What does Daniel 7:24 mean?

Daniel's prophetic dream included a bizarre beast with ten horns, three of which were overcome by the appearance of a new, smaller horn (Daniel 7:7–8). This beast has been explained as a unique kingdom that will dominate the entire world (Daniel 7:23). Here, an angelic interpreter (Daniel 7:16) further explains the symbolism of the horns.

The ten horns on the ferocious beast represent ten kings, national leaders, or emperors. Another horn would imply another ruler. This one usurps the rule of three of the kings. This eleventh horn is different from all the others. These ten kings are prominent in the end times (Revelation 13:1; 17:12). The eleventh king, the little horn of Daniel's vision (Daniel 7:8), will have much more authority than the ten kings. He will extend his rule over the entire world, and he will be more hateful than the ten. He will pour out his hatred on God's people: the saints.

Many expositors identify this horn as "the Antichrist," while others see the false prophet of Revelation 13:11–17 as that figure. The little horn, the eleventh horn, holds political sway over the world, whereas the false prophet exercises religious control over others. References to the Antichrist in the New Testament denounce his religious crimes (1 John 2:18–22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7). For this reason, many expositors identify "the Antichrist" with the apostate false prophet.