King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:26 Mean?

Daniel 11:26 in the King James Version says “Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down ...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.”

Daniel 11:26 · KJV

Context

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

25

And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.

26

Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.

27

And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief , and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. hearts: Heb. their hearts

28

Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.

Read Daniel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ptolemy VI's own courtiers betrayed him, leading to defeat. The phrase 'they that feed of his meat' indicates trusted advisors' treachery. Such specific political intrigue, predicted centuries beforehand, demonstrates supernatural knowledge.

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 · 9 words
וְאֹכְלֵ֧י1 of 9

“Yea they that feed”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

פַת2 of 9
H0
בָּג֛וֹ3 of 9

“of the portion of his meat”

H6598

a dainty

יִשְׁבְּר֖וּהוּ4 of 9

“shall destroy”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

וְחֵיל֣וֹ5 of 9

“him and his army”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

יִשְׁט֑וֹף6 of 9

“shall overflow”

H7857

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

וְנָפְל֖וּ7 of 9

“shall fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

חֲלָלִ֥ים8 of 9

“down slain”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

רַבִּֽים׃9 of 9

“and many”

H7227

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

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 11:26 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 11:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 11:10John 13:18Matthew 26:232 Kings 10:6-9Mark 14:20Daniel 11:22

Test Your Knowledge

Daniel 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDaniel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Daniel 11 with CommentaryAll Daniel ChaptersComplete Daniel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes