King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:21 Mean?

Daniel 11:21 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 11:21 · KJV


Context

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.

23

And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC) enters the prophecy—the climactic villain foreshadowing Antichrist. Called 'vile person' to whom royal honor wasn't given (he usurped throne from rightful heir), he obtained kingdom through 'flatteries' (political manipulation). His reign would bring unprecedented persecution of Jews.

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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
וְעָמַ֤ד1 of 14

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

כַּנּוֹ֙3 of 14

And in his estate

H3653

a stand, i.e., pedestal or station

נִבְזֶ֔ה4 of 14

a vile person

H959

to disesteem

וְלֹא5 of 14
H3808

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

נָתְנ֥וּ6 of 14

to whom they shall not give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עָלָ֖יו7 of 14
H5921

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

ה֣וֹד8 of 14

the honour

H1935

grandeur (i.e., an imposing form and appearance)

מַלְכ֖וּת9 of 14

of the kingdom

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

וּבָ֣א10 of 14

but he shall come

H935

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

בְשַׁלְוָ֔ה11 of 14

in peaceably

H7962

security (genuine or false)

וְהֶחֱזִ֥יק12 of 14

and obtain

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

מַלְכ֖וּת13 of 14

of the kingdom

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

בַּחֲלַקְלַקּֽוֹת׃14 of 14

by flatteries

H2519

properly, something very smooth; i.e., a treacherous spot; figuratively, blandishment


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 11:21 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 11:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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