King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:43 Mean?

Daniel 11:43 in the King James Version says “But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Lib...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 11:43 · KJV

Context

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.

44

But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

45

And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. glorious: or, goodly, etc.: Heb. mountain of delight of holiness

Read Daniel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Control over Egypt's treasures and Libya/Ethiopia's submission describes both Antiochus's historical success and possibly end-times conquest. The specific geographical details—north Africa, Middle East—highlight that prophetic fulfillment occurs in real locations with identifiable nations, not merely spiritual allegory.

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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 · 10 words
וּמָשַׁ֗ל1 of 10

“But he shall have power”

H4910

to rule

בְּמִכְמַנֵּי֙2 of 10

“over the treasures”

H4362

treasure (as hidden)

הַזָּהָ֣ב3 of 10

“of gold”

H2091

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

וְהַכֶּ֔סֶף4 of 10

“and of silver”

H3701

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

וּבְכֹ֖ל5 of 10
H3605

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

חֲמֻד֣וֹת6 of 10

“and over all the precious”

H2532

delight

מִצְרָ֑יִם7 of 10

“things of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְלֻבִ֥ים8 of 10

“and the Libyans”

H3864

a libyan or inhabitant of interior africa (only in plural)

וְכֻשִׁ֖ים9 of 10

“and the Ethiopians”

H3569

a cushite, or descendant of cush

בְּמִצְעָדָֽיו׃10 of 10

“shall be at his steps”

H4703

a step; figuratively, companionship

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 11:43 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 11:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 12:3Nahum 3:9Judges 4:10Jeremiah 46:9-10Exodus 11:8Ezekiel 30:4-5

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Daniel 11 →

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