King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:36 Mean?

Daniel 11:36 in the King James Version says “And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall ... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Daniel 11:36 · KJV


Context

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.

38

But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. forces: or, munitions: Heb. Mauzzim, or, as for the almighty God, in his seat he shall honour, yea he shall honour a god, etc pleasant: Heb. things desired


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 11's detailed prophecy shifts to an eschatological figure: '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.' The 'king' who exalts himself 'above every god' describes both historical Antiochus IV Epiphanes and eschatological Antichrist. The phrase 'do according to his will' indicates tyrannical autonomy. Speaking 'marvellous things' (shocking blasphemies) against 'the God of gods' represents ultimate rebellion. Yet he prospers only 'till the indignation be accomplished'—divine judgment has predetermined limits.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC) called himself 'Epiphanes' (god manifest), claimed divine status, desecrated Jerusalem's temple by sacrificing pigs and erecting Zeus's statue. His persecution provoked Maccabean revolt. Yet the prophecy's language exceeds Antiochus, suggesting dual fulfillment in future Antichrist (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:5-6). Paul describes 'man of lawlessness' who exalts himself above all worship, paralleling this passage. The certainty that 'what is determined shall be done' shows even rebellion serves God's sovereign purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the temporary nature of the king's prospering ('till indignation be accomplished') provide hope during seasons when evil seems triumphant?
  2. What does the certainty of predetermined limits teach about God's sovereignty over even the most blasphemous rebellion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
נֶעֱשָֽׂתָה׃1 of 20

shall be done

H6213

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

כִרְצֹנ֜וֹ2 of 20

according to his will

H7522

delight (especially as shown)

הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ3 of 20

And the king

H4428

a king

וְיִתְרוֹמֵ֤ם4 of 20

and he shall exalt

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

וְיִתְגַּדֵּל֙5 of 20

himself and magnify

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

עַל6 of 20
H5921

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

כָּל7 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֵלִ֔ים8 of 20

against the God

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

וְעַל֙9 of 20
H5921

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

אֵלִ֔ים10 of 20

against the God

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אֵלִ֔ים11 of 20

against the God

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

יְדַבֵּ֖ר12 of 20

and shall speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

נִפְלָא֑וֹת13 of 20

marvellous things

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

וְהִצְלִ֙יחַ֙14 of 20

and shall prosper

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

עַד15 of 20
H5704

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

כָּ֣לָה16 of 20

be accomplished

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

זַ֔עַם17 of 20

till the indignation

H2195

strictly froth at the mouth, i.e., (figuratively) fury (especially of god's displeasure with sin)

כִּ֥י18 of 20
H3588

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

נֶחֱרָצָ֖ה19 of 20

for that that is determined

H2782

properly, to point sharply, i.e., (literally) to wound; figuratively, to be alert, to decide

נֶעֱשָֽׂתָה׃20 of 20

shall be done

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 11:36 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 11:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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