King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:38 Mean?

Daniel 11:38 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 11:38 · KJV


Context

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

39

Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. most: Heb. fortresses of munitions gain: Heb. a price

40

And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Instead of traditional gods, Antiochus honored 'the god of forces' (likely Zeus or militarism itself) with lavish gifts. His religious manipulations and innovations, driven by political ambitions, brought unprecedented persecution. This prefigures Antichrist's false religion and self-worship.

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 · 16 words
וְלֶאֱל֜וֹהַּ1 of 16

and a god

H433

a deity or the deity

מָֽעֻזִּ֔ים2 of 16

of forces

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

עַל3 of 16
H5921

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

כַּנּ֖וֹ4 of 16

But in his estate

H3653

a stand, i.e., pedestal or station

יְכַבֵּ֛ד5 of 16

not shall he honour

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

וְלֶאֱל֜וֹהַּ6 of 16

and a god

H433

a deity or the deity

אֲשֶׁ֧ר7 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹא8 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְדָעֻ֣הוּ9 of 16

knew

H3045

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

אֲבֹתָ֗יו10 of 16

whom his fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

יְכַבֵּ֛ד11 of 16

not shall he honour

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

בְּזָהָ֥ב12 of 16

with gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וּבְכֶ֛סֶף13 of 16

and silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וּבְאֶ֥בֶן14 of 16

stones

H68

a stone

יְקָרָ֖ה15 of 16

and with precious

H3368

valuable (objectively or subjectively)

וּבַחֲמֻדֽוֹת׃16 of 16
H2530

to delight in


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 11:38 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 11:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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