King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:34 Mean?

Daniel 11:34 in the King James Version says “Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 11:34 · KJV

Context

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.

35

And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. try them: or, try by them

36

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

Read Daniel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
During persecution, Jews received 'little help'—the Maccabean revolt provided relief but wasn't complete deliverance. Many joined the cause through flatteries rather than genuine commitment. This military success, while providing breathing room, wasn't the ultimate deliverance—that awaited Messiah.

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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 · 8 words
וּבְהִכָּ֣שְׁלָ֔ם1 of 8

“Now when they shall fall”

H3782

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

יֵעָזְר֖וּ2 of 8

“they shall be holpen”

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

עֵ֣זֶר3 of 8

“help”

H5828

aid

מְעָ֑ט4 of 8

“with a little”

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

וְנִלְו֧וּ5 of 8

“shall cleave”

H3867

properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend

עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם6 of 8
H5921

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

רַבִּ֖ים7 of 8

“but many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

בַּחֲלַקְלַקּֽוֹת׃8 of 8

“to them with flatteries”

H2519

properly, something very smooth; i.e., a treacherous spot; figuratively, blandishment

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 11:34 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 11:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 7:15Romans 16:181 John 4:1Acts 20:29-301 Timothy 4:1-22 Corinthians 11:13-15

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