Daniel 8 24

Daniel 8:24 kjv

And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

Daniel 8:24 nkjv

His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.

Daniel 8:24 niv

He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people.

Daniel 8:24 esv

His power shall be great ? but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints.

Daniel 8:24 nlt

He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause a shocking amount of destruction and succeed in everything he does. He will destroy powerful leaders and devastate the holy people.

Daniel 8 verses

Daniel 8 24 meaning

This verse describes a future oppressive ruler, often understood as a historical figure like Antiochus IV Epiphanes and prophetically as a type of the ultimate Antichrist. His strength and impact will be immense, but the source of his power is not inherently his own, implying an external, non-human, and often spiritual, empowerment. He will inflict extraordinary and devastating destruction, successfully accomplishing his agenda, eliminating powerful adversaries, and relentlessly persecuting and annihilating God's holy people.

Daniel 8 24 Context

Daniel chapter 8 presents Daniel's vision of a ram with two horns, representing Medo-Persia, conquered by a goat with one prominent horn, symbolizing Greece under Alexander the Great. Following the breaking of the great horn, four lesser horns emerge, signifying the four Hellenistic kingdoms after Alexander's death. From one of these, a "little horn" arises (vv. 9-12), which becomes exceedingly great and blasphemous, challenging God, persecuting the heavenly host, and defiling the sanctuary. Verse 24 is part of Gabriel's direct interpretation of this vision, identifying the "little horn" as a fierce and powerful king who will act wickedly. Historically, this prophecy primarily points to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose tyrannical reign saw the persecution of Jews, the desecration of the Temple, and a systematic effort to abolish Judaism. Prophetically, he serves as a type, foreshadowing a future, ultimate Antichrist figure who will likewise wield immense, supernaturally endowed power to oppress God's people and defy the Most High, preceding Christ's final return and establishment of His eternal kingdom.

Daniel 8 24 Word analysis

• וְעָצַם כֹּחוֹ (vĕ'aṣam koḥo - and his power shall be great/mighty):
• וְעָצַם (vĕ'aṣam): From the root 'עצם' (aṣam), meaning "to be mighty, to be powerful, to be vast." Here, it signifies extraordinary, growing power, not just physical strength but influence and dominion. It denotes a formidable and expanding force.
• כֹּחוֹ (koḥo): "His strength/power." The possessive suffix indicates this power belongs to the individual described (the king of bold face). The term 'koah' can refer to physical strength, military might, or inherent ability, emphasizing the impact and extent of his authority.
• וְלֹא בְּכֹחוֹ (vĕlō' bĕkoho - but not by his own power/strength):
• וְלֹא (vĕlō'): "And not," or "but not." This conjunction introduces a crucial qualifier, contrasting the previous statement.
• בְּכֹחוֹ (bĕkoho): "By his strength/power." The preposition 'bĕ' (by, with, in) signifies the source or means. This phrase profoundly limits the understanding of his immense power; it is derived, borrowed, or granted, not intrinsic to him. This points to either divine permission allowing him a season of strength (God's sovereignty), or, more often interpreted, an empowerment from supernatural evil forces (Satanic influence), or both.
• וְהִשְׁחִית נִפְלָאוֹת (vĕhišḥit niphlā'ōṯ - and he shall destroy exceptionally/wonderfully):
• וְהִשְׁחִית (vĕhišḥit): From the root 'שׁחת' (shaḥat), meaning "to destroy, spoil, corrupt, lay waste." In the Hifil stem, it indicates causing destruction. This points to active, deliberate ruination.
• נִפְלָאוֹת (niphlā'ōṯ): Plural of 'נפלאה' (niphla'ah), meaning "wonders" or "miraculous things." When associated with destruction, it indicates devastation that is astounding, extraordinary, or horrific in its scale and nature. It signifies something far beyond ordinary destructive capabilities, almost supernatural in its impact, rather than a wonder of creation. This is a common Hebrew idiom where 'wonder' can signify something awe-inspiring in a negative, terrible sense.
• וְהִצְלִיחַ וְעָשָׂה (vĕhiṣlîaḥ vĕ'āśāh - and he shall prosper and perform/succeed and act):
• וְהִצְלִיחַ (vĕhiṣlîaḥ): From 'צלח' (tsalaḥ), meaning "to advance, prosper, succeed, be profitable." This emphasizes that his wicked actions will not only cause destruction but also achieve their intended (evil) aims and bring him apparent success, at least for a season.
• וְעָשָׂה (vĕ'āśāh): From 'עשׂה' (aśah), "to do, make, perform, accomplish." It indicates effective action; he won't just attempt but will carry out his plans. This denotes his efficacy and agency in enacting his destructive will.
• וְהִשְׁחִית עֲצוּמִים (vĕhišḥit 'ăṣûmîm - and he shall destroy mighty men):
• וְהִשְׁחִית (vĕhišḥit): "And he shall destroy," reiterating the destructive nature.
• עֲצוּמִים ('ăṣûmîm): Plural of 'עָצוּם' (aṣum), "mighty, strong, numerous, powerful." It refers to those with strength and influence, potentially political, military, or social adversaries. This indicates he will dismantle existing power structures or overcome powerful opponents, demonstrating his dominance over secular forces.
• וְעַם קְדֹשִׁים (vĕ'am qĕḏōšîm - and also the holy people):
• וְעַם (vĕ'am): "And a people," or "even a people." The 'waw' conjunction (וְ) serves an additional, emphasizing function here.
• קְדֹשִׁים (qĕḏōšîm): Plural of 'קָדוֹשׁ' (qadoš), meaning "holy ones, consecrated ones, saints." This unequivocally identifies the primary target of his destructive activity as God's chosen, covenant people – Israel in the immediate context, but broadening to include the church in broader eschatological application. His wrath is specifically directed at those set apart by God.

Words-Group Analysis:

• His power shall be great, but not by his own power (וְעָצַם כֹּחוֹ וְלֹא בְּכֹחוֹ): This pivotal contrast reveals the nature of the king's power. It is an imparted, delegated power, making him a potent force while also establishing God's ultimate sovereignty. Even when evil triumphs, it is within the boundaries of divine permission, suggesting either God's permissive will or, more commonly interpreted, direct demonic empowerment given Satan's role in the end times (cf. Rev 13).
• Destroy exceptionally, and shall prosper and perform (וְהִשְׁחִית נִפְלָאוֹת וְהִצְלִיחַ וְעָשָׂה): This group highlights the ruler's chilling efficacy and widespread impact. The destruction is not just ordinary but astounding in its terror, combined with uncanny success and efficiency in achieving his destructive aims. This is not the floundering of a weak leader but the calculated, effective terror of one granted success for a time.
• Shall destroy mighty men and also the holy people (וְהִשְׁחִית עֲצוּמִים וְעַם קְדֹשִׁים): This signifies the two-fold target of this power: both powerful secular figures or nations (political opponents) and, crucially, the religiously consecrated people of God. This indicates a comprehensive agenda of dominance that combines political subjugation with spiritual persecution, asserting authority over both worldly and divine spheres, showing total opposition to God and His covenant.

Daniel 8 24 Bonus section

This verse sets up a polemic against the notion of self-sufficient human power, especially in figures who rise to seemingly insurmountable dominion. It implicitly challenges pagan deities who were believed to empower rulers, by clarifying that even the most formidable human might, when arrayed against God, is either permitted by Him or fueled by spiritual wickedness, not by any independent ultimate force. The explicit mention of "not by his own power" (וְלֹא בְּכֹחוֹ) serves as a theological statement that all power ultimately stems from or is subjected to the sovereign will of God. It's a key indicator for understanding the nature of end-times opponents: while they are powerful, their power is delegated and temporary. This insight provides comfort that their reign is not absolute and has boundaries.

Daniel 8 24 Commentary

Daniel 8:24 vividly describes a terrifying, potent leader whose authority and influence are immense but divinely permitted or satanically sourced rather than intrinsic. This reveals a spiritual dimension to his power. His destructiveness will be astounding in its scope and terror, extending to both powerful earthly forces and, with specific intensity, God's chosen people. His success and accomplishments in his nefarious schemes, even in desecrating sacred things and annihilating the righteous, demonstrate a temporary, albeit effective, triumph of evil, sanctioned for a season by God's overarching plan. This verse underscores the theme of intense persecution against believers in the last days, driven by forces beyond human capabilities, yet always subject to God's ultimate decree and final judgment.