King James Version

What Does Daniel 8:11 Mean?

Daniel 8:11 in the King James Version says “Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away , and the place ...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away , and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. to: or, against by him: or, from him”

Daniel 8:11 · KJV

Context

9

And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.

10

And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. to the host: or, against the host

11

Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away , and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. to: or, against by him: or, from him

12

And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered. an host: or, the host was given over for the transgression against the daily sacrifice

13

Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? that: or, the numberer of secrets, or, the wonderful numberer: Heb. Palmoni of: or, making desolate

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The little horn's pride reaches its zenith: "he magnified himself even to the prince of the host." This "prince of the host" is variously interpreted as the high priest, the angel Michael (referenced in 10:21, 12:1), or ultimately God Himself. Antiochus's actions demonstrated all three: he deposed legitimate high priests, opposed angelic protection of Israel, and blasphemed Yahweh by claiming divine status ("Epiphanes"—God manifest).

"By him the daily sacrifice was taken away" describes the historical cessation of temple worship. The Hebrew tamid (תָּמִיד, "daily") refers to the perpetual burnt offering (Exodus 29:38-42), central to covenant worship. Antiochus forbade this sacrifice, desecrating the temple in 167 BC. "The place of his sanctuary was cast down" means the temple's defilement—not physical destruction but religious pollution through pagan sacrifice and prostitution introduced into holy precincts.

This attack on worship prefigures the Antichrist's future actions (2 Thessalonians 2:4, Revelation 13) and points backward to earlier Babylonian temple destruction. Yet each interruption of worship was temporary—God always restored His people. Ultimately, Christ's sacrifice superseded all temple rituals, and His body became the true temple. Antiochus could stop animal sacrifices, but he couldn't prevent Christ's once-for-all atonement that eternally satisfies divine justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

On the 15th of Kislev, 167 BC (1 Maccabees 1:54), Antiochus erected a "desolating sacrilege" (likely a Zeus altar or image) in the Jerusalem temple and sacrificed pigs—unclean animals—on God's altar. This "abomination of desolation" (verse 31) represented total desecration. Daily sacrifices ceased for three years until Judas Maccabeus cleansed and rededicated the temple (December 164 BC), commemorated in Hanukkah. This 1,150-day period closely matches the 2,300 evenings/mornings of verse 14.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Antiochus's stopping of daily worship warn us that Satan's attacks often target regular spiritual disciplines and corporate worship?
  2. What does God's restoration of worship after Antiochus teach us about His commitment to His glory and people's spiritual life?
  3. In what ways does Christ's once-for-all sacrifice provide security that no earthly power can ultimately interrupt our access to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְעַ֥ד1 of 10
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שַֽׂר2 of 10

“himself even to the prince”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַצָּבָ֖א3 of 10

“of the host”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הִגְדִּ֑יל4 of 10

“Yea he magnified”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

וּמִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙5 of 10
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הרּיַ֣ם6 of 10

“sacrifice was taken away”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

הַתָּמִ֔יד7 of 10

“and by him the daily”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

וְהֻשְׁלַ֖ךְ8 of 10

“was cast down”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

מְכ֥וֹן9 of 10

“and the place”

H4349

properly, a fixture, i.e., a basis; generally a place, especially as an abode

מִקְדָּשֽׁוֹ׃10 of 10

“of his sanctuary”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

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 8:11 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 8:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 12:11Revelation 13:5-7Daniel 8:25Daniel 11:31Ezekiel 46:142 Kings 19:22-23

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