Daniel 8 12

Daniel 8:12 kjv

And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.

Daniel 8:12 nkjv

Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered.

Daniel 8:12 niv

Because of rebellion, the LORD's people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.

Daniel 8:12 esv

And a host will be given over to it together with the regular burnt offering because of transgression, and it will throw truth to the ground, and it will act and prosper.

Daniel 8:12 nlt

The army of heaven was restrained from responding to this rebellion. So the daily sacrifice was halted, and truth was overthrown. The horn succeeded in everything it did.

Daniel 8 verses

Daniel 8 12 Meaning

The verse states that an army was given over to a horn, along with its transgressions. This signifies the transfer of authority and power to a specific entity, which would also carry the burden of wrongdoing.

Daniel 8 12 Context

Daniel 8 describes a vision given to the prophet Daniel concerning future empires. The previous verses depict the rise of a fierce king, symbolized by a small horn, who would exert significant power. This horn would attack the "prince of the host" (often interpreted as the heavenly Prince or High Priest) and cast down some of the host and stars to the ground. Verse 12 explains the consequence of this action: an army ("host") was given to the horn, along with "transgression" (or "many transgressions"). This army is not to be understood as a literal military unit but as the multitude of people or forces that would align with and empower this oppressive power. The phrase "with the transgression" indicates that this power would not only inflict suffering but would also be associated with widespread sin and rebellion against God. This sets the stage for the further interpretation of the vision in subsequent verses, which describes the extensive duration and devastating impact of this antichrist-like figure. The historical context points to a prophetic future, possibly referring to the Hellenistic period under Antiochus Epiphanes, but many scholars see a dual fulfillment, extending to future powers that oppose God.

Daniel 8 12 Word analysis

• וַתִּקֹּתֵן (vaticotên): Literally "and an army was given." This emphasizes that the dominion and power were granted, not naturally acquired. This is significant as it implies divine allowance, even if for judgment.
• צָבָא (tsaba): "Host" or "army." In Daniel, this can refer to the heavenly host (angels) or the earthly army. Here, it signifies the forces under the power of the horn, encompassing both people and possibly supernatural entities that follow this opposing force.
• עַל (al): "Upon" or "against."
• הַשַּׁחַר (ha-shachar): This is a unique word here, usually meaning "the morning" or "dawn." Some interpretations suggest a figurative meaning, perhaps "the host of righteousness" or "the true morning light" which is trampled. However, many scholars favor an interpretation related to an army that rose early or in the morning. It can also relate to the daily sacrifices or temple services.
• עַל־פִּשְׁעִים (al-pish'im): "Against transgressions" or "upon transgressions." This phrase is crucial. It suggests that the army was given not just for dominance, but was inherently linked to, and perhaps strengthened by, sin. It implies a rebellion against divine order and an accumulation of unrighteousness that empowers this force.
• לְהַשְׁלִיךְ (lehashlîkh): "To cast down" or "to throw."
• לָאָרֶץ (la-arets): "To the ground" or "to the earth."

Words group analysis:

• "and an army was given upon the host": This conveys the idea of one power subduing another, with the ultimate authority coming from a higher source.
• "against transgressions": This links the act of subduing directly with sin. The horn's power is manifested through or for the perpetration of further wickedness, or the conquered force represents a continuation of transgressions.
• "to cast it into the ground": This depicts a total subjugation and suppression of what was formerly standing or significant.

Daniel 8 12 Bonus section

The imagery of "casting down to the ground" signifies a complete overthrow and debasement, not just physical defeat but a moral and spiritual degradation. The linking of "transgressions" with the army indicates that sin becomes the very currency and justification for this power's operation, feeding its growth and influence. The Hebrew word for "host" (tsaba) is rich in meaning, often referring to heavenly armies or divine service, making its subjection particularly significant as an attack on the divine order.

Daniel 8 12 Commentary

This verse describes the devastating expansion of the power represented by the horn. It is given authority over a vast number, identified as a "host" or "army." The addition of "upon transgressions" is vital. It signifies that this conquering power is not merely military but is intrinsically tied to widespread sin and defiance of God. This army is "given" to the horn, underscoring a divine allowance for this judgment upon the earth, especially in relation to the opposition seen against the "prince of the host." The horn's action is to "cast down" this army, symbolizing the severe impact of this power's influence, crushing and desecrating what is considered sacred or divinely appointed. It highlights a period where religious and moral corruption would become rampant, leading to the suppression of righteous elements. This theme of unrighteousness enabling and characterizing an oppressive power resonates throughout scripture, particularly in prophetic contexts concerning end-times powers.