King James Version

What Does Daniel 8:12 Mean?

Daniel 8:12 in the King James Version says “And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the grou...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Daniel 8:12 · KJV

Truth

Context

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

14

And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days ; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. days: Heb. evening morning cleansed: Heb. justified

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase "an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression" reveals theological complexity. The Hebrew suggests God sovereignly permitted this assault due to Israel's sin. "Transgression" (Hebrew: pesha, פֶּשַׁע) means rebellion or covenant violation. Antiochus's persecution wasn't merely political accident but divine judgment on Jewish apostasy—many had embraced Hellenization, compromised covenant faith, and welcomed Greek culture.

"He cast down the truth to the ground, and it practised, and prospered" describes the apparent success of Antiochus's war on revealed truth. "Truth" (Hebrew: emet, אֱמֶת) encompasses God's Torah, covenant stipulations, and worship requirements. Antiochus seemed to succeed in eradicating biblical faith—Torah scrolls were burned, circumcision forbidden, Sabbath outlawed. "It practised, and prospered" suggests apparent vindication of his policy; resistance was crushed and many apostatized.

Yet this apparent triumph was temporary. God permitted this testing to purify His people, distinguish faithful remnant from compromisers, and demonstrate that His truth endures despite violent opposition. The Maccabean revolt proved that God's truth, though cast down, rises again. This points to Christ, whose truth was attacked at the cross but vindicated in resurrection, proving that God's word stands forever despite all opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Many Jews had already Hellenized before Antiochus's persecution. Jason the high priest built a gymnasium in Jerusalem (2 Maccabees 4:12-15) where Jewish youth adopted Greek customs, some even reversing circumcision. This compromise invited divine judgment through Antiochus. Yet faithful remnant—the Hasidim (pious ones)—refused compromise, leading to Maccabean revolt. Their faithfulness preserved Judaism, enabling God's future covenant fulfillment in Christ. God uses persecution to distinguish genuine from false faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Israel's prior apostasy inviting judgment teach us about how compromise weakens resistance to open persecution?
  2. How does truth's temporary casting down but ultimate vindication encourage faithfulness when biblical values seem defeated culturally?
  3. In what ways does Christ's resurrection prove that God's truth ultimately triumphs despite apparent defeat at the cross?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְצָבָ֛א1 of 10

“And an host”

H6635

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

תִּנָּתֵ֥ן2 of 10

“was given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל3 of 10
H5921

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

הַתָּמִ֖יד4 of 10

“him against the daily”

H8548

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

בְּפָ֑שַׁע5 of 10

“sacrifice by reason of transgression”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

וְתַשְׁלֵ֤ךְ6 of 10

“and it cast down”

H7993

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

אֱמֶת֙7 of 10

“the truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

אַ֔רְצָה8 of 10

“to the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְעָשְׂתָ֖ה9 of 10

“and it practised”

H6213

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

וְהִצְלִֽיחָה׃10 of 10

“and prospered”

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

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 8:12 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 8:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 59:14Jeremiah 12:1Daniel 11:28Revelation 13:7Revelation 13:11-172 Thessalonians 2:10-12

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