King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:12 Mean?

Daniel 11:12 in the King James Version says “And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up ; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up ; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it.”

Daniel 11:12 · KJV

Context

10

But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, even to his fortress. shall be: or, shall war return: or, be stirred up again

11

And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.

12

And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up ; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it.

13

For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches. after: Heb. at the end of times, even years

14

And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall. the robbers: Heb. the children of robbers

Read Daniel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Though Ptolemy IV won at Raphia, he didn't consolidate victory—his 'heart was lifted up' in pride rather than strategic advantage. This character detail, predicted centuries before, demonstrates God's knowledge of hearts and circumstances.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Daniel chapter 11 contains some of Scripture's most detailed predictive prophecy, written c. 536 BC and fulfilled with remarkable precision 200-160 BC during Ptolemaic-Seleucid conflicts. The prophecies served multiple purposes: encouraging Jewish exiles that God controls history, providing roadmap for future generations facing Hellenistic pressures, and typologically pointing to end-times Antichrist. Reformed theology sees dual fulfillment: near historical events (Antiochus Epiphanes) typifying far eschatological realities (final Antichrist). This pattern validates divine inspiration—only God knows future details with such precision. For believers under persecution, these prophecies demonstrated that tyrannical opposition is temporary, God's sovereignty absolute, and ultimate victory certain. The historical fulfillment encourages trust that eschatological promises will similarly fulfill exactly as prophesied.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the remarkable precision of fulfilled prophecy strengthen faith in Scripture's divine origin?
  2. What does the dual fulfillment pattern (historical Antiochus typifying eschatological Antichrist) teach about biblical prophecy's layered meaning?
  3. How should these prophecies encourage believers facing persecution or opposition today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְנִשָּׂ֥א1 of 8

“And when he hath taken away”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

הֶהָמ֖וֹן2 of 8

“the multitude”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

יְרָ֣ום3 of 8

“shall be lifted up”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

לְבָב֑וֹ4 of 8

“his heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וְהִפִּ֛יל5 of 8

“and he shall cast down”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

רִבֹּא֖וֹת6 of 8

“many ten thousands”

H7239

a myriad, i.e., indefinitely, large number

וְלֹ֥א7 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָעֽוֹז׃8 of 8

“but he shall not be strengthened”

H5810

to be stout (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Daniel 11:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Daniel 11:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 5:5Habakkuk 2:4-6Acts 12:22-23Ezekiel 28:172 Chronicles 25:19Daniel 8:25

Places in This Verse

South 3Region · Modern: Alexandria · 31.18°N, 29.90°E12 verses across 1 book
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