Daniel 11 35

Daniel 11:35 kjv

And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.

Daniel 11:35 nkjv

And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.

Daniel 11:35 niv

Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.

Daniel 11:35 esv

and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time.

Daniel 11:35 nlt

And some of the wise will fall victim to persecution. In this way, they will be refined and cleansed and made pure until the time of the end, for the appointed time is still to come.

Daniel 11 verses

Daniel 11 35 meaning

Daniel 11:35 prophesies that spiritually discerning individuals among God's people will undergo severe tribulation and "fall," often resulting in martyrdom, not due to personal sin, but as a divinely ordained process. This suffering serves three key purposes: to refine them like precious metals, to purify them from defilement, and to make them white, symbolizing moral and spiritual perfection. This period of intense testing is not indefinite but has a specific duration, ending at an "appointed time" predetermined by God, underscoring His sovereign control over history and the suffering of His faithful.

Daniel 11 35 Context

Daniel 11 is a remarkably detailed prophecy received by Daniel, outlining events from the Persian Empire through the Hellenistic period, focusing heavily on the prolonged conflicts between the "King of the North" (Seleucid dynasty) and the "King of the South" (Ptolemaic dynasty). Verse 35 specifically relates to the cruel reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, introduced earlier in the chapter (v. 21 as the "contemptible person"). Antiochus Epiphanes violently suppressed Judaism, persecuted faithful Jews who resisted his Hellenization efforts, and famously desecrated the Jerusalem Temple. The "understanding ones" refer to these devout Jews who remained faithful during this horrific period, enduring torture and martyrdom, famously documented in the Maccabean literature. The broader context of Daniel looks beyond these immediate historical fulfillments to the ultimate "time of the end" and God's final triumph.

Daniel 11 35 Word analysis

• And some of those of understanding (וּמִן־הַמַּשְׂכִּלִים, u'min hammaskilim): The Hebrew term maskilim denotes individuals possessing deep insight, spiritual discernment, and wisdom. They are those who truly understand God's covenant, prophecies, and His ways, and who often teach righteousness to others (cf. Dan 12:3, 10). Their understanding is of divine origin, distinguishing them from the compromisers.
• shall fall (יִכָּשְׁלוּ, yikkashevu): Literally "stumble" or "fall." In this prophetic context, it signifies succumbing to severe persecution, defeat, or physical death, particularly through martyrdom. It indicates an external, imposed suffering by adversaries, rather than a moral or spiritual lapse on their part.
• to refine them (לִצְרוֹף, litzrof): From the root meaning "to melt" or "to purify metals." This indicates a painful but purposeful process. Just as gold or silver is heated to remove impurities, their suffering is intended to purge faults and strengthen their character.
• and to purify them (וּלְבָרֵר, u'levarev): Another term for purification, meaning "to cleanse," "to select," or "to test." It signifies an active separation of the righteous from moral or spiritual contaminations and an authentication of their faith through trials.
• and to make them white (וּלְלַבֵּן, u'lelabben): "To whiten" implies cleansing, brightening, and making radiant. This symbolizes moral and spiritual purity, forgiveness, and transformation into a state of blamelessness before God, often achieved through enduring tribulation.
• even to the time of the end (עַד־עֵת קֵץ, ad-et qetz): "Until an appointed end." The word qetz refers to a divinely determined culmination or termination of a specific prophetic period. Here, it marks the boundary of this phase of intense tribulation, implying a fixed duration rather than an endless suffering.
• because it is yet for a appointed time (כִּי־עוֹד לְמוֹעֵד, ki-`od lemo`ed): "For an appointed time" or "for a set season." Mo`ed signifies a designated, predetermined season, event, or fixed date in God's divine calendar. This emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous planning over these events; the trials are precisely timed according to His eternal purpose.

• Some of those of understanding shall fall: This phrase tragically highlights that fidelity and wisdom do not exempt believers from suffering, but rather often subject them to it. The "falling" for the discerning indicates suffering or martyrdom endured for the sake of righteousness, not because of a failure of faith.
• To refine them, and to purify them, and to make them white: These three distinct, yet complementary, verbs highlight the multi-faceted, active, and beneficial purpose of suffering. God uses these trials not to destroy, but to sculpt, cleanse, and perfect His people, aiming for their utmost moral and spiritual purity and readiness for His kingdom.
• Even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a appointed time: This combined expression powerfully emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty. The tribulation is not random or without limit; it operates within a fixed divine timeline. There is a precise duration set by God for this refining process, offering a promise of an ultimate conclusion and His faithfulness.

Daniel 11 35 Bonus section

The concept of "the understanding ones" (maskilim) undergoing purification through suffering directly foreshadows later New Testament teachings on trials. Their resilience against Hellenization under Antiochus IV prefigures the endurance expected of believers facing persecution for Christ. The explicit divine purpose for suffering—to refine, purify, and make white—establishes a powerful biblical precedent for understanding all believer's trials not as punitive for the faithful, but as transformative. This passage serves as a critical interpretive lens for later apocalyptic literature and for Christ's teachings on perseverance in the face of tribulation, confirming that God's plan often involves a season of intense testing to forge true righteousness.

Daniel 11 35 Commentary

Daniel 11:35 serves as a profound theological explanation for the persecution of the righteous. It clarifies that the "falling"—the suffering, death, and trials endured by faithful and discerning believers—is not arbitrary nor a sign of God's disfavor. Instead, it is a deliberate, redemptive process orchestrated by God. Like precious metals cleansed in a furnace, these chosen ones are subjected to intense trials designed to refine their character, purify their motives, and make them spotlessly "white," symbolizing their complete dedication and moral righteousness. This period of purification, however, is not unending. The verse firmly assures that it will continue only "to the time of the end," because God has already set "an appointed time" for its duration. This highlights divine sovereignty, revealing that even in the midst of humanity's darkest persecution, God remains fully in control, using suffering as a tool for sanctification, ultimately bringing His people to a state of holiness and preparing them for their eternal reward. It transformed despair into purposeful endurance, knowing the end was fixed by God.