King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:20 Mean?

Daniel 11:20 in the King James Version says “Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroy... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 11:20 · KJV


Context

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

21

And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. estate: or, place

22

And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Seleucus IV Philopator (187-175 BC) sent his treasurer Heliodorus to plunder Jerusalem's temple to raise taxes ('a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom'). Heliodorus later assassinated Seleucus. The prophecy's detail remains stunning—even tax policies predicted centuries beforehand.

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 · 14 words
וְעָמַ֧ד1 of 14

Then shall stand up

H5975

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

עַל2 of 14
H5921

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

כַּנּ֛וֹ3 of 14

in his estate

H3653

a stand, i.e., pedestal or station

מַעֲבִ֥יר4 of 14

a raiser

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

נוֹגֵ֖שׂ5 of 14

of taxes

H5065

to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize

הֶ֣דֶר6 of 14

in the glory

H1925

honor; used (figuratively) for the capital city (jerusalem)

מַלְכ֑וּת7 of 14

of the kingdom

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

וּבְיָמִ֤ים8 of 14

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲחָדִים֙9 of 14

but within few

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

יִשָּׁבֵ֔ר10 of 14

he shall be destroyed

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

וְלֹ֥א11 of 14
H3808

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

בְאַפַּ֖יִם12 of 14

neither in anger

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

וְלֹ֥א13 of 14
H3808

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

בְמִלְחָמָֽה׃14 of 14

nor in battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)


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 11:20 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 11:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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