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Daniel 11:23

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Daniel 11:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

After an alliance is made with him, he will act deceitfully; for he will rise to power with only a few people.

King James Version KJV

And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.

American Standard Version ASV

And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully; for he shall come up, and shall become strong, with a small people.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And from the time when they make an agreement with him, he will be working falsely: for he will take up arms suddenly with a small force,

Free Bible Version FBV

After making an alliance with him, he will act deceptively. He will come to power peacably, becoming strong though only having a few supporters.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And after the league made with him, he shall worke deceitfully: for he shall come vp, and ouercome with a small people.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And after they join themselves unto him, he worketh deceit, and hath increased, and hath been strong by a few of the nation.

World English Bible WEB

After the treaty made with him he will work deceitfully; for he will come up and will become strong with few people.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And after friendships, he will deal deceitfully with him: and he shall go up, and shall overcome with a small people.

Translation for Translators T4T

By making treaties/alliances with the rulers of other nations, he will deceive them, and he will become very powerful, even though he rules a nation that does not have a lot of people.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 11:23

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 11:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/מִן הִֽתְחַבְּר֥וּת אֵלָ֖י/ו יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה מִרְמָ֑ה וְ/עָלָ֥ה וְ/עָצַ֖ם בִּ/מְעַט גּֽוֹי
וּ/מִן min H4480 from Conj | Prep
הִֽתְחַבְּר֥וּת châbar H2266 to unite V-Hithpael-Inf-a
אֵלָ֖י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מִרְמָ֑ה mirmâh H4820 deceit N-fs
וְ/עָלָ֥ה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Qal-3ms
וְ/עָצַ֖ם ʻâtsam H6105 be vast Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בִּ/מְעַט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little Prep | N-ms
גּֽוֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 11:23

וּ/מִן min H4480 "from" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הִֽתְחַבְּר֥וּת châbar H2266 "to unite" V-Hithpael-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to unite or join, and can also refer to charming or spellbinding someone. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. It can also mean to make an alliance or fellowship.
Definition: 1) to unite, join, bind together, be joined, be coupled, be in league, heap up, have fellowship with, be compact, be a charmer 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to unite, be joined 1a2) to tie magic charms, charm 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to unite with, make an ally of 1b2) to unite, join, ally 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be allied with, be united 1c2) to be joined together 1d) (Hiphil) to join together, pile up (words) 1e) (Hithpael) to join oneself to, make an alliance, league together
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: charm(-er), be compact, couple (together), have fellowship with, heap up, join (self, together), league. See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Chronicles 20:35; Psalms 58:6.
אֵלָ֖י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
מִרְמָ֑ה mirmâh H4820 "deceit" N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
וְ/עָלָ֥ה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
וְ/עָצַ֖ם ʻâtsam H6105 "be vast" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This verb means to shut one's eyes tightly or to become powerful, and can also mean to break or crunch bones. It is used in various contexts, including in the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The idea of being strong is central to this word.
Definition: 1) to be vast, be numerous, be mighty 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be mighty 1a2) to be numerous 1b) (Hiphil) to make strong, make mighty
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: break the bones, close, be great, be increased, be (wax) mighty(-ier), be more, shut, be(-come, make) strong(-er). See also: Genesis 26:16; Isaiah 31:1; Psalms 38:20.
בִּ/מְעַט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
גּֽוֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

Study Notes — Daniel 11:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Daniel 8:25 Through his craft and by his hand, he will cause deceit to prosper, and in his own mind he will make himself great. In a time of peace he will destroy many, and he will even stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be broken off, but not by human hands.
2 2 Thessalonians 2:9 The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder,
3 Psalms 52:2 Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.
4 Ezekiel 17:13–19 He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land, so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to lift itself up, surviving only by keeping his covenant. But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’ ‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who enthroned him, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke. Pharaoh with his mighty army and vast horde will not help him in battle, when ramps are built and siege walls constructed to destroy many lives. He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Seeing that he gave his hand in pledge yet did all these things, he will not escape!’ Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, I will bring down upon his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke.
5 Genesis 34:13 But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully.
6 Romans 1:29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips,
7 2 Corinthians 11:3 I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
8 Proverbs 11:18 The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.

Daniel 11:23 Summary

Daniel 11:23 tells us about a person who will rise to power by being deceitful and making alliances with others, but will ultimately use these alliances for his own gain. This is a warning to us about the dangers of deceit and manipulation, and the importance of being honest and trustworthy in our relationships with others (as seen in Proverbs 10:9 and Matthew 5:37). We can learn from this verse to be more discerning and aware of the actions of others, and to always seek to act with integrity and honesty in our own lives, just like Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). By following God's principles, we can avoid the pitfalls of deceit and instead build strong, healthy relationships with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of alliance is being referred to in Daniel 11:23?

The alliance in Daniel 11:23 is likely a treaty or agreement between the despicable person and another nation or leader, as seen in Daniel 11:21-22, where he seizes the kingdom by intrigue and sweeps away a flood of forces before him, similar to the way nations made alliances in the ancient world, such as in 1 Kings 15:18-22.

How does the despicable person act deceitfully in Daniel 11:23?

The despicable person acts deceitfully by rising to power with only a few people, implying that he uses cunning and manipulation to gain control, rather than relying on his own strength or popularity, much like the way King Saul deceived David in 1 Samuel 18:10-11.

What is the significance of the despicable person rising to power with only a few people?

The fact that the despicable person rises to power with only a few people suggests that he does not have a strong or broad base of support, but is rather able to manipulate and deceive others to achieve his goals, similar to the way the serpent deceived Eve in Genesis 3:1-7.

How does Daniel 11:23 relate to the rest of the chapter?

Daniel 11:23 is part of a larger prophecy about the rise and fall of various kingdoms and leaders, and the despicable person's actions are a key part of this narrative, as seen in Daniel 11:21-25, where his actions are described in detail, and in Daniel 11:29-35, where the consequences of his actions are revealed, much like the way God judges nations in Isaiah 13:1-22.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be acting deceitfully in my own life, and how can I turn to God for forgiveness and guidance?
  2. How can I be more discerning and aware of the cunning and manipulation of others, and what role should I play in standing up against such behavior?
  3. What are some ways that I can be more faithful and trustworthy in my own relationships and interactions with others, and how can I reflect the character of God in these ways?
  4. How does the prophecy of Daniel 11:23 relate to my own life and circumstances, and what can I learn from the example of the despicable person about the dangers of deceit and manipulation?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 11:23

And after the league made with him,.... The prince of the covenant; either Demetrius his nephew, or Ptolemy Philometor king of Egypt, with whom a league was made in the lifetime of Cleopatra, the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 11:23

And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people. And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 11:23

For he made a league with Egypt, and came with a few in comparison, (but they were chosen men,) and he took the passes, and set garrisons, and put all in subjection to him.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 11:23

Daniel 11:23 And after the league [made] with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.Ver. 23. He shall work deceitfully.] Outwitting the wisest among the Egyptians, who yet were held great politicians. See Isaiah 19:11; Isaiah 19:13. And shall become strong with a small people.] He shall come in, as protector and co-adjutor to his nephew Philometor, with a small number, lest the Egyptians should be frightened; but being thus gotten in, he shall play his pranks to some purpose.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 11:23

(23) He shall work.—Apparently this verse explains more fully the means by which the king succeeds in maintaining his influence. He has already destroyed those who are at peace with him. From the time that he first becomes their confederate, he works deceitfully, coming up with hostile intent, accompanied only by a few people, and in this way throwing off their guard those whom he would destroy.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 11:23

Verse 23. He shall come up] From Rome, where he had been a hostage for the payment of the tax laid on his father. Shall become strong with a small people.] At first he had but few to espouse his cause when he arrived at Antioch, the people having been greatly divided by the many claimants of the crown; but being supported by Eumenes and Attalus, his few people increased, and he became strong.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 11:23

23. And from the time when he (or any) joins himself unto him—viz. in a league (2 Ch. 30:35, 37; cf. above, Daniel 11:6)—he shall work deceit] he will immediately scheme to overreach his ally. The reference is again ambiguous. The allusion might be specially to Antiochus’ insincere friendship with Philometor, or to the manner in which he treated his allies in general. and he shall come up] i.e., probably, rise to power (cf. Deuteronomy 28:43). The explanation ‘go up (the Nile to Memphis)’ (Jer. ascendit Memphim) is not natural. (The comma after up in A.V. should be transferred to follow strong.) with a little (Daniel 11:34) nation] alluding apparently (Bevan) to the partisans of Antiochus, ‘by whose help he was able to rise to power and overcome his rivals.’

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 11:23

And after the league made with him - A treaty of peace and concord. The great subject of contention between the kings of Syria and Egypt was the possession of Coelo-Syria and Palestine.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 11:23

23. Bevan translates, “And from the time when they shall ally themselves with him, he shall practice fraud and shall rise and become strong with (but) few men.” Those with whom this king made

Sermons on Daniel 11:23

SermonDescription
Reggie Kelly The Mystery of Iniquity by Reggie Kelly Reggie Kelly delves into the profound mysteries of Genesis 3:15, connecting it to the comprehensive plan of God revealed in the Bible, particularly focusing on the two seeds repres
George Fox Epistle 208 by George Fox George Fox preaches about the importance of patience, love, and meekness in overcoming the challenges and temptations of the world, emphasizing the need to follow the example of Ch
George Fox Epistle 229 by George Fox George Fox preaches about the importance of living in the spirit rather than the flesh, emphasizing the need to set our affections on heavenly things and subject our souls to the h
Zac Poonen (Christian Leadership) Lovers of the Truth by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is not written in a logical or mathematical way, but rather speaks to the heart. He shares an anecdote about preaching in a se
Sandeep Poonen Beware of False Prophets by Sandeep Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing the problem of sin in all individuals, both Christians and non-Christians. It highlights Jesus as the solution to the problem o
Zac Poonen Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 1 by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the theme of deception as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 11 and Revelation, emphasizing how deception has been a tool of the enemy from the beginning with Eve
Zac Poonen Signs of Second Coming of Jesus by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against deception in the last days, warning against false prophets, counterfeit gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the need to co
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