Daniel 11 26

Daniel 11:26 kjv

Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.

Daniel 11:26 nkjv

Yes, those who eat of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain.

Daniel 11:26 niv

Those who eat from the king's provisions will try to destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall in battle.

Daniel 11:26 esv

Even those who eat his food shall break him. His army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain.

Daniel 11:26 nlt

His own household will cause his downfall. His army will be swept away, and many will be killed.

Daniel 11 verses

Daniel 11 26 meaning

Daniel 11:26 prophesies the downfall of a prominent king, traditionally identified as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, not by external overwhelming force alone but significantly by those within his close circle. It declares that individuals who once shared his hospitality and sustenance will contribute to his destruction, leading to the devastating defeat and great loss of life within his army. The verse highlights an ironic twist where perceived allies or beneficiaries turn into instruments of ruin, resulting in severe military consequences.

Daniel 11 26 Context

Daniel chapter 11 contains a highly detailed prophecy, primarily describing the political and military conflicts between the "King of the North" (Seleucid dynasty) and the "King of the South" (Ptolemaic dynasty) after the death of Alexander the Great. These verses are generally understood as a precise historical foretelling, particularly leading up to and focusing on the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (the "contemptible person" introduced in verse 21), a Seleucid king. Verse 26, specifically, is set within the description of Antiochus IV's first Egyptian campaign, where he initially achieves great success (v. 25). However, this verse reveals an ironic twist: his campaign, despite its early promise, will face internal sabotage or opposition from within the circle of those who were supposed to be his beneficiaries or allies, ultimately leading to the destruction of his army and the collapse of his broader objectives. The context highlights divine orchestration behind the rise and fall of these worldly powers.

Daniel 11 26 Word analysis

• Indeed / And also (`וְאַף` - Ve'af): This Hebrew conjunction can mean "and even" or "and indeed," adding emphasis or consequence. It introduces an unexpected but certain outcome, underscoring the irony that follows.
• those who eat (`אוֹכְלֵי` - Okhlei): This is a participial form, literally "eaters of." It refers to individuals, specifically those who partake of the king's hospitality, signifying close association, dependency, and typically, loyalty. In ancient cultures, sharing a meal was a profound bond, almost a covenant.
• of his provisions (`פַת־בַּגּוֹ` - Pat-baggo): "Pat" (`פַּת`) means "morsel, portion, piece (of bread)." "Baggo" (`בַּגּוֹ`) means "his delicacy/food/provision." The phrase denotes sustenance or lavish living provided by the king. It refers to those dependent on his generosity, paid by him, or living in his palace or court – indicating deep personal connection and shared fellowship.
• will destroy him (`יִשְׁבְּרֻהוּ` - Yishberuhu): From the root `שָׁבַר` (shavar), meaning "to break, shatter, tear down, burst." This is a powerful verb suggesting complete ruin, not just minor harm. It signifies the undoing or breaking of his plans, power, or even his spirit, initiated by those within.
• and his army (`וְחֵילוֹ` - V'cheilo): "Cheil" (`חַיִל`) means "army, force, wealth, might." It refers directly to his military power, the instrument of his reign and conquests.
• will be swept away (`יִשְׁטּוֹף` - Yishttof): From the root `שָׁטַף` (shataf), meaning "to overflow, wash away, sweep away like a flood." This evokes an image of an overwhelming, irresistible force leading to complete military disarray and loss.
• and many will fall down slain (`וְחֲלָלִים רַבִּים` - V'chalalim rabbim): "Chalal" (`חָלָל`) refers to "slain, pierced, wounded" (dead bodies, casualties). "Rabbim" (`רַבִּים`) means "many." This emphasizes the great human cost and devastation, signaling a significant military defeat.

• "those who eat of his provisions will destroy him": This is a poignant phrase highlighting betrayal from within. It underscores the profound irony and moral gravity that those who benefited directly from the king, or were supposed to be loyal allies through shared hospitality and trust, would be the very agents of his ruin. This reversal of trust into treachery is a core element of the prophecy's message regarding the vulnerability of even powerful rulers to internal dynamics.
• "and his army will be swept away; and many will fall down slain": This clause describes the direct and severe consequence of the internal subversion or weakened position created by the "eaters of his provisions." The military force, the backbone of a king's power and a symbol of his authority, will face overwhelming defeat and substantial casualties, signifying a major strategic or tactical collapse. It shows a complete unraveling of his might.

Daniel 11 26 Bonus section

The motif of "eating bread" with someone and then "lifting up the heel" or "breaking them" is a powerful ancient Near Eastern and biblical idiom for betrayal, deeply rooted in concepts of hospitality and covenant. This imagery speaks to a profound violation of trust and relationship. In Daniel 11:26, it implies that Antiochus IV might have provided aid or secured alliances (sharing "provisions") with certain Egyptian officials or factions, or even that his own trusted men were compromised. This verse highlights the idea that true security does not come from military might or powerful alliances, but often rests on the fidelity of those closest, a fidelity which God ultimately can influence to bring down even the proudest ruler. The fulfillment of such specific, detailed prophecy centuries later provides a strong witness to the divine origin and authoritative nature of the Scriptures.

Daniel 11 26 Commentary

Daniel 11:26 offers a precise insight into the internal vulnerabilities of even the most formidable powers. In the context of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, this verse points to the breakdown of his authority or effectiveness stemming from the very people or allies he relied upon. The phrase "those who eat of his provisions" can signify court officials, close advisors, or even client states and former allies within the Ptolemaic realm who were either suborned, became disloyal, or strategically withdrew support. Their actions, or inactions, would 'break' his plans, particularly in Egypt. Historical accounts indicate that Antiochus IV's initial gains were undermined by a diplomatic deadlock and eventually an ultimatum from Rome (which could be seen as an external force capitalized on by those 'within' the larger sphere of influence), coupled with political maneuvering within the Ptolemaic court itself which prevented his complete conquest of Egypt. This prophecy illustrates that even a victorious army can suffer devastating losses and have its objectives thwarted due to internal dynamics and treachery, ultimately demonstrating God's sovereign control over the fates of kings and empires.