King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:16 Mean?

Daniel 11:16 in the King James Version says “But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand i...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Daniel 11:16 · KJV

Context

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

17

He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him. upright: or, much uprightness: or, equal conditions corrupting: Heb. to corrupt

18

After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him. for: Heb. for him the reproach: Heb. his reproach

Read Daniel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Antiochus III stood in 'the glorious land' (Judea), now under Seleucid control. Initially benevolent toward Jews, this dynasty's attitude would change dramatically under Antiochus IV. The prophecy's precision continues: 'the glorious land' becomes key to understanding coming persecution.

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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 · 12 words
וְיַ֨עַשׂ1 of 12

“against him shall do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַבָּ֤א2 of 12

“But he that cometh”

H935

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

אֵלָיו֙3 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כִּרְצוֹנ֔וֹ4 of 12

“according to his own will”

H7522

delight (especially as shown)

וְאֵ֥ין5 of 12
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

וְיַעֲמֹ֥ד6 of 12

“and none shall stand”

H5975

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

לְפָנָ֑יו7 of 12

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְיַעֲמֹ֥ד8 of 12

“and none shall stand”

H5975

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

בְּאֶֽרֶץ9 of 12

“land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַצְּבִ֖י10 of 12

“in the glorious”

H6643

a gazelle (as beautiful)

וְכָלָ֥ה11 of 12
H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

בְיָדֽוֹ׃12 of 12

“which by his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 11:16 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 11:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 8:9Daniel 11:36Daniel 11:41Daniel 11:3Daniel 8:7Daniel 8:4

Places in This Verse

CanaanRegion · Modern: Canaan · 32.77°N, 35.33°E101 verses across 16 books
NorthRegion · Modern: Antioch on the Orontes · 36.23°N, 36.17°E10 verses across 1 book
View all places in Daniel 11 →

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