Daniel 8:21

21 The male goat is the king of Greece, and the great horn between its eyes is the first king.

Daniel 8:21 Meaning and Commentary

Daniel 8:21

And the rough goat is the king of Grecia
Including all the kings of it, from Alexander to the end of the Grecian monarchy; or rather the kingdom of Greece, which began in him, and continued until it was destroyed by the Romans: this was signified by the rough or hairy goat, especially when Alexander was at the head of it, for his strength and prowess, his swiftness in his marches over rocks and mountains, his majesty and grandeur, and also his lust and uncleanness; (See Gill on Daniel 8:5): and the great host that is between his eyes is the first king;
this is Alexander, who, though he was not the first king of Macedon, his father Philip, and others, were kings before him; yet was the first king of the Grecian monarchy, which took place on the Persian monarchy being destroyed by him.

Daniel 8:21 In-Context

19 He said, "Listen, and I will tell you what will take place later in the period of wrath; for it refers to the appointed time of the end.

20 As for the ram that you saw with the two horns, these are the kings of Media and Persia.

21 The male goat is the king of Greece, and the great horn between its eyes is the first king.

22 As for the horn that was broken, in place of which four others arose, four kingdoms shall arise from his nation, but not with his power.

23 At the end of their rule, when the transgressions have reached their full measure, a king of bold countenance shall arise, skilled in intrigue.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or [shaggy male goat]