King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:27 Mean?

Daniel 11:27 in the King James Version says “And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief , and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper:...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Daniel 11:27 · KJV

Context

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.

29

At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.

Read Daniel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Antiochus and Ptolemy VI temporarily made alliance, both speaking lies at their negotiating table. The prophecy recognized the deceitfulness on both sides and predicted the alliance's failure—'it shall not prosper.' Human treachery cannot thwart divine purposes.

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 · 15 words
וּשְׁנֵיהֶ֤ם1 of 15

“And both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַמְּלָכִים֙2 of 15

“these kings”

H4428

a king

לְבָבָ֣ם3 of 15

“hearts”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

לְמֵרָ֔ע4 of 15

“shall be to do mischief”

H4827

used as (abstract) noun, wickedness

וְעַל5 of 15
H5921

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

שֻׁלְחָ֥ן6 of 15

“table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

אֶחָ֖ד7 of 15

“at one”

H259

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

כָּזָ֣ב8 of 15

“lies”

H3577

falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ9 of 15

“and they shall speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וְלֹ֣א10 of 15
H3808

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

תִצְלָ֔ח11 of 15

“but it shall not prosper”

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

כִּי12 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ע֥וֹד13 of 15
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

קֵ֖ץ14 of 15

“for yet the end”

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

לַמּוֹעֵֽד׃15 of 15

“shall be at the time appointed”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

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 11:27 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 11:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 12:2Habakkuk 2:3Jeremiah 9:3-5Daniel 11:35Jeremiah 41:1-3Psalms 52:1

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