Daniel 11 14

Daniel 11:14 kjv

And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.

Daniel 11:14 nkjv

"Now in those times many shall rise up against the king of the South. Also, violent men of your people shall exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision, but they shall fall.

Daniel 11:14 niv

"In those times many will rise against the king of the South. Those who are violent among your own people will rebel in fulfillment of the vision, but without success.

Daniel 11:14 esv

"In those times many shall rise against the king of the south, and the violent among your own people shall lift themselves up in order to fulfill the vision, but they shall fail.

Daniel 11:14 nlt

At that time there will be a general uprising against the king of the south. Violent men among your own people will join them in fulfillment of this vision, but they will not succeed.

Daniel 11 verses

Daniel 11 14 meaning

Daniel 11:14 describes a period of geopolitical unrest where various powers would align against the Ptolemaic Kingdom (the king of the south). Crucially, it foretells that a faction within Daniel's own people, characterized as "sons of the violent" or "rebellious," would rise up with the intent of accelerating or bringing about a divine prophetic "vision." However, despite their fervent attempts, their efforts would ultimately fail and they would suffer defeat. The verse highlights both external conflicts and internal misguided actions, setting a theological cautionary tale within a detailed prophetic sequence.

Daniel 11 14 Context

Daniel chapter 11 provides an extraordinary detailed prophecy of geopolitical conflicts, primarily between the Seleucid Empire (King of the North) and the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt (King of the South) from the time of Alexander the Great's successors to the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, leading into a broader apocalyptic vision. Verse 14 specifically refers to the period during the minority of Ptolemy V Epiphanes, after the death of Ptolemy IV Philopator. Historically, this corresponds to the late 3rd century BCE, around 201-198 BC, when Antiochus III the Great (King of the North) was campaigning to regain territories lost by the Seleucid Empire to Egypt. The unstable political situation in Egypt, with a child-king on the throne and corrupt regents, made it a tempting target. Some Jewish factions, perhaps swayed by Antiochus III's successes or weary of Ptolemaic rule and taxation, sought to align with the rising power or proactively act to bring about a desired outcome related to their understanding of prophetic fulfillment concerning their own nation, thus participating in the regional instability described.

Daniel 11 14 Word analysis

• And in those times (וּבָעִתִּים֙ הָהֵ֔ם - u-va'ittim hahem): Signifies a specific historical period within the detailed chronological prophecy of Daniel 11, indicating divine foreknowledge and the precise unfolding of events.
• many (רַבִּים֙ - rabbim): Implies not just two main opposing kings, but other nations, groups, or factions involved in the geopolitical landscape, indicating a wider range of players and a complex environment.
• shall stand up against (יַעַמְד֖וּ - ya'amdu): This active verb indicates open opposition, hostile intent, or military action. It highlights a confrontational posture, demonstrating direct resistance and alliance formation.
• the king of the south (מֶ֣לֶךְ הַנֶּגֶב֒ - melek hannegev): Refers specifically to the Ptolemaic dynasty ruling Egypt, a continuous major power throughout this part of the prophecy. This is a recurring identifier throughout Daniel 11.
• also the sons of the violent (וּבְנֵֽי־פָרִיצֵ֤י - u-v'nei faritzey):
  • sons of (וּבְנֵֽי - u-v'nei): A Hebraism used to denote characteristic, association, or nature (e.g., "sons of light," "sons of Belial"). Here, it points to individuals deeply embodying the described trait.
  • violent (פָרִיצֵ֤י - faritzey): From the root parats (פָּרַץ), meaning "to break through, burst forth, act violently, be lawless, be destructive, be a ruthless oppressor." This term is highly negative, characterizing this group not as faithful warriors of God but as lawless, rebellious, ruthless, or opportunist individuals among Daniel's people who disregard proper order and timing.
• among your people (עַמְּךָ֙ - amcha): Explicitly identifies this violent faction as originating from Israel. This highlights the internal challenge and tragedy of some within the chosen people acting contrary to God's will.
• shall lift themselves up (יִנַּשְּׂא֔וּ - yinnas'e'u): This reflexive verb indicates self-initiated action or self-exaltation. It suggests their actions are born of human ambition and initiative, not divine command or timing.
• to establish (לְהָקִ֖ים - lehaqim): Means to set up, to confirm, or to bring to fulfillment. Their explicit goal is to cause something to happen, reflecting an active desire to manipulate circumstances.
• the vision (חָזֽוֹן - chazon): Refers to a prophetic revelation or the broader divine plan revealed to Daniel concerning God's purposes for His people and the nations. This group attempts to fulfill God's vision through their own methods, highlighting a fundamental theological error of human presumption over divine sovereignty and timing.
• but they shall fall (וְנִכְשָֽׁלוּ׃ - v'nikhshalu): This conclusive statement, from the root kashal (כָּשַׁל), means "to stumble, totter, fail, be overthrown." It provides a clear and unambiguous pronouncement of the futility and eventual defeat of their human-driven and violent endeavors. It underscores the ultimate triumph of God's will and timing over human impatience and self-reliance.

Daniel 11 14 Bonus section

Historically, this verse likely alludes to events during the Fifth Syrian War (around 202-198 BC), where Antiochus III defeated the young Ptolemy V. During this period, some Jews, specifically a group known in later traditions as the Tobiads, who were influential aristocratic Jewish families, are thought by some scholars to have sided with Antiochus III against the Ptolemies. This opportunistic alignment could be an example of "the sons of the violent" seeking political advantage and possibly believing it would lead to greater autonomy for Judea, aligning with a perceived prophetic end to foreign rule. This prefigures the later actions of various Jewish zealot groups, particularly those active during the Roman occupation, who similarly tried to usher in God's kingdom through rebellion and violence, only to face ultimate destruction and the collapse of their vision. The Maccabean revolt, though often celebrated, also had elements of internal conflict and reliance on military might which could, in some interpretations, echo themes of human ambition mixing with religious fervor. The consistent message throughout scripture and exemplified in this verse is that God’s kingdom advances not by the sword or human might, but by His Spirit and His perfect timing.

Daniel 11 14 Commentary

Daniel 11:14 offers a sobering prophetic insight into the intersection of geopolitical strife and human zeal. It depicts a volatile era where the Ptolemaic Empire's vulnerability invites attacks from multiple adversaries. Crucially, it identifies a dangerous internal element within Daniel's own people: the "sons of the violent." These individuals, perhaps interpreting prophecies (including Daniel's own) concerning Israel's future glory, misguidedly took matters into their own hands. They believed that by employing human force or opportunistic alliances, they could hasten or "establish the vision" – that is, bring about God's predicted kingdom or deliverance prematurely. However, the prophecy unequivocally states their ultimate failure. This serves as a timeless theological caution: attempts to force God's hand or use human violence and self-will to achieve divine ends are futile and will invariably "fall." God's plans unfold according to His perfect timing and through His means, not ours. Their downfall illustrates the principle that true fulfillment of prophecy rests on divine sovereignty and obedience, not human presumption or rebellious force.