King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:13 Mean?

Daniel 11:13 in the King James Version says “For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly com... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 11:13 · King James Version


Context

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

15

So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand. the most: Heb. the city of munitions his: Heb. the people of his choices


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Antiochus III returned after years with larger army, defeating Ptolemy V at Panion (198 BC). This secured Seleucid control over Judea, shifting Jewish territory from Ptolemaic to Seleucid dominance—a major historical shift affecting Jewish life and setting stage for Antiochus IV's later persecution.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְשָׁב֙1 of 17

shall return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מֶ֣לֶךְ2 of 17

For the king

H4428

a king

הַצָּפ֔וֹן3 of 17

of the north

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וְהֶעֱמִ֣יד4 of 17

and shall set forth

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

הָמ֔וֹן5 of 17

a multitude

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

רָֽב׃6 of 17

and with much

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

מִן7 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן8 of 17

than the former

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וּלְקֵ֨ץ9 of 17

after

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

הָֽעִתִּ֤ים10 of 17

certain

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

שָׁנִים֙11 of 17

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

ב֔וֹא12 of 17

and shall certainly

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

ב֔וֹא13 of 17

and shall certainly

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּחַ֥יִל14 of 17

army

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

גָּד֖וֹל15 of 17

with a great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וּבִרְכ֥וּשׁ16 of 17

riches

H7399

property (as gathered)

רָֽב׃17 of 17

and with much

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)


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 11:13 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 11:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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