Daniel 11 42

Daniel 11:42 kjv

He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

Daniel 11:42 nkjv

He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

Daniel 11:42 niv

He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape.

Daniel 11:42 esv

He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

Daniel 11:42 nlt

He will conquer many countries, and even Egypt will not escape.

Daniel 11 verses

Daniel 11 42 meaning

Daniel 11:42 speaks of a future tyrannical ruler, often identified as the "king of the North," extending his dominion over multiple nations, notably signifying a complete and unchallenged conquest of Egypt. This verse highlights the vast reach and unstoppable military power of this figure, emphasizing that even formidable lands like Egypt will not be able to resist or escape his grasp, marking a significant stage in his rise to unparalleled earthly authority before his ultimate end.

Daniel 11 42 Context

Daniel chapter 11 presents a detailed prophetic chronology spanning from the Persian Empire through the Greco-Roman period, focusing particularly on the conflicts between the "king of the North" (Seleucid dynasty) and the "king of the South" (Ptolemaic dynasty). However, towards the latter part of the chapter, particularly from verse 36 onwards, the prophecy shifts to a singular, much grander, and ultimately eschatological figure often seen as the Antichrist or a final world ruler. This figure is characterized by extreme self-exaltation, disregard for traditional gods, and a lust for conquest. Verse 42 falls within this final, intensive phase of the "king of the North's" campaign, detailing his expansion into traditionally significant territories after securing control over parts of the Middle East, leading up to his dramatic, divinely ordained end described in verse 45 and the ultimate deliverance in chapter 12.

Daniel 11 42 Word analysis

• He shall stretch out his hand:
  • Hebrew: wəyišlaḥ yādō (וְיִשְׁלַח יָדוֹ). Yād means 'hand'. The idiom shalach yad signifies exercising power, conquering, invading, or taking possession.
  • Significance: It depicts decisive and forceful military action. This is not mere influence but direct, overwhelming control and occupation, emphasizing an unstoppable force. It is a common biblical expression for military dominance (e.g., Gen 22:10; Ex 7:4).
• also against the countries:
  • Hebrew: gam ʻal-hām-mᵊdīnōṯ. Gam means 'also' or 'even', highlighting an expansion beyond previous targets. Mᵊdīnōṯ means 'provinces' or 'countries/lands'.
  • Significance: This indicates the global scope of his ambition and military campaign. He won't just control core territories but will extend his reach broadly. The plural suggests multiple nations, signifying extensive regional if not wider dominion.
• and the land of Egypt:
  • Hebrew: wəʼereṣ miṣrayim. ʼEreṣ means 'land' or 'country', and miṣrayim is 'Egypt'.
  • Significance: Egypt has historical, geographical, and symbolic importance in the Bible. It was a cradle of civilization, a powerful nation, and a frequent setting for biblical events. Its mention here specifies a major target. For ancient readers, Egypt's strategic location and wealth made its control a vital step for any world power. Its subjugation indicates that no traditional bastion of power can resist this king.
• shall not escape:
  • Hebrew: lōʼ tiššāləṭ. Lōʼ is 'not'. Tiššāləṭ comes from the verb šālaṭ, meaning 'to rule', 'to have dominion', or 'to escape/be delivered'. In this context, it primarily conveys "shall not escape" or "shall not be delivered".
  • Significance: This emphasizes the completeness of Egypt's defeat. No resistance, no refuge, no means of evasion will be effective. It underlines the king's overwhelming power and the utter lack of opposition he faces in this specific campaign. This outcome suggests the complete loss of national sovereignty and likely significant plunder.
• "He shall stretch out his hand also against the countries": This phrase emphasizes the breadth and reach of the ruler's power. It implies a wider conquest than merely one nation, indicating an expansive, comprehensive military endeavor that affects various territories beyond specific previously mentioned ones. It portrays an insatiable ambition.
• "and the land of Egypt shall not escape": This particular phrase, following the broader statement, specifically highlights Egypt's strategic importance and its fate. It means that despite Egypt's traditional strength and geographical defenses (like the Nile and surrounding deserts), it will utterly fall to this king. Its inability to escape underscores the unstoppable nature of this invading power, and its complete subjugation.

Daniel 11 42 Bonus section

The specific targeting of Egypt, alongside Ethiopia and Libya mentioned in Dan 11:43, emphasizes the king of the North's control over critical logistical and resource-rich regions, traditionally strong states often representing broader spheres of influence. Historically, Egypt has often served as a significant symbolic "South" in contrast to the northern powers. Its capture signifies the neutralization of a major geopolitical opponent and marks a major victory for the king. This conquest clears his flank and secures his access to further territories, including Israel (Dan 11:41), suggesting a consolidation of power leading up to his establishment of headquarters. The detail highlights the precision of God's foreknowledge regarding even the movements of such oppressive forces, setting the stage for His ultimate intervention.

Daniel 11 42 Commentary

Daniel 11:42 vividly portrays a critical moment in the rise of an end-time tyrannical figure, the "king of the North." The verse asserts his uncontested military prowess, extending his reach beyond immediate targets to engulf multiple "countries." The specific mention of Egypt is highly significant. Historically a formidable power and geographically strategic, Egypt's fall to this king demonstrates the unparalleled nature of his dominion. It implies total conquest, not merely occupation, signifying a control that will exploit its resources, as confirmed by the subsequent verse (Dan 11:43), which speaks of his command over Egypt's treasures. This widespread, seemingly unchallenged expansion reflects the king's ambition and power, a prelude to his confrontation with a divine force. It also functions as a powerful declaration that no earthly kingdom, no matter how great or secure, can ultimately stand against this eschatological ruler's advance, emphasizing the gravity of the approaching tribulation.