King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:18 Mean?

Daniel 11:18 in the King James Version says “After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the r... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 11:18 · KJV


Context

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

19

Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.

20

Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle. estate: or, place a: Heb. one that causeth an exacter to pass over anger: Heb. angers


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Antiochus III turned to coastal regions and islands (Asia Minor, Greece) but was defeated by Romans at Magnesia (190 BC). The 'prince' stopping his reproach was Roman consul Lucius Scipio. Rome's entrance into eastern Mediterranean politics would ultimately lead to Seleucid decline.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
יָשִׁ֥יב1 of 13

he shall cause it to turn

H7725

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

פָּנָ֛יו2 of 13

his face

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

לְאִיִּ֖ים3 of 13

unto the isles

H339

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

וְלָכַ֣ד4 of 13

and shall take

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

רַבִּ֑ים5 of 13

many

H7227

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

וְהִשְׁבִּ֨ית6 of 13

offered by him to cease

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

קָצִ֤ין7 of 13

but a prince

H7101

a magistrate (as deciding) or other leader

חֶרְפָּת֖וֹ8 of 13

for his own behalf shall cause the reproach

H2781

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

ל֔וֹ9 of 13
H0
בִּלְתִּ֥י10 of 13

without

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

חֶרְפָּת֖וֹ11 of 13

for his own behalf shall cause the reproach

H2781

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

יָשִׁ֥יב12 of 13

he shall cause it to turn

H7725

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

לֽוֹ׃13 of 13
H0

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 11:18 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 11:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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