King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:28 Mean?

Daniel 11:28 in the King James Version says “Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do ...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 11:28 · KJV

Context

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.

30

For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.

Read Daniel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Antiochus returned from Egypt with great riches and 'his heart against the holy covenant.' En route, he plundered Jerusalem's temple (170 BC), killing thousands and defiling the sanctuary. This began the intense persecution climaxing in the Abomination of Desolation.

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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 · 11 words
וְשָׁ֥ב1 of 11

“Then shall he return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לְאַרְצֽוֹ׃2 of 11

“into his land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בִּרְכ֣וּשׁ3 of 11

“riches”

H7399

property (as gathered)

גָּד֔וֹל4 of 11

“with great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וּלְבָב֖וֹ5 of 11

“and his heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

עַל6 of 11
H5921

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

בְּרִ֣ית7 of 11

“covenant”

H1285

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

קֹ֑דֶשׁ8 of 11

“shall be against the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְעָשָׂ֖ה9 of 11

“and he shall do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְשָׁ֥ב10 of 11

“Then shall he return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לְאַרְצֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“into his land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 11:28 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 11:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 3:25Daniel 8:24Daniel 11:22Daniel 11:30-32

Places in This Verse

NorthRegion · Modern: Antioch on the Orontes · 36.23°N, 36.17°E10 verses across 1 book
View all places in Daniel 11 →

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