King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:22 Mean?

Daniel 11:22 in the King James Version says “And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the c...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 11:22 · KJV

Context

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.

24

He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time. peaceably: or, into the peaceable and fat, etc forecast: Heb. think his thoughts

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Antiochus IV swept away opposition 'with the arms of a flood.' The phrase 'prince of the covenant' may refer to Jewish high priest Onias III, murdered during Antiochus's machinations. This began the intense persecution of faithful Jews resisting Hellenization.

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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 · 8 words
וּזְרֹע֥וֹת1 of 8

“And with the arms”

H2220

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

הַשֶּׁ֛טֶף2 of 8

“of a flood”

H7858

a deluge (literally or figuratively)

יִשָּׁטְפ֥וּ3 of 8

“shall they be overflown”

H7857

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

מִלְּפָנָ֖יו4 of 8

“from 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

וְיִשָּׁבֵ֑רוּ5 of 8

“him and shall be broken”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

וְגַ֖ם6 of 8
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

נְגִ֥יד7 of 8

“yea also the prince”

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

בְּרִֽית׃8 of 8

“of the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

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 11:22 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 11:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 8:10-11Daniel 9:26Daniel 11:10Daniel 8:25Amos 9:5Amos 8:8

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