King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:39 Mean?

Daniel 11:39 in the King James Version says “Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he ...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Daniel 11:39 · KJV

Context

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.

41

He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. glorious: or, goodly, etc.: Heb. land of delight, or, ornament

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Antiochus attacked strong fortifications with help of his chosen god (Zeus), rewarding followers with land and power. His military successes and political rewards to loyalists characterized his regime. Yet despite temporary success, his end approaches—God's sovereignty limits tyrants' duration.

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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 · 15 words
וְעָשָׂ֞ה1 of 15

“Thus shall he do”

H6213

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

לְמִבְצְרֵ֤י2 of 15

“holds”

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

מָֽעֻזִּים֙3 of 15

“in the most strong”

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

עִם4 of 15
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֱל֣וֹהַּ5 of 15

“god”

H433

a deity or the deity

נֵכָ֔ר6 of 15

“with a strange”

H5236

foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 15
H834

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

הַכִּ֖יר8 of 15

“whom he shall acknowledge”

H5234

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (

יַרְבֶּ֣ה9 of 15

“and increase”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

כָב֑וֹד10 of 15

“with glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

וְהִמְשִׁילָם֙11 of 15

“and he shall cause them to rule”

H4910

to rule

בָּֽרַבִּ֔ים12 of 15

“over many”

H7227

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

וַאֲדָמָ֖ה13 of 15

“the land”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

יְחַלֵּ֥ק14 of 15

“and shall divide”

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

בִּמְחִֽיר׃15 of 15

“for gain”

H4242

price, payment, wages

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 11:39 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 11:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 18:9-13

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