King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:14 Mean?

Daniel 11:14 in the King James Version says “And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt t... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 11:14 · KJV


Context

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

16

But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed. glorious: or, goodly, etc.: Heb. land of ornament


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
During these conflicts, 'violent men' among Jews supported Seleucid takeover, hoping for advantage. The phrase 'to establish the vision' may indicate that these events fulfill prophetic vision, though the attempt ultimately fails. This internal Jewish division would have serious consequences.

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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 · 14 words
וּבָעִתִּ֣ים1 of 14

And in those times

H6256

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

הָהֵ֔ם2 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

רַבִּ֥ים3 of 14

there shall many

H7227

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

לְהַעֲמִ֥יד4 of 14

stand up

H5975

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

עַל5 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מֶ֣לֶךְ6 of 14

against the king

H4428

a king

הַנֶּ֑גֶב7 of 14

of the south

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

וּבְנֵ֣י׀8 of 14

also the robbers

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

פָּרִיצֵ֣י9 of 14
H6530

violent, i.e., a tyrant

עַמְּךָ֗10 of 14

of thy people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִֽנַּשְּׂא֛וּ11 of 14

shall exalt

H5375

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

לְהַעֲמִ֥יד12 of 14

stand up

H5975

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

חָז֖וֹן13 of 14

the vision

H2377

a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle

וְנִכְשָֽׁלוּ׃14 of 14

but they shall fall

H3782

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall


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 11:14 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 11:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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