Daniel 11:2
Daniel 11:2 in Multiple Translations
Now then, I will tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. By the power of his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece.
And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.
And now will I show thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and when he is waxed strong through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece.
And now I will make clear to you what is true. There are still three kings to come in Persia, and the fourth will have much greater wealth than all of them: and when he has become strong through his wealth, he will put his forces in motion against all the kingdoms of Greece.
So now let me reveal the truth to you. There are still three kings to come to power in Persia, and then a fourth who will be far richer than all the others. When he becomes strong through his wealth, he will rally the whole kingdom against Greece.
And now wil I shew thee ye trueth, Behold, there shall stand vp yet three Kings in Persia, and the fourth shall be farre richer then they all: and by his strength, and by his riches he shall stirre vp all against the realme of Grecia.
and, now, truth I declare to thee, Lo, yet three kings are standing for Persia, and the fourth doth become far richer than all, and according to his strength by his riches he stirreth up the whole, with the kingdom of Javan.
“Now I will show you the truth. Behold, three more kings will stand up in Persia. The fourth will be far richer than all of them. When he has grown strong through his riches, he will stir up all against the realm of Greece.
And now will I show thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.
And now I will shew thee the truth. Behold there shall stand yet three kings in Persia, and the fourth shall be enriched exceedingly above them all: and when he shall be grown mighty by his riches, he shall stir up all against the kingdom of Greece.
The angel also said, “And what I am going to reveal to you now will truly happen. There will be three more kings to rule Persia, one after the other. Then there will be a fourth king, who will be much richer than the others. As a result of his giving a lot of money to people, they will enable him to become very powerful. Then he will incite/persuade many nations [HYP] to fight against the kingdom of Greece.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 11:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Daniel 11:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
אֱמֶ֖ת
אַגִּ֣יד
לָ֑/ךְ
הִנֵּה
עוֹד֩
שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה
מְלָכִ֜ים
עֹמְדִ֣ים
לְ/פָרַ֗ס
וְ/הָֽ/רְבִיעִי֙
יַעֲשִׁ֤יר
עֹֽשֶׁר
גָּדוֹל֙
מִ/כֹּ֔ל
וּ/כְ/חֶזְקָת֣/וֹ
בְ/עָשְׁר֔/וֹ
יָעִ֣יר
הַ/כֹּ֔ל
אֵ֖ת
מַלְכ֥וּת
יָוָֽן
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
אֱמֶ֖ת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
אַגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
לָ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
עוֹד֩
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
מְלָכִ֜ים
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
עֹמְדִ֣ים
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal
לְ/פָרַ֗ס
Pâraç
H6539
Persia
Prep | N-proper
וְ/הָֽ/רְבִיעִי֙
rᵉbîyʻîy
H7243
fourth
Conj | Art | Adj
יַעֲשִׁ֤יר
ʻâshar
H6238
to enrich
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
עֹֽשֶׁר
ʻôsher
H6239
riches
N-ms
גָּדוֹל֙
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
מִ/כֹּ֔ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
וּ/כְ/חֶזְקָת֣/וֹ
chezqâh
H2393
strength
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
בְ/עָשְׁר֔/וֹ
ʻôsher
H6239
riches
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יָעִ֣יר
ʻûwr
H5782
to rouse
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
הַ/כֹּ֔ל
kôl
H3605
all
Art | N-ms
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַלְכ֥וּת
malkûwth
H4438
royalty
N-fs
יָוָֽן
Yâvân
H3120
Greece
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 11:2
וְ/עַתָּ֕ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
אֱמֶ֖ת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
אַגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לָ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
עוֹד֩
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
מְלָכִ֜ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
עֹמְדִ֣ים
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לְ/פָרַ֗ס
Pâraç
H6539
"Persia"
Prep | N-proper
This word refers to the ancient country of Persia, which included a vast territory from India to Egypt. The Bible mentions Persia in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where it plays a significant role in the history of the Israelites.
Definition: § Persia = "pure" or "splendid" the empire Persia; encompassed the territory from India on the east to Egypt and Thrace on the west, and included, besides portions of Europe and Africa, the whole of western Asia between the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Caspian and the Jaxartes on the north, the Arabian desert, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean on the south Persia proper was bounded on the west by Susiana or Elam, on the north by Media, on the south by the Persian Gulf and on the east by Carmania Persian, of Persia "pure" or "splendid"
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Persia, Persians. See also: 2 Chronicles 36:20; Esther 1:3; Daniel 11:2.
וְ/הָֽ/רְבִיעִי֙
rᵉbîyʻîy
H7243
"fourth"
Conj | Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means fourth, and is used to describe something that is four-sided or divided into four parts, like a square or a quarter.
Definition: 1) fourth 1a) fourth 1b) four square 1c) fourth part Aramaic equivalent: re.vi.ay (רְבִיעִי "fourth" H7244)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: foursquare, fourth (part). See also: Genesis 1:19; 1 Chronicles 8:2; Jeremiah 25:1.
יַעֲשִׁ֤יר
ʻâshar
H6238
"to enrich"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to become or make rich, often describing financial prosperity or wealth, as seen in the story of Solomon's riches in 1 Kings 10. It is translated as 'to be rich' or 'enrich' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to be or become rich or wealthy, enrich, pretend to be rich 1a) (Qal) to be or become rich 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make rich 1b2) to gain riches 1c) (Hithpael) to enrich oneself, pretend to be rich
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: be(-come, en-, make, make self, wax) rich, make (1 Kings 22:48 marg). See H6240 (עָשָׂר). See also: Genesis 14:23; Proverbs 13:7; Psalms 49:17.
עֹֽשֶׁר
ʻôsher
H6239
"riches"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.
Definition: wealth, riches
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far (richer), riches. See also: Genesis 31:16; Proverbs 3:16; Psalms 49:7.
גָּדוֹל֙
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
מִ/כֹּ֔ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
וּ/כְ/חֶזְקָת֣/וֹ
chezqâh
H2393
"strength"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word is about prevailing power, like in 2 Samuel 22:33 where God gives strength to his people. It's used to describe someone who is strong and courageous.
Definition: strength, strong, being strong, force
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: strength(-en self), (was) strong. See also: 2 Chronicles 12:1; Isaiah 8:11; Daniel 11:2.
בְ/עָשְׁר֔/וֹ
ʻôsher
H6239
"riches"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.
Definition: wealth, riches
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far (richer), riches. See also: Genesis 31:16; Proverbs 3:16; Psalms 49:7.
יָעִ֣יר
ʻûwr
H5782
"to rouse"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.
Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.
הַ/כֹּ֔ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מַלְכ֥וּת
malkûwth
H4438
"royalty"
N-fs
Royalty or royal power refers to the authority and dominion of a king or queen, like Solomon's reign in Israel. It can also mean the kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch. The word is used in the Bible to describe sovereign power and authority.
Definition: 1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power 1a) royal power, dominion 1b) reign 1c) kingdom, realm Aramaic equivalent: mal.khu (מַלְכוּ "kingdom" H4437)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. See also: Numbers 24:7; Esther 1:9; Psalms 45:7.
יָוָֽן
Yâvân
H3120
"Greece"
N-proper
Refers to Greece or the Greeks, descended from Javan, a son of Joktan. This term is used to describe the country and its people, as seen in the KJV translation of Javan.
Definition: § Javan = "Ionia" or "Greece" 1) Greece, Ionia, Ionians 2) location of descendants of Javan
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Javan. See also: Genesis 10:2; Ezekiel 27:13; Isaiah 66:19.
Study Notes — Daniel 11:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 11:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 11:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 11:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 11:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 11:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 11:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 11:2
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 11:2
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 11:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 11:2
- Sermons on Daniel 11:2
Context — Kings of the South and North
1“And I, in the first year of Darius the Mede, stood up to strengthen and protect him.
2Now then, I will tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. By the power of his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece.
3Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great authority and do as he pleases. 4But as soon as he is established, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the authority with which he ruled, because his kingdom will be uprooted and given to others.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 4:5–6 | They hired counselors against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia. At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, an accusation was lodged against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. |
| 2 | Daniel 8:26 | The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been spoken is true. Now you must seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.” |
| 3 | Revelation 21:5 | And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.” |
| 4 | Daniel 8:4 | I saw the ram charging toward the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against him, and there was no deliverance from his power. He did as he pleased and became great. |
| 5 | Daniel 11:25 | And with a large army he will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South, who will mobilize a very large and powerful army but will not withstand the plots devised against him. |
| 6 | Daniel 10:20–21 | “Do you know why I have come to you?” he said. “I must return at once to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I have gone forth, behold, the prince of Greece will come. But first I will tell you what is inscribed in the Book of Truth. Yet no one has the courage to support me against these, except Michael your prince. |
| 7 | Daniel 7:5 | Suddenly another beast appeared, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. So it was told, ‘Get up and gorge yourself on flesh!’ |
| 8 | Proverbs 22:21 | to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you? |
| 9 | Psalms 73:6–7 | Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them. From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. |
| 10 | Amos 3:7 | Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. |
Daniel 11:2 Summary
This verse is talking about a time when four kings will rule over the Persian Empire, with the fourth king being extremely wealthy and using his wealth to attack the kingdom of Greece, as also mentioned in Daniel 8:20-21. This shows us that God is in control of all the nations and their leaders, as seen in Jeremiah 27:5-7. The Bible warns us not to trust in riches or power, but to trust in God, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:17 and Psalm 20:7. By looking at this verse, we can learn to trust in God's plan and purposes, even when things seem uncertain, and remember that true wealth and power come from Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Daniel 11:2?
The verse is referring to the Persian Empire, which was a major world power at the time, as seen in Daniel 11:1, where the prophet is standing with Darius the Mede, and later in Daniel 11:3, a mighty king will arise, likely referring to Alexander the Great of Greece, as mentioned in Daniel 8:21.
Who are the three kings that will arise in Persia before the fourth?
The Bible does not specifically name these kings, but historians believe they may be Cyrus, Cambyses, and Darius I, based on the timeline of the Persian Empire, which is also discussed in Ezra 4:5 and Nehemiah 12:22.
What does it mean that the fourth king will be 'far richer' than the others?
This refers to the vast wealth and resources of the Persian Empire under the rule of the fourth king, possibly Xerxes I, who was known for his extravagant spending and large army, similar to the wealth of Solomon in 1 Kings 10:23.
How does the fourth king's wealth affect the kingdom of Greece?
According to Daniel 11:2, the fourth king's wealth will be used to 'stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece', indicating a major conflict between the Persian Empire and Greece, which is also prophesied in Daniel 8:20-21 and fulfilled in the battles between the Persians and the Greeks, as recorded in Esther 1:1 and Ezekiel 27:10-11.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's sovereignty over the nations and their leaders, as seen in Jeremiah 27:5-7 and Psalm 2:1-4?
- How does the description of the fourth king's wealth and power relate to the warning against trusting in riches in 1 Timothy 6:17 and Proverbs 11:28?
- What can we learn from the fact that the fourth king's wealth will be used to 'stir up' conflict, rather than to promote peace, as seen in James 4:1-3 and Matthew 6:24?
- How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's plan and purposes, even when the world around us seems uncertain, as seen in Isaiah 46:10 and Romans 8:28-30?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 11:2
And now will I show thee the truth,.... And nothing but the truth; what will most certainly come to pass, and may be depended on, even what is written in the book of God's decrees, "the Scripture of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 11:2
And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 11:2
The truth: this is that thing which Daniel saith, , was revealed unto him, and was true, i.e. plain, without any obscurity, and should suddenly and certainly come to pass. There shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; which notes their flourishing and strength; for after them that monarchy declined. These three are Cyrus, Smerdis, Darius Hystaspes. Others put Cambyses for Cyrus; others add Xerxes, who is added as the fourth in this same verse, and made more potent than all the other three, because his father Darius had gathered an incredible mass for him, and he also himself drove the same trade for six years together before he made his expedition against Greece. There were more kings of Persia besides those four, but they had no concern with the people of God; but those four had, either in hindering or helping the building of the temple, and therefore the angel’ s instructions from God to Daniel were principally touching those four who are mentioned. The fourth shall be far richer than they all: he had vast territories from India to Ethiopia; he had a navy of one thousand two hundred ships, and an army of eight hundred thousand, as Ctesias writes, but Herodotus speaks of a prodigious army that Xerxes had little short of five millions and a half, (five millions two hundred and eighty-three thousand,) and all against the realm of Greece, where he made incredible havoc at Thermopyle and Athens, as the Greek and Latin histories mention.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 11:2
Daniel 11:2 And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than [they] all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.Ver. 2. And now I will show thee the truth.] The plain, naked truth, in proper and downright terms, dealing with thee more like a historian than a prophet. Truth is, like our first parents, most beautiful when naked. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia.] Three besides Darius, viz., Cyrus, Cambyses, and Darius Hystaspis; for as for Smerdis or the Magus, who took upon him to be the son of Cyrus, and usurped the throne after Cambyses for six months, the holy angel holds him not worth naming. And the fourth shall be far richer than they all.] This was Xerxes, who was called the hoarder of his kingdom, like as his father Darius had been called the huckster, regni caupo, the huckster of the kingdom, for his unmeasurable riches gathered out of all the East, and prepared for the war against Greece. And when he shall be strengthened by his riches.] Which were never true to those that trusted them. He shall stir up all.] He shall bring into the field a million of men, and cover the seas with his ships, thinking to bear down all before him; but was shamefully defeated by the Grecians, and forced in a small fishing boat to get back into Asia, where, falling into inordinate lust and cruelty, he was killed by Artabanus, and left this war hereditary to his successors, until the ruin of the Persian kingdom by great Alexander, of whom in the next verse. Herodot, in Thalia.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 11:2
(2) The truth.—Comp. Daniel 10:21. This is the commencement of the revelation promised in Daniel 10:14; and from this point till the end of the book the difficulties that have to be encountered in attempting an exposition are almost insuperable. It has been customary from the time of St. Jerome, if not from an earlier epoch, to explain most of what follows as referring to the Ptolemies and Seleucidæ. The difficulties which oppose this interpretation will be pointed out in the notes. It is a question whether, after all, the early interpretation is correct, and, if not, whether this revelation does not still await its complete fulfilment. The mere similarity which exists between certain things predicted here and what actually occurred in the times of the Ptolemies is not sufficient to limit the fulfilment of the prophecy to those times, still less to justify the assumption that the section before us is a history of what occurred from the disruption of the Greek Empire to the death of Antiochus. “History repeats itself;” and just as Antiochus (Daniel 8:23-25) is a type of Antichrist (Daniel 7:21), so the events and political combinations which preceded Antiochus may be regarded as typical of what will occur before the coming of the Messiah and the general resurrection, with a prediction of which (Daniel 12:2-3) this revelation concludes. Three kings.—It is hard to say who these were. Cyrus being on the throne already, it is most probable that his three successors are intended—Cambyses, Darius, and Xerxes.
Those four kings appear to have been selected whose influence was most prominent in its bearings upon Israel. Xerxes is called the fourth king because the reckoning dates from Cyrus, and the short reign of the Pseudo Smerdis is not taken into account. Not only do the riches of Xerxes point him out as the last king, but also his conduct towards Greece may be correctly described as “stirring up” against himself “the realm of Grecia.” Against . . .—The passage gives better sense if translated, he shall stir up all, the kingdom of Greece, that is, amongst those stirred up the kingdom of Greece is most prominent. It should be noticed that at the time of the invasion of Europe by Xerxes, Greece was in no sense “a kingdom.” Such language is incompatible with an authorship during the Maccabee period.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 11:2
Verse 2. There shall stand up yet three kings] Gabriel had already spoken of Cyrus, who was now reigning; and after him three others should arise. These were, 1. Cambyses, the son of Cyrus. 2. Smerdis, the Magian, who was an impostor, who pretended to be another son of Cyrus. And, 3. Darius, the son of Hystaspes, who married Mandane, the daughter of Cyrus. Cambyses reigned seven years and five months; Smerdis reigned only seven months; and Darius Hystaspes reigned thirty-six years. The fourth shall be far richer than they all] This was Xerxes, the son of Darius, of whom Justin says. "He had so great an abundance of riches in his kingdom, that although rivers were dried up by his numerous armies, yet his wealth remained unexhausted." He shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.] His military strength was such, that Herodotus, who lived in that time, informs us that his army amounted to five millions, two hundred and eighty-three thousand, two hundred and twenty men.
Besides these, the Carthaginians furnished him with an army of three hundred thousand men, and a fleet of two hundred ships. He led an army against the Greeks of eight hundred thousand men, and twelve hundred and seven ships, with three banks of rowers each. As he marched along, he obliged all the people of the countries through which he passed to join him.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 11:2
(2) Daniel 11:2 to Daniel 12:4. The revelation given to Daniel. This consists of a survey of the history from the beginning of the Persian period down to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, followed by a description of the Messianic age, to begin afterwards. The description is brief and general in its earlier part, more detailed in the later parts. The angel first refers briefly to the doings of four Persian kings (Daniel 11:2), and of Alexander the Great (Daniel 11:3), with the division of his empire after his death (Daniel 11:4); then narrates more fully the leagues and conflicts between the kings of Antioch (‘the kings of the north’), and of Egypt (‘the kings of the south’), in the centuries following (Daniel 11:5-20); and finally, most fully of all, describes the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes (Daniel 11:21-45), including his conflicts with Egypt, and the persecution of the Jews (Daniel 11:30 b–39). The death of Antiochus is followed by a resurrection (of Israelites), and the advent of the Messianic age (Daniel 12:1-3). The revelation is intended to shew that the course of history is in God’s hands, and that though it may bring with it a period of trial for His people, this will be followed, at the appointed time, by its deliverance. It is thus designed particularly for the encouragement of those living in the season of trial, i.e. under the persecution of Antiochus; it is accordingly to be ‘sealed up’ by Daniel until then (Daniel 12:4). As is usual in apocalyptic literature (Enoch, Baruch, 2 Esdras, &c.), no names are mentioned; the characters and events referred to being described in veiled language, which sometimes leaves the interpretation uncertain. The Commentary of Jerome is important in this chapter, on account of its preserving notices from writers no longer extant.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 11:2
And now will I show thee the truth - That is, the truth about events that are to occur in the future, and which will accord with what is written in “the scripture of truth,” Daniel 10:21.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 11:2
2. Three kings in Persia — There were really a dozen kings who ruled over the Medo-Persian empire; but Daniel is only concerned with those who had especial influence over the destinies of the Jewish people.
Sermons on Daniel 11:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Bad Family Tree by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reason why Jesus had to come. He highlights the guilt and shame that sin brings and uses the story of Tamar |
|
Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker describes a visit to a trailer park filled with worldly people, but also discovers that there are 16 Christians living there. The speaker then discusses |
|
The Preacher by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the role of the preacher in today's society. He emphasizes that despite the push towards celebrity and entertainment, the B |
|
His Infinitude - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the belief that God created the beautiful wonders of nature, such as sunsets, with joy and intention. The preacher supports this belief by r |
|
Intellectual Climate and New Theology by Francis Schaeffer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of an impenetrable mystery that lies behind all creation, both human and divine. He emphasizes the inexhaustible energy that exis |
|
(Pdf Book) Behold I Will Do a New Thing by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes that God desires to do a new thing in every person's life, whether they are saved or unsaved. He encourages believers to seek this transformation through ear |
|
A Fast for Waters That Do Not Fail (Part 1) by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker, Doug Nichols, emphasizes the importance of taking action and praying for more missionaries to bring the gospel to children suffering from malnutrition |