King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:41 Mean?

Daniel 11:41 in the King James Version says “He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his ha...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Daniel 11:41 · KJV

Context

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

43

But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

Read Daniel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The invading king enters 'the glorious land' (Israel)—whether Antiochus historically or Antichrist eschatologically, Israel remains central to prophetic fulfillment. Edom, Moab, and Ammon escaping may indicate some Arab regions not initially conquered in end-times conflicts. The detail emphasizes God's control over specific geopolitical outcomes.

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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 · 13 words
וּבָא֙1 of 13

“He shall enter”

H935

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

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ2 of 13

“land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַצְּבִ֔י3 of 13

“also into the glorious”

H6643

a gazelle (as beautiful)

וְרַבּ֖וֹת4 of 13

“and many”

H7227

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

יִכָּשֵׁ֑לוּ5 of 13

“countries shall be overthrown”

H3782

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

וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙6 of 13
H428

these or those

יִמָּלְט֣וּ7 of 13

“but these shall escape”

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

מִיָּד֔וֹ8 of 13

“out of his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֱד֣וֹם9 of 13

“even Edom”

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

וּמוֹאָ֔ב10 of 13

“and Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

וְרֵאשִׁ֖ית11 of 13

“and the chief”

H7225

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

בְּנֵ֥י12 of 13

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּֽוֹן׃13 of 13

“of Ammon”

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

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 11:41 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 11:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 48:47Jeremiah 49:6Isaiah 11:13-15Daniel 11:16Ezekiel 38:8-13Daniel 11:45

Places in This Verse

AmmonRegion · Modern: Amman · 31.95°N, 35.93°E106 verses across 19 books
CanaanRegion · Modern: Canaan · 32.77°N, 35.33°E101 verses across 16 books
EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Daniel 11 →

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