King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:32 Mean?

Daniel 11:32 in the King James Version says “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Daniel 11:32 · KJV

Context

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.

34

Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Antiochus used flatteries to corrupt apostate Jews willing to abandon covenant. Yet 'the people that do know their God' (faithful Jews like the Maccabees) resisted strongly, leading to heroic resistance and martyrdom. This encourages faithfulness under persecution—knowing God produces courageous resistance.

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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 · 9 words
וּמַרְשִׁיעֵ֣י1 of 9

“And such as do wickedly”

H7561

to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate

בְרִ֔ית2 of 9

“against the covenant”

H1285

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

יַחֲנִ֖יף3 of 9

“shall he corrupt”

H2610

to soil, especially in a moral sense

בַּחֲלַקּ֑וֹת4 of 9

“by flatteries”

H2514

flattery

וְעַ֛ם5 of 9

“but the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יֹדְעֵ֥י6 of 9

“that do know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֱלֹהָ֖יו7 of 9

“their God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יַחֲזִ֥קוּ8 of 9

“shall be strong”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וְעָשֽׂוּ׃9 of 9

“and do”

H6213

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

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 11:32 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 11:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 28:9Psalms 9:10John 17:3Zechariah 10:12Micah 5:7-92 Timothy 2:1-3

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