King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:30 Mean?

Daniel 11:30 in the King James Version says “For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 11:30 · KJV

Context

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.

31

And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. maketh: or, astonisheth

32

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. corrupt: or, cause to dissemble

Read Daniel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'ships of Chittim' refers to Roman vessels. Popilius Laenas, Roman envoy, famously drew circle around Antiochus and demanded answer before he stepped out—humiliating the king and forcing Egyptian withdrawal. Returning in rage, Antiochus vented fury on Jerusalem and Jews faithful to covenant, rewarding apostate Hellenizers.

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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 · 17 words
וּבָ֨אוּ1 of 17

“shall come”

H935

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

ב֜וֹ2 of 17
H0
צִיִּ֤ים3 of 17

“For the ships”

H6716

a ship (as a fixture)

כִּתִּים֙4 of 17

“of Chittim”

H3794

a kittite or cypriote; hence, an islander in general, i.e., the greeks or romans on the shores opposite palestine

וְנִכְאָ֔ה5 of 17

“against him therefore he shall be grieved”

H3512

to despond; causatively, to deject

וְשָׁ֣ב6 of 17

“and return”

H7725

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

וְזָעַ֥ם7 of 17

“and have indignation”

H2194

properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e., to be enraged

עַל8 of 17
H5921

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

בְּרִ֥ית9 of 17

“covenant”

H1285

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

קֹֽדֶשׁ׃10 of 17

“against the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְעָשָׂ֑ה11 of 17

“so shall he do”

H6213

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

וְשָׁ֣ב12 of 17

“and return”

H7725

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

וְיָבֵ֔ן13 of 17

“and have intelligence”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

עַל14 of 17
H5921

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

עֹזְבֵ֖י15 of 17

“with them that forsake”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

בְּרִ֥ית16 of 17

“covenant”

H1285

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

קֹֽדֶשׁ׃17 of 17

“against the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 11:30 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 11:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 10:4Numbers 24:24Isaiah 23:12Daniel 11:28Jeremiah 2:10Matthew 24:10

Places in This Verse

KittimIsland · Modern: Cyprus · 35.00°N, 33.00°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in Daniel 11 →

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