King James Version

What Does Daniel 8:25 Mean?

Daniel 8:25 in the King James Version says “And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and ... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. peace: or, prosperity

Daniel 8:25 · KJV


Context

23

And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. are: Heb. are accomplished

24

And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. holy: Heb. people of the holy ones

25

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. peace: or, prosperity

26

And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.

27

And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase "And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand" describes Antiochus's use of deception and manipulation. "Policy" (Hebrew: sekhel, שֵׂכֶל) means intelligence or cunning; "craft" (Hebrew: mirmah, מִרְמָה) means deceit or treachery. He succeeded through lies, false promises, and political intrigue. This warns that intelligence divorced from righteousness produces clever wickedness rather than wise governance.

"He shall magnify himself in his heart" reveals pride's root. External persecution stems from internal arrogance—Antiochus's attacks on God's people originated in self-exaltation. The title "Epiphanes" (God Manifest) epitomized this blasphemy. "By peace shall destroy many" indicates he accomplished some destruction through false diplomacy—offering peace while planning treachery. This prefigures the Antichrist who will deceive through false peace promises (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

"He shall also stand up against the Prince of princes" identifies his ultimate opponent—not merely human kings but God Himself. Attacking God's people means attacking God. "But he shall be broken without hand" promises divine judgment independent of human agency. No human defeated Antiochus militarily; disease struck him down. This teaches that God reserves final judgment for Himself. While He uses human instruments sometimes, He can judge directly, demonstrating that vengeance belongs to Him alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Antiochus used treachery extensively—made peace treaties then violated them, promised religious freedom then imposed persecution, claimed to honor Jewish high priesthood then sold it to highest bidder. He attacked Jerusalem during peace negotiations, massacring inhabitants. His pride was legendary—demanded worship as deity, issued coins claiming divinity. Yet divine judgment struck suddenly—2 Maccabees 9 describes his agonizing death from intestinal disease, writhing in pain, body rotting, abandoned by his army. "Broken without hand" fulfilled literally.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Antiochus's use of craft and treachery warn believers about trusting worldly promises made by those opposing faith?
  2. What does pride preceding persecution teach us about the spiritual roots of hostility toward God's people?
  3. In what ways does divine judgment 'without hand' (independent of human agency) demonstrate God's sovereignty and justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְעַל1 of 17
H5921

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

שִׂכְל֗וֹ2 of 17

And through his policy

H7922

intelligence; by implication, success

וְהִצְלִ֤יחַ3 of 17

to prosper

H6743

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

מִרְמָה֙4 of 17

also he shall cause craft

H4820

fraud

יָ֖ד5 of 17

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

וּבִלְבָב֣וֹ6 of 17

himself in his heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

יַגְדִּ֔יל7 of 17

and he shall magnify

H1431

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

וּבְשַׁלְוָ֖ה8 of 17

and by peace

H7962

security (genuine or false)

יַשְׁחִ֣ית9 of 17

shall destroy

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

רַבִּ֑ים10 of 17

many

H7227

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

וְעַ֤ל11 of 17
H5921

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

שָׂרִים֙12 of 17

against the Prince

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

שָׂרִים֙13 of 17

against the Prince

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

יַעֲמֹ֔ד14 of 17

he shall also stand up

H5975

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

וּבְאֶ֥פֶס15 of 17

without

H657

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

יָ֖ד16 of 17

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

יִשָּׁבֵֽר׃17 of 17

but he shall be broken

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)


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 8:25 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 8:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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