King James Version

What Does Daniel 11:7 Mean?

Daniel 11:7 in the King James Version says “But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into t...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail: in: or, in his place, or, office”

Daniel 11:7 · KJV

Context

5

And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.

6

And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times. join: Heb. associate themselves an: Heb. rights he that begat: or, whom she brought forth

7

But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail: in: or, in his place, or, office

8

And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north. their precious: Heb. vessels of their desire

9

So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land.

Read Daniel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Berenice's brother, Ptolemy III Euergetes, avenged her death by invading Syria (246 BC), fulfilling 'out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up.' He captured many prisoners and treasures, as predicted. This historical precision continues validating the prophecy's divine origin.

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 · 14 words
וְעָמַ֛ד1 of 14

“shall one stand up”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

מִנֵּ֥צֶר2 of 14

“But out of a branch”

H5342

a shoot; figuratively, a descendant

שָׁרָשֶׁ֖יהָ3 of 14

“of her roots”

H8328

a root (literally or figuratively)

כַּנּ֑וֹ4 of 14

“in his estate”

H3653

a stand, i.e., pedestal or station

וְיָבֹא֙5 of 14

“and shall enter”

H935

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

אֶל6 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַחַ֗יִל7 of 14

“with an army”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

וְיָבֹא֙8 of 14

“and shall enter”

H935

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

בְּמָעוֹז֙9 of 14

“into the fortress”

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

מֶ֣לֶךְ10 of 14

“of the king”

H4428

a king

הַצָּפ֔וֹן11 of 14

“of the north”

H6828

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

וְעָשָׂ֥ה12 of 14

“and shall deal”

H6213

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

בָהֶ֖ם13 of 14
H0
וְהֶחֱזִֽיק׃14 of 14

“against them and shall prevail”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

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 11:7 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 11:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 109:8Malachi 4:1Psalms 55:23Daniel 11:38-39Ezekiel 17:18Luke 12:20

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 →

Test Your Knowledge

Daniel 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDaniel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Daniel 11 with CommentaryAll Daniel ChaptersComplete Daniel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes