Daniel 11 18

Daniel 11:18 kjv

After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him.

Daniel 11:18 nkjv

After this he shall turn his face to the coastlands, and shall take many. But a ruler shall bring the reproach against them to an end; and with the reproach removed, he shall turn back on him.

Daniel 11:18 niv

Then he will turn his attention to the coastlands and will take many of them, but a commander will put an end to his insolence and will turn his insolence back on him.

Daniel 11:18 esv

Afterward he shall turn his face to the coastlands and shall capture many of them, but a commander shall put an end to his insolence. Indeed, he shall turn his insolence back upon him.

Daniel 11:18 nlt

"After this, he will turn his attention to the coastland and conquer many cities. But a commander from another land will put an end to his insolence and cause him to retreat in shame.

Daniel 11 verses

Daniel 11 18 Meaning

This verse describes the actions of the "king of the South," who will "again have great power." However, this surge in power will be short-lived, and he will face significant defeat. His forces will be defeated, and even he will be overthrown, facing death. The verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of his strength and his ultimate demise.

Daniel 11 18 Context

Daniel chapter 11 provides a detailed, symbolic prophecy concerning the kings of the North and South. It traces their ongoing conflicts and the shifting political landscape primarily from the time of Antiochus III the Great (the Persian era) down to a future time associated with the end times. Verse 18 continues this narrative by focusing on a specific conflict and the eventual downfall of the "king of the South" during this prophetic timeline. The immediate context is the struggle between these two powerful kingdoms. Historically, these kingdoms largely represent the Ptolemaic (South) and Seleucid (North) empires that arose after Alexander the Great. The prophecy accurately depicts their military engagements and political maneuvering.

Daniel 11 18 Word Analysis

• He (Hebrew: hu' - הוּא): A personal pronoun, referring back to the king of the South. Simple pronoun but essential for subject continuity.
• shall turn (Hebrew: yashuv - יָשׁוּב): "To return," "to turn back," "to restore." Suggests a change of direction or a regaining of some former state, possibly from a previous setback. Implies a resurgence.
• his own province (Hebrew: qisho la'al mado - קִשּׁו לַעֲלוּ מַדוֹ): This phrase is not directly transliterated in a standard way as it appears somewhat anachronistic or potentially misidentified in a simple word-for-word biblical Hebrew context for Daniel 11. More accurately, the Hebrew for "province" can be medinah (מְדִינָה). If this phrase implies the king attempts to return to his territorial dominion or ascend to his high estate.
• but (Hebrew: wə-qōd): "And," but here used adversatively to indicate contrast. Connects a subsequent negative outcome to a prior action.
• a prince (Hebrew: nesi' - נָשִׂיא): "Chief," "leader," "prince," "ruler." Refers to a commander or dignitary, likely a foreign ruler initiating the opposition.
• from himself (Hebrew: miq mirq - מִק מִרְק): This might be a very literal translation aiming to capture a concept of "out of himself" or "on his own initiative." In Daniel, opposition often comes from specific nations or kings. More broadly, the idea could be about an opposing force rising independently.
• shall cause (Hebrew: yigrom - יִגְרוֹם): "To cause," "to bring about," "to effect." Indicates agency in initiating an action or outcome.
• his reproach (Hebrew: cherep' - חֶרְפּ): "Reproach," "insult," "dishonor." The king of the South will suffer disgrace.
• to cease (Hebrew: la`evet - לַעֲבֵט): "To pass away," "to cease," "to bring to an end." Suggests the end of his influence or renown.
• and (Hebrew: wə-: וְ): Conjunction connecting clauses.
• he shall return (Hebrew: shav yi’ēh - שָׁב יֵעָא): "He shall turn back," "he shall return." Similar to the first "turn," emphasizing a redirection, but here possibly more of a forced retreat or a return to a state of insignificance.
• upon (Hebrew: `al - עַל): Preposition indicating position or target.
• his own land (Hebrew: land el - לַנדֶל): Again, referring to his own territory.
• and (Hebrew: wə-): Conjunction.
• his (Hebrew: hu - הוּא): Possessive pronoun.
• cities (Hebrew: ‘ar - עָר): Plural for "city," meaning urban centers or fortresses. Refers to his strongholds or centers of power.
• his (Hebrew: hu - הוּא): Possessive.
• also (Hebrew: gam - גַּם): Adverb indicating addition.
• with (Hebrew: `im - עִם): Preposition of accompaniment or means.
• their (Hebrew: hen - הֵן): Pronoun referring to cities.
• idols (Hebrew: `ælīllîm - אֲלִילִים): "False gods," "idols," "non-entities." Refers to objects of false worship or symbols of his nation’s misguided reliance, possibly contributing to his downfall, or his cities are filled with them. The precise rendering here can be nuanced, relating to the corrupt practices or power structures of his realm.
• of error (Hebrew: min shiqquq - מִן שִׁקּוּק): "From an abomination" or "from idol worship." Suggests something abhorrent or idolatrous, implying his lands or his regime are characterized by such practices, which draws divine judgment.
• and (Hebrew: wə-): Conjunction.
• he shall be (Hebrew: yihēh hu - יִהְיֶה הוּא): Future tense of "to be."
• overthrown (Hebrew: miqdal gadol - מִקְדָּל גָּדוֹל): This phrase seems to be an unusual transliteration for "overthrown" in typical Danielic Hebrew context. Standard terms for overthrow can include naphal (נָפַל - to fall) or related concepts. It implies a severe downfall or destruction, possibly suggesting a military defeat leading to his deposition. The magnitude might be conveyed by terms not directly rendered here, but the concept is defeat.
• in (Hebrew: bə-): Preposition.
• his own province (Hebrew: province qodash qadoš - פְּרֹות קוֹדֶשׁ קָדוֹשׁ): Again, interpretation varies. It could mean falling back within his own territories, or being utterly ruined in the place of his supposed strength or holiness.
• even (Hebrew: gam - גַּם): Emphasizes the following statement.
• unto (Hebrew: `ad - עַד): Preposition of extent.
• the dust (Hebrew: ‘afer - עָפָר): "Dust," "dry earth," "ashes." Symbolizes utter destruction, humiliation, and death. A return to dust, from which man was made.

Words Group Analysis

• "shall turn back his own province": This signifies a potential regaining of territorial control or an attempt to secure his own dominion, possibly after facing challenges from the king of the North. It highlights a move towards re-establishing his authority within his spheres of influence.
• "but a prince from himself shall cause his reproach to cease": This clause depicts an unexpected, internal opposition or an external power that arises with malicious intent. The phrase "from himself" could imply self-originated trouble or a force that acts independently of larger powers, bringing disgrace upon the king of the South, potentially through betrayal or direct confrontation. The "reproach" signifies dishonor and shame.
• "and he shall return upon his own land, and his cities... also with their idols of error": This sequence depicts a catastrophic reversal. The king of the South retreats to his own territory, not in triumph, but likely in defeat. The mention of "cities" and "their idols of error" points to the land being marked by false worship and misguided devotion, which may be presented as a reason for or a consequence of the divine judgment that leads to his ultimate downfall. The presence of idols in his cities suggests a nation that has turned away from the true God.
• "and he shall be overthrown in his own province, even unto the dust": This culminates in utter destruction. "Overthrown" signifies a complete defeat, a reversal of his power and status. The finality is emphasized by "unto the dust," symbolizing complete ruin, disgrace, and perhaps even death. The phrase "in his own province" indicates that his defeat is so complete that he is brought low even in the heartland of his authority.

Daniel 11 18 Bonus Section

The prophetic narrative in Daniel 11 is highly detailed, leading scholars to believe it's either a remarkably accurate foretelling or a piece of historical writing presented as prophecy. The specific elements described—the rise and fall of leaders, the specific actions they take, and the eventual humiliation—align closely with historical accounts of the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties and their leaders. The mention of "idols of error" can reflect the polytheistic and sometimes syncretic religious practices of these Hellenistic kingdoms, which were a significant point of contention with monotheistic Judaism. This verse is crucial in understanding the cyclical nature of power and divine judgment described throughout the book of Daniel, often highlighting the arrogance and ultimate failure of those who oppose God’s people and His ultimate purposes. The concept of returning to "dust" is a common biblical motif signifying death and return to the earth, as in Genesis 3:19.

Daniel 11 18 Commentary

Verse 18 vividly portrays the inevitable downfall of the "king of the South." His brief resurgence of power ("shall turn again his own province") is a temporary tactic, ultimately leading to greater calamity. An unspecified "prince" (representing a hostile power, possibly another faction or nation) rises to bring him shame. This enemy’s action causes the king of the South’s reputation and authority ("his reproach") to disappear. In his retreat, he returns to his own land, but it's a return not of strength but of defeat. His cities, potentially characterized by idolatry ("their idols of error"), become the stage for his final humiliation. The verse concludes with his ultimate overthrow and reduction to "dust"—a profound symbol of complete destruction and disgrace, implying death or utter powerlessness. This underscores the vanity of worldly power and strategic maneuvering when not aligned with divine providence. True security and lasting influence come not from human strength or alliances but from faithfulness to God, as many other scriptures highlight.