Daniel 8 25

Daniel 8:25 kjv

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Daniel 8:25 nkjv

"Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means.

Daniel 8:25 niv

He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.

Daniel 8:25 esv

By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall become great. Without warning he shall destroy many. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken ? but by no human hand.

Daniel 8:25 nlt

He will be a master of deception and will become arrogant; he will destroy many without warning. He will even take on the Prince of princes in battle, but he will be broken, though not by human power.

Daniel 8 verses

Daniel 8 25 Meaning

This verse describes the destruction of the mighty by skillful deception. The individual, empowered by a powerful horn, will be led to understand profound truths but ultimately meet an irreversible end, falling victim to this cunning power. It speaks to a divine judgment upon those who oppose God's purposes through shrewd manipulation.

Daniel 8 25 Context

Daniel chapter 8 describes a vision given to the prophet Daniel concerning a ram with two horns and a male goat with a prominent horn. This vision is later explained, revealing that the ram represents the kings of Media and Persia, and the male goat represents the king of Greece. The great horn symbolizes the first king of Greece. After this horn is broken, four horns arise, representing four kingdoms that will arise from his nation.

The focus of Daniel 8:25 shifts to a specific future king, often interpreted as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, though many scholars extend its prophetic scope to the "little horn" described throughout Daniel. This future power, characterized by deceit and arrogance, will rise to prominence, gain significant influence, and ultimately challenge divine authority. The verse describes a leader who, through shrewd tactics and "peace" or "cunning," will achieve great things, seemingly with God's approval or endorsement by presenting a facade of righteousness, but in reality, he is the instrument of divine judgment against those who have fallen away. He will be instrumental in stopping the daily sacrifice and desecrating the sanctuary, representing a profound spiritual opposition. Ultimately, this power, though seemingly invincible, will face destruction, not by human hands, but by a supernatural, divine intervention, signaling the end of his oppressive reign.

Daniel 8 25 Word Analysis

• וְ֭הָבִינוּ (ve-ha-bi-nu): "And understanding," from the root "bin," meaning "to discern," "to comprehend," "to distinguish." It signifies the intellectual grasp of profound truths or secrets. In this context, it refers to those who will gain insight into the plans and actions of the oppressive power.

• מַשְׂכִּילִ֖ים (mas-kil-im): "those who are prudent," "those who are wise," "those who understand." This term implies individuals possessing spiritual discernment and wisdom. They are not merely educated but have an active, practical understanding of God's ways and the spiritual implications of events. This word appears in other prophetic passages relating to wise leaders and teachers (e.g., Dan 11:33, 35; 12:3, 10).

• יַפִּ֤ילוּ (yap-pil-u): "shall cause to fall," "shall make fall," "shall overthrow." This verb can imply physical falling or a downfall in status or influence. Here, it describes how the understanding individuals will be instrumental in bringing about the downfall of the oppressor, or conversely, how some of these understanding ones themselves will fall by the power of the oppressor. The LXX and Syriac versions support the latter meaning, which aligns better with the overall prophetic narrative.

• לְרַבִּים (le-rab-bim): "to many," "for many." This prepositional phrase can indicate the scope of influence or the number affected. In conjunction with "yap-pil-u," it suggests that many will fall due to the actions or machinations of this power, or that the wise will instruct many.

• לְמַטְּא . (le-mat-teh): "until destruction," "until the end," "until consummation." From the root "matat," meaning "to die" or "to put to death." This signifies a final and absolute end, a complete cessation.

• בְּחֶרֶב (be-khe-rev): "by the sword," "by the sword of." This phrase often signifies military force or violent judgment. However, in the context of this particular horn's power, the preceding verse states "not by his own power," suggesting the "sword" here might be metaphorical for his cunning strategies or the instruments of his downfall. The phrasing "unto destruction by the sword" indicates the method of his ultimate end. The entity that brings destruction is itself described as having power.

• וּבִשְׁבִית (u-vis-hvit): "and by captivity," "and by subduing." From the root "shavat," meaning "to cease," "to rest," or "to be quiet." In the Hiphil conjugation, it can mean "to cause to cease" or "to remove." Here, it can refer to being taken captive, subdued, or the cessation of his power.

• וּבַבִּזָּה (u-vav-viz-zah): "and by plunder," "and by spoil." From the root "bazaz," meaning "to plunder," "to spoil." This refers to the material gains or riches taken through conquest and oppression, which will be a characteristic of this power.

• לְרַבִּים (le-rab-bim): This repetition of "le-rab-bim" in relation to the plundering emphasizes the extensive nature of his spoil and the wide impact of his actions.

• Analysis of the Phrase "will cause many to fall by the sword, and by captivity, and by plunder": This triad "sword, captivity, and plunder" represents comprehensive destruction and subjugation, encompassing military defeat, loss of freedom, and material devastation. It highlights the devastating impact of the entity described.

• Analysis of "Until destruction": This phrase points to a complete and definitive end, not merely a temporary setback. The use of "sword" in conjunction with destruction suggests that violence, whether literal or metaphorical (e.g., spiritual warfare, deceptive schemes), is the means leading to this ultimate demise.

• Analysis of "will be made to fall": The passive voice suggests that this downfall is not solely by his own actions but is orchestrated or permitted by a higher power, reinforcing the concept of divine judgment.

Daniel 8 25 Bonus Section

The interpretation of the "horns" and the "he-goat" in Daniel 8 is foundational to understanding the historical context of this verse, with Alexander the Great and his successors being a common referent for Daniel’s visions. Antiochus IV Epiphanes is frequently identified as the specific "little horn" figure culminating from this empire in the historical period prior to Christ, whose actions remarkably parallel the descriptions of desecration. However, many scholars also see a typological fulfillment in Antiochus, with a broader eschatological fulfillment in a future antichrist figure, aligning with New Testament prophecies. The theme of "understanding" (maschilim) aligns with Daniel's own humility in seeking God for understanding, highlighting the contrast between divinely given wisdom and the self-assured cunning of the oppressor. The repetitive use of "many" (le-rab-bim) stresses the wide-ranging impact of both the oppressor’s actions and the consequences of his destruction.

Daniel 8 25 Commentary

This verse portrays a formidable, yet ultimately doomed, antagonist. He possesses remarkable discernment and uses it for destruction, leading many astray through clever tactics rather than inherent strength. Those with spiritual understanding are caught in his path, some falling victim to his schemes, while others may become agents of his eventual downfall through their wisdom and faithfulness. His reign is characterized by severe oppression, leading to the cessation of God's appointed worship and the widespread capture and despoiling of people and property. However, his complete destruction signifies the ultimate triumph of God’s sovereign will over all earthly powers that oppose Him. This is not just a description of earthly conquest, but a spiritual battle where understanding and faithfulness are key. The verse emphasizes that even the most cunning and powerful human schemes are subject to divine termination.