it; Cyrus the Great’s ascent fulfilled this detail (Isaiah 45:1). • The asymmetry mirrors the earlier bear of Daniel 7:5 that was “raised up on one side,” again depicting unequal partners in a single empire. • Scripture’s precision underscores its divine authorship. and the longer one grew up later • The phrase pinpoints sequence: Persia’s supremacy followed Media’s founding role. • Historically, Cyrus (a Persian) defeated his Median grandfather Astyages around 550 BC, fulfilling the “grew up later” aspect. • Daniel’s vision, given years before, demonstrates God’s sovereignty over timelines (Isaiah 46:9-10). summary Daniel 8:3, taken literally, previews the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire with striking accuracy. Each detail—the ram, two unequal horns, their length, and the timing—matches the historical facts God later confirmed through Gabriel in Daniel 8:20. The verse not only affirms God’s perfect foreknowledge but also assures believers that the same Lord who guides empires also guides His people’s future. (3) A ram--i.e., a single ram. The ram was standing before the river, or eastward of it, and represented the Medo-Persian empire (Daniel 8:20). The two horns, like the two breasts and arms of the image, or the two sides of the bear, symbolise the twofold character of this empire. The higher horn denotes the Persians, the dominant race. For other instances of rams and goats representing nations, comp. Isaiah 14:9; Jeremiah 1:8; Zechariah 10:3.Verse 3. - Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns; and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. The rendering of the LXX. does not differ essentially from the Massoretic Version, save in the last clause, which is rendered, "and the higher ascended (ἀνέβαινε)." As in the former verse, oobal is translated "gate." Certainly, as before remarked, "before a river" is an awkward combination; "before" or "over against a gate" is intelligible. "Eastward," which liphnee also means, will not suit the geographical circumstances, as Shushan itself stood on the east bank of the river Eulaeus, or Shapur. If, further, oobal means a "marsh," as Jerome renders it, then "eastward" would not suit. for the existing marsh is to the south-west of Shushan. Theodotion is in closer agreement with the Massoretic text, but does not translate (oobal, he merely transliterates it. The Peshitta is in strict agreement with the text of the Massoretes. Jerome, as we just said. in this verse renders oobal by paludem. Daniel in his vision seems looking from the walls of the citadel of Shushan, most likely even now the capital of the triumphant young conqueror. The progress of the arms of Cyrus would no doubt be viewed with apprehension by the court of Babylon. Daniel's thoughts would be naturally filled with the new factor in the polities of the Euphrates valley. Hence it was not unnatural that the thoughts of the (lay should colour the visions of the night. The choice of the animal - the ram - to represent the Medo-Persian monarchy is by some supposed to be illustrated by the figures of goats and rams on Persian cylinders. If it has any special meaning, it probably is that the monarchy had sprung up among a pastoral people. It is maintained by Professor Bevan, that this figure of a ram with two horns proves that there were two successive empires - a Median and a Persian. If Mr. Bevan would use his ingenuity, and show us any way by which the actual facts of the history and constitution of the Medo-Persian Empire could be represented in a symbol that would not be liable to his misinterpretation, it would be an advantage. The empire, we know, was built up by two races - the race which last came into prominence became the predominant. Here in the symbol before us the unity of the empire is exhibited by the animal being one, and the two races are indicated by the two horns. The duality of the symbol ought to be noted.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then I liftedוָאֶשָּׂ֤א (wā·’eś·śā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take my eyes עֵינַי֙ (‘ê·nay) Noun - cdc | first person common singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain and saw וָאֶרְאֶ֔ה (wā·’er·’eh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 7200: To see a ram אַ֣יִל (’a·yil) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 352: Strength, strong, a chief, a ram, a pilaster, an oak, strong tree with וְל֣וֹ (wə·lōw) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew two horns קְרָנָ֑יִם (qə·rā·nā·yim) Noun - fd Strong's 7161: A horn, a flask, cornet, an elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray, power standing עֹמֵ֛ד (‘ō·mêḏ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations beside לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the canal. הָאֻבָ֖ל (hā·’u·ḇāl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 180: A stream, river The horns וְהַקְּרָנַ֣יִם (wə·haq·qə·rā·na·yim) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - fd Strong's 7161: A horn, a flask, cornet, an elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray, power were long, גְּבֹה֗וֹת (gə·ḇō·hō·wṯ) Adjective - feminine plural Strong's 1364: Elevated, powerful, arrogant but one וְהָאַחַת֙ (wə·hā·’a·ḥaṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Number - feminine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first was longer גְּבֹהָ֣ה (gə·ḇō·hāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 1364: Elevated, powerful, arrogant than מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the other, הַשֵּׁנִ֔ית (haš·šê·nîṯ) Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular Strong's 8145: Second (an ordinal number) and the longer וְהַ֨גְּבֹהָ֔ה (wə·hag·gə·ḇō·hāh) Conjunctive waw, Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 1364: Elevated, powerful, arrogant one grew up עֹלָ֖ה (‘ō·lāh) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively later. בָּאַחֲרֹנָֽה׃ (bā·’a·ḥă·rō·nāh) Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 314: Hinder, late, last, western Links Daniel 8:3 NIVDaniel 8:3 NLT Daniel 8:3 ESV Daniel 8:3 NASB Daniel 8:3 KJV Daniel 8:3 BibleApps.com Daniel 8:3 Biblia Paralela Daniel 8:3 Chinese Bible Daniel 8:3 French Bible Daniel 8:3 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Daniel 8:3 Then I lifted up my eyes (Dan. 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