King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:31 Mean?

Daniel 11:31 in the King James Version says “And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrif...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Daniel 11:31 · KJV

Strength

Context

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

33

And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.

Read Daniel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse predicts the Abomination of Desolation (167 BC)—Antiochus's forces desecrated the temple, stopped daily sacrifices, and erected Zeus altar/statue on the altar of burnt offering. This horrific sacrilege triggered the Maccabean revolt. Jesus referenced this event as type of end-times abomination (Matthew 24:15).

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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
וּזְרֹעִ֖ים1 of 11

“And arms”

H2220

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

מִמֶּ֣נּוּ2 of 11
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

יַעֲמֹ֑דוּ3 of 11

“shall stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

וְחִלְּל֞וּ4 of 11

“on his part and they shall pollute”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

הַמִּקְדָּ֤שׁ5 of 11

“the sanctuary”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

הַמָּעוֹז֙6 of 11

“of strength”

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

וְהֵסִ֣ירוּ7 of 11

“and shall take away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

הַתָּמִ֔יד8 of 11

“the daily”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

וְנָתְנ֖וּ9 of 11

“sacrifice and they shall place”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

הַשִּׁקּ֥וּץ10 of 11

“the abomination”

H8251

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

מְשֹׁמֵֽם׃11 of 11

“that maketh desolate”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

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 11:31 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 11:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 12:11Daniel 9:27Matthew 24:15Mark 13:14Daniel 8:11-13Revelation 17:12

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