Albert Barnes Commentary Daniel 4:16

"let his heart be changed from man`s, and let a beast`s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him." — Daniel 4:16 (ASV)

Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him — Here the same thing occurs in a more marked form, showing that some man was represented by the vision, and indicating some change fitted to attract the deepest attention, as if the person referred to should cease to be a man and become a beast. The word “heart” here seems to refer to nature: “let his nature or propensity cease to be that of a man and become like that of a beast; let him cease to act as a man and act as the beasts do—showing as little mind and living in the same manner.”

And let seven times pass over him — in this condition, or until he is restored. It is not indeed said that he would be restored, but this is implied:

1. in the very expression “until seven times shall pass over him,” as if he would then be restored in some way, or as if this condition would then terminate; and

2. in the statement that “the stump of the roots” would be left in the earth, as if it might still germinate again.

Everything, however, in the dream was fitted to produce perplexity as to what it could mean. The word translated “times” (עדנין, ‛iddânîn – singular, עדן, ‛iddân) is an important word in the interpretation of Daniel. It is from the same root as the Hebrew יעד (yâ‛ad) – to point out, to appoint, to fix – and would refer properly to time considered as “appointed” or “designated.” Then it may mean any stated or designated period, such as a year.

The idea is that of time considered as designated or fixed by periods, and the word may refer to any such period, however long or short – a day, a month, a year, or any other measure of duration. What measurement or portion is intended in any particular case must be determined from the context in which the word is found. The word used here does not occur in the Hebrew Scriptures and is found only in the Book of Daniel, where it is uniformly translated “time” and “times.”

It is found only in the following passages: Daniel 2:8, that ye would gain the time;Daniel 2:9, till the time be changed;Daniel 2:21, and he changeth the times;Daniel 3:5 and 3:15, at what time ye shall hear;Daniel 4:16 and 4:23, and let seven times pass over him;Daniel 4:25 and 4:32, seven times shall pass over him;Daniel 7:12, for a season and time; and Daniel 7:25, until a time and times and the dividing of time.

In the passage before us, as far as the meaning of the word is concerned, it might mean a day, a week, a month, or a year.

The more common interpretation is that it was a year, and this will agree better with all the circumstances of the case than any other period. The Greek of Theodotion here is: καὶ ἑππὰ καιροὶ ὰλλαγήσονται ἐπ ̓ ἀυτόν (kai hepta kairoi allagēsontai ep' auton) – “And seven times shall change upon him;” that is, until seven seasons revolve over him.

The most natural construction of this Greek phrase would be to refer it to years. The Latin Vulgate interprets it in a similar way: et septem tempora mutentur super eum – “And let seven times be changed” or revolve “over him.”

In the Codex Chisianus it is: καὶ ἐππὰ ἔτη βοσκηθῆ σὺν αὐτοῖς (kai hepta etē boskēthē sun autois) – “and let him feed with them seven years.” Luther translates it as “times.” Josephus understands it as “seven years” (Antiquities, Book 10, Chapter 10, Section 6).

While the Aramaic word is indeterminate regarding the length of time, the most natural and obvious construction here and elsewhere in the use of the word is to refer it to years. Days or weeks would obviously be too short. Although in this passage the word “months” would perhaps cover all that is necessary, in the other places where the word occurs in Daniel it undoubtedly refers to years. It is, therefore, appropriate to understand it in the same manner here.