King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:40 Mean?

Daniel 11:40 in the King James Version says “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 lik...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 11:40 · KJV

Context

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

42

He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. stretch: Heb. send forth

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'time of the end' language introduces eschatological dimension—the prophecy shifts from clear historical fulfillment (Antiochus Epiphanes) to end-times events. Some interpreters see verses 40-45 as moving beyond Antiochus to final Antichrist, using Antiochus as type. The 'king of the south' and 'king of the north' engage in final conflict, possibly referring to end-times geopolitical alignments.

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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 · 18 words
וּבְעֵ֣ת1 of 18

“And at the time”

H6256

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

קֵ֗ץ2 of 18

“of the end”

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

יִתְנַגַּ֤ח3 of 18

“push”

H5055

to butt with the horns; figuratively, to war against

עִמּוֹ֙4 of 18
H5973

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

מֶ֣לֶךְ5 of 18

“at him and the king”

H4428

a king

הַנֶּ֔גֶב6 of 18

“of the south”

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

וְיִשְׂתָּעֵ֨ר7 of 18

“shall come against him like a whirlwind”

H8175

to storm; by implication, to shiver, i.e., fear

עָלָ֜יו8 of 18
H5921

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

מֶ֣לֶךְ9 of 18

“at him and the king”

H4428

a king

הַצָּפ֗וֹן10 of 18

“of the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

בְּרֶ֙כֶב֙11 of 18

“with chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וּבְפָ֣רָשִׁ֔ים12 of 18

“and with horsemen”

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

וּבָאֳנִיּ֖וֹת13 of 18

“ships”

H591

a ship

רַבּ֑וֹת14 of 18

“and with many”

H7227

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

וּבָ֥א15 of 18

“and he shall enter”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בַאֲרָצ֖וֹת16 of 18

“into the countries”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְשָׁטַ֥ף17 of 18

“and shall overflow”

H7857

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

וְעָבָֽר׃18 of 18

“and pass over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (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 11:40 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 11:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 5:28Daniel 11:35Revelation 16:12Daniel 11:10Zechariah 9:14Isaiah 21:1

Places in This Verse

NorthRegion · Modern: Antioch on the Orontes · 36.23°N, 36.17°E10 verses across 1 book
South 3Region · Modern: Alexandria · 31.18°N, 29.90°E12 verses across 1 book
View all places in Daniel 11 →

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