John Calvin on Daniel 8:21

By the word “Javan” the Hebrews designate not only the Greeks but the: Macedonians, and the whole of that tract which is divided by the Hellespont, from Asia Minor as far as Illyricmn. Therefore the meaning is — the king of Greece.

Daniel 8:22-23

22. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.

22. Et confractum est, That is, the horn was broken. — Calvin. et extiterunt quatuor, cornua scilicet, loco ejus: quatuor regna a gente exsurgent, vel, existent, et non pro fortitudine illius.

23. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

23. Et in fine regni illorum, ubi perfecti fuerint scelerati, existet rex praefractus facie, Verbally, “in faces.” — Calvin. et intelligens aenigmata.

Hence Luther, indulging his thoughts too freely, refers this passage to the masks of Antichrist, but we shall trace this point afterwards. The English reader may consult Michelet’s Life of Luther. Hazlitt’s Ed., 1846.

Daniel 8:24-25

24. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

24. Et roborabitur fortitudo ejus, et non in fortitudine sua, Or, according to his fortitude; we shall treat this phrase also. — Calvin et mirabilia That is, “in wonderful ways” “wonderfully;” the noun being used in the place of the adverb. — Calvin. evertet, prosperabitur, et efficiet, et perdet, repetit idem verbum, robustos, et populum sanctorum.

25. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

25. Et pro intelligentia sua prosperabitur dolus in manu ejus, et in corde suo magnificabit se, et in pace perdet multos, vel fortes, et contra Principem principum stabit, vel exsurget, et absque manu frangetur.