King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:35 Mean?

Daniel 11:35 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Daniel 11:35 · KJV

Context

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.

37

Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

Read Daniel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Some of the wise fell 'to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end.' Persecution served refining purposes—purifying faith, testing commitment, revealing true versus false believers. The phrase 'time of the end' points beyond Maccabean period to eschatological fulfillment—Antiochus typifies Antichrist; persecution under Antiochus prefigures end-times tribulation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 13 words
וּמִן1 of 13
H4480

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

הַמַּשְׂכִּילִ֣ים2 of 13

“And some of them of understanding”

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

יִכָּֽשְׁל֗וּ3 of 13

“shall fall”

H3782

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

לִצְר֥וֹף4 of 13

“to try”

H6884

to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)

בָּהֶ֛ם5 of 13
H0
וּלְבָרֵ֥ר6 of 13

“them and to purge”

H1305

to clarify (i.e., brighten), examine, select

וְלַלְבֵּ֖ן7 of 13

“and to make them white”

H3835

to make bricks

עַד8 of 13
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עֵ֣ת9 of 13

“even to the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

קֵ֑ץ10 of 13

“of the end”

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

כִּי11 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ע֖וֹד12 of 13
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לַמּוֹעֵֽד׃13 of 13

“because it is yet for a time appointed”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

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 11:35 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 11:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 13:9Malachi 3:2-4Revelation 7:14Proverbs 17:3Revelation 2:101 Peter 1:6-7

Test Your Knowledge

Daniel 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDaniel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Daniel 11 with CommentaryAll Daniel ChaptersComplete Daniel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes