Daniel 11 39

Daniel 11:39 kjv

Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

Daniel 11:39 nkjv

Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.

Daniel 11:39 niv

He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.

Daniel 11:39 esv

He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price.

Daniel 11:39 nlt

Claiming this foreign god's help, he will attack the strongest fortresses. He will honor those who submit to him, appointing them to positions of authority and dividing the land among them as their reward.

Daniel 11 verses

Daniel 11 39 Meaning

This verse describes the actions of a future antagonist who will trust in fortified strongholds and even in foreign gods. He will seek to establish dominance by honoring these gods and bestowing authority and land upon his followers.

Daniel 11 39 Context

Daniel chapter 11 is a complex prophetic passage detailing a long succession of conflicts and rulers, primarily focused on the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires after Alexander the Great. The chapter presents a polemic against idolatry and apostasy. Verse 39 is a pivotal point in the latter part of this prophecy. It describes the actions of a future powerful figure, often interpreted as an antitype of Antiochus IV Epiphanes or a final world ruler/antichrist. This figure emerges after previous rulers are dealt with and begins to establish his own form of worship and influence, showing a disregard for traditional deities and even establishing his own. The historical context for Daniel's original audience would have been the Babylonian exile, and this prophecy offered reassurance of God's ultimate sovereignty and the eventual vindication of His people. The immediate literary context in chapter 11 traces the geopolitical struggles between the "king of the North" and the "king of the South."

Daniel 11 39 Word Analysis

• "But": Connects this verse to the preceding actions of former rulers, highlighting a shift or change in the prevailing power dynamics and religious practices.
• "he": Refers to the specific antagonist previously introduced, now acting with his own agenda and power.
• "shall": Indicates a future certainty regarding his actions, a declaration of divine foreknowledge.
• "in": Signifies placement or location; here it likely refers to taking a prominent position or adopting a new basis for his power.
• "their": Refers back to the previous rulers or powers mentioned, whose foundations or traditions the antagonist will now surpass or replace.
• "place": Could denote a position of authority, a stronghold, or even the traditional religious systems of the past.
• "honor": signifies attributing value, worship, or reverence. This is a key word as it describes his religious inclination.
• "the": Definitive article pointing to a specific entity.
• "god": In Hebrew, often 'elohim, which can refer to God, gods, or judges. Here it refers to a deity or deities, specifically 'el go·wrim (god of forces/strengths/crowds).
• "of": Shows possession or origin.
• "forces" / "strength": go·wrim (גֹּבֶר). This word is challenging and has multiple interpretations: strength, multitude, fortifications, or even the powers of the earth. Scholars debate its precise meaning here, but it generally implies formidable power or amassed strength. It could refer to military might, established systems, or even supernatural powers.
• "whom": Relative pronoun introducing a descriptive clause.
• "his": Possessive pronoun.
• "fathers": Refers to ancestral lineage and traditions, those who came before him.
• "did not": Negation.
• "know": Implies not acknowledging, understanding, or worshipping.
• "he": The same antagonist.
• "shall": Future certainty.
• "honor": Again, to value or worship.
• "with": Indicates the means or medium.
• "gold": Precious metal, a symbol of wealth and status.
• "and": Conjunction.
• "silver": Precious metal, another symbol of wealth.
• "precious": Refers to something highly valued or costly.
• "stones": Gems, signifying great expense and adornment.
• "and": Conjunction.
• "costly": Valuable, expensive.
• "gifts": Offerings or tribute, demonstrating devotion and acquisition of favor.

Word Group Analysis

• "god of forces/strength": The antagonist will venerate a deity characterized by power and might, or possibly fortifications or numerous followers. This contrasts with traditional worship and emphasizes worldly strength over spiritual or divine allegiance. The interpretation hinges on go·wrim. It could point to military power, or perhaps an understanding of divine "powers" or "hosts."
• "whom his fathers did not know": This highlights a radical break from ancestral religion and tradition. The chosen deity is new or unfamiliar to his lineage, indicating a personalized, innovative, or entirely new religious ideology that supplants previous forms of worship.
• "honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts": This emphasizes that his "worship" or veneration is material and ostentatious. It’s an outward display of riches to curry favor with this new power, contrasting with sincere spiritual devotion. This shows his devotion is tied to material gain and outward appearance rather than genuine faith.

Daniel 11 39 Bonus Section

The verse echoes the prophetic warnings against idolatry found throughout the Old Testament, particularly concerning nations who turned to false gods for strength and protection (e.g., Isaiah 44-47, Jeremiah 2). The specific reference to honoring "god of forces" might also connect to a misunderstanding or appropriation of God's heavenly "hosts" (armies) for his own gain, rather than acknowledging the Most High as the true Lord of Hosts. The theme of enriching and rewarding followers with land and influence is also seen in ancient Near Eastern political practices, where rulers would secure loyalty through grants of land and resources, especially to military commanders or trusted advisors. This verse powerfully illustrates the essence of the prophecy's warning: a future antagonist who replaces divine authority with a self-devised system of power, worship, and reward, ultimately leading to devastating judgment.

Daniel 11 39 Commentary

Daniel 11:39 portrays a powerful ruler who eschews the traditional gods worshipped by his predecessors and even by his own ancestors. Instead, he champions a deity associated with "forces" or "strength" (go·wrim), likely representing immense worldly power, military might, or even deceptive spiritual forces. This antagonist expresses his allegiance not through humble prayer but through lavish material offerings—gold, silver, precious stones, and costly gifts. This form of "worship" underscores the materialistic and self-aggrandizing nature of his reign. He elevates this chosen "god" (or perhaps his own power personified) above all else, using wealth and dominion to solidify his rule and gain followers. This act signifies a profound departure from divine mandate and a deep dive into self-made authority and the worship of power itself, a common theme in apocalyptic literature concerning end-time figures. It reveals a ruler driven by ambition, relying on visible strength and material display rather than any true connection to the divine.