Daniel 11:4
Daniel 11:4 in Multiple Translations
But 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.
And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.
And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion wherewith he ruled; for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides these.
And when he has become strong, his kingdom will be broken and parted to the four winds of heaven; but not to his offspring, for it will be uprooted; and his kingdom will be for the others and not for these: but not with the same authority as his.
But as he extends his power his kingdom will be broken up, divided towards the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, and it will not be ruled as he ruled. It will be pulled up and given to others.
And when he shall stand vp, his kingdome shall be broken, and shall be deuided towarde the foure windes of heauen: and not to his posteritie, nor according to his dominion, which he ruled: for his kingdome shall be pluckt vp, euen to be for others besides those.
and according to his standing is his kingdom broken, and divided to the four winds of the heavens, and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion that he ruled, for his kingdom is plucked up — and for others apart from these.
When he stands up, his kingdom will be broken and will be divided toward the four winds of the sky, but not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom will be plucked up, even for others besides these.
And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided towards the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.
And when he shall come to his height, his kingdom shall be broken, and it shall be divided towards the four winds of the heaven: but not to his posterity, nor according to his power with which he ruled. For his kingdom shall be rent in pieces, even for strangers, beside these.
But when he has become very powerful, he will die. Then his kingdom will be divided into four parts. Kings who are not his descendants will rule, but they will not be as powerful as he was.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 11:4
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 11:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/כְ/עָמְד/וֹ֙
תִּשָּׁבֵ֣ר
מַלְכוּת֔/וֹ
וְ/תֵחָ֕ץ
לְ/אַרְבַּ֖ע
רוּח֣וֹת
הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם
וְ/לֹ֣א
לְ/אַחֲרִית֗/וֹ
וְ/לֹ֤א
כְ/מָשְׁל/וֹ֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
מָשָׁ֔ל
כִּ֤י
תִנָּתֵשׁ֙
מַלְכוּת֔/וֹ
וְ/לַ/אֲחֵרִ֖ים
מִ/לְּ/בַד
אֵֽלֶּה
וּ/כְ/עָמְד/וֹ֙
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
תִּשָּׁבֵ֣ר
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
מַלְכוּת֔/וֹ
malkûwth
H4438
royalty
N-fs | Suff
וְ/תֵחָ֕ץ
châtsâh
H2673
to divide
Conj | V-Niphal-Juss-3fs
לְ/אַרְבַּ֖ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Prep | Adj
רוּח֣וֹת
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cp
הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
לְ/אַחֲרִית֗/וֹ
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
Prep | N-fs | Suff
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
כְ/מָשְׁל/וֹ֙
môshel
H4915
likeness
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מָשָׁ֔ל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תִנָּתֵשׁ֙
nâthash
H5428
to uproot
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
מַלְכוּת֔/וֹ
malkûwth
H4438
royalty
N-fs | Suff
וְ/לַ/אֲחֵרִ֖ים
ʼachêr
H312
another
Conj | Prep | Adj
מִ/לְּ/בַד
bad
H905
alone
Prep | Prep | N-ms
אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 11:4
וּ/כְ/עָמְד/וֹ֙
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
תִּשָּׁבֵ֣ר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
מַלְכוּת֔/וֹ
malkûwth
H4438
"royalty"
N-fs | Suff
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.
וְ/תֵחָ֕ץ
châtsâh
H2673
"to divide"
Conj | V-Niphal-Juss-3fs
To divide means to cut or split something in two, like the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus. This word can also mean to live half of one's life, as seen in the story of Isaac.
Definition: 1) to divide, cut in two, cut short, live half (of one's life) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide 1a2) to half, cut in two 1b) (Niphal) to be divided
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: divide, [idiom] live out half, reach to the midst, participle See also: Genesis 32:8; 2 Kings 2:8; Psalms 55:24.
לְ/אַרְבַּ֖ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Prep | Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
רוּח֣וֹת
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cp
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
לְ/אַחֲרִית֗/וֹ
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כְ/מָשְׁל/וֹ֙
môshel
H4915
"likeness"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Dominion refers to having power or control over something, like a king ruling over his kingdom. It's about being in charge or having authority, as seen in biblical accounts of kings and rulers.
Definition: likeness, one like, similitude
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: dominion, like. See also: Job 41:25; Daniel 11:4; Zechariah 9:10.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
מָשָׁ֔ל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תִנָּתֵשׁ֙
nâthash
H5428
"to uproot"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to uproot or tear away, like pulling up a plant by its roots. It is used in the Bible to describe God's judgment, as in Jeremiah 12:14-15, where God uproots nations.
Definition: 1) to pull up, expel, root out, pluck up 1a) (Qal) to pull or pluck up 1b) (Niphal) to be plucked up 1c) (Hophal) to be plucked up
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destroy, forsake, pluck (out, up, by the roots), pull up, root out (up), [idiom] utterly. s See also: Deuteronomy 29:27; Jeremiah 18:14; Psalms 9:7.
מַלְכוּת֔/וֹ
malkûwth
H4438
"royalty"
N-fs | Suff
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.
וְ/לַ/אֲחֵרִ֖ים
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Conj | Prep | Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
מִ/לְּ/בַד
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
Study Notes — Daniel 11:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 11:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 11:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 11:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 11:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 11:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 11:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 11:4
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 11:4
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 11:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 11:4
- Sermons on Daniel 11:4
Context — Kings of the South and North
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.
5The king of the South will grow strong, but one of his commanders will grow even stronger and will rule his own kingdom with great authority. 6After some years they will form an alliance, and the daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the North to seal the agreement. But his daughter will not retain her position of power, nor will his strength endure. At that time she will be given up, along with her royal escort and her father and the one who supported her.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 8:22 | The four horns that replaced the broken one represent four kingdoms that will rise from that nation, but will not have the same power. |
| 2 | Daniel 8:8 | Thus the goat became very great, but at the height of his power, his large horn was broken off, and four prominent horns came up in its place, pointing toward the four winds of heaven. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 12:17 | But if they will not obey, then I will uproot that nation; I will uproot it and destroy it, declares the LORD.” |
| 4 | Daniel 7:2 | Daniel declared: “In my vision in the night I looked, and suddenly the four winds of heaven were churning up the great sea. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 18:7 | At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 12:15 | But after I have uprooted them, I will once again have compassion on them and return each one to his inheritance and to his land. |
| 7 | Daniel 7:8 | While I was contemplating the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like those of a man and a mouth that spoke words of arrogance. |
| 8 | Daniel 7:6 | Next, as I watched, another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and it was given authority to rule. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 31:40 | The whole valley of the dead bodies and ashes, and all the fields as far as the Kidron Valley, to the corner of the Horse Gate to the east, will be holy to the LORD. It will never again be uprooted or demolished.” |
| 10 | Job 20:5–7 | the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? Though his arrogance reaches the heavens, and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who had seen him will ask, ‘Where is he?’ |
Daniel 11:4 Summary
This verse, Daniel 11:4, tells us that even the most powerful kingdoms will eventually come to an end, and their power will be given to others. This is a reminder that all earthly things are temporary, as seen in 1 Peter 1:24, and that we should trust in God's eternal kingdom, as described in Hebrews 12:28. Just like the mighty king in this verse, our own accomplishments and achievements can be taken away in an instant, so we must seek to build our lives on the rock of God's Word, as taught in Matthew 7:24-27. By recognizing the fleeting nature of human power, we can focus on what truly lasts, our relationship with God and our obedience to His will.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by the 'four winds of heaven' in Daniel 11:4?
The phrase 'four winds of heaven' is a metaphor for the entire world, as seen in Jeremiah 49:36, where God scatters the nations to the four winds, indicating a complete and thorough dispersal of power and authority, much like what is described in Ezekiel 37:9.
Why does the kingdom not go to the descendants of the mighty king?
According to Daniel 11:4, the kingdom will not go to the descendants of the mighty king because his kingdom will be uprooted and given to others, reflecting a pattern seen in Isaiah 40:24, where God brings down the mighty and raises up the humble.
How does this verse relate to the larger theme of God's sovereignty?
Daniel 11:4 demonstrates God's control over the rise and fall of kingdoms, as stated in Daniel 2:21 and Daniel 4:17, where God is said to give wisdom and authority to whom He wills, emphasizing His sovereign power over human history.
What can we learn from the fleeting nature of human kingdoms?
The transience of human kingdoms, as seen in Daniel 11:4, teaches us to trust in God's eternal kingdom, as described in Hebrews 12:28, and to seek His righteousness, rather than putting our hope in earthly powers, as warned in 1 John 2:17.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of human power and authority, and how does it relate to my own life and ambitions?
- How does the image of a kingdom being 'uprooted and given to others' challenge my understanding of security and stability?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Daniel 11:4 to my own relationships and pursuits, recognizing that all earthly things are temporary?
- What does this verse teach me about God's sovereignty and control over the course of human events, and how can I trust in His goodness and wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 11:4
And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken,.... When Alexander was risen up to his highest pitch of grandeur, was sole monarch of the world, in the height of his ambition, in the prime
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 11:4
And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 11:4
When he shall stand up; when he is come to his highest, as monarch of the world, &c. After he had enjoyed that title a little while, his kingdom was broken, as the text saith. So it was, into four pieces, whereof we have spoken, Daniel 7 Daniel 8. Not to his posterity, but to four of his chief commanders, who should reign in the four quarters of the world, i.e. Alexander’ s conquest, though here he only mentions two of them, Egypt and Syria, i.e. the south and the north. Alexander had a brother, named Aridaeus, and two sons, Alexander and Hercules, besides others of his blood, but the nobles destroyed them all; and so the whole race of Alexander was rooted out to fulfil this prophecy; but judicially, for his great cruelty, pride, and luxury. Nor according to his dominion; they did not reign as kings at first, but only as captains; and as to the extent of their dominion, it was far less than Alexander’ s, yea, all four fell short of his. For others beside those; some lesser commanders shared several parts of that empire, as Eumenes, Philotes, with many more, at least ten; as histories tell us.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 11:4
Daniel 11:4 And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.Ver. 4. And when he shall stand up.] And seemeth to be best underlaid, set to live, as we say, when he standeth on his best bottom, expecting ambassadors at Babylon from all the world, requiring divine honours from his Grecians, and enjoining the Jews that their dates should be taken from his reign, and that all the priests’ sons born that year should be called Alexanders. His kingdom shall be broken.] As brittle ware is apt to be. And shall be divided toward the four winds.] Sic transit gloria mundi. So fleeting is the fame of the world. Fitly compared to the wind, to a dream, to a shadow, to a dream of a shadow. Great Alexander’ s kingdom was first broken into many pieces by twelve of his princes, until, eleven years after his death, it became quadripartite, &c. Here is foretold being divided among four of his chieftains, Cassander, Antigonus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy, till at length these two last got all into their hands, and yet were ever jarring and warring, as appeareth by what here followeth. And not to his posterity.] For all his kindred were killed by Cassander, with whom it happened accordingly. Nor according to his dominion.] For although they were all sovereign princes, yet they fell far short of Alexander in command and warlike fame.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 11:4
(4) Broken.—The shortness of the king’s reign is implied; the moment that he has arisen he will come to nothing. As in Daniel 8:8, the great horn was broken, so here the kingdom is broken and dismembered. This has been explained to mean the sudden collapse of the Greek empire after the death of Alexander. Not to his posterity.—The kingdom disappears without the members of the king’s family reaping any benefit from it. It is “plucked up for others besides these”—i.e., to the exclusion of his lawful heirs—and strangers shall possess the fragments of his empire. This is explained of the partition of Alexander’s empire among his generals, and of the murder of his two sons, Hercules and Alexander, but the language is too indefinite to make any such identification certain. The revelation directs our attention to a self-willed king, whose large empire is to come to a sudden and unexpected end; the ruins of it are not to benefit his posterity, but apparently two strangers, who are designated king of the north and king of the south respectively.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 11:4
Verse 4. His kingdom shall be broken] Shall, after his death, be divided among his four chief generals, as we have seen before. See Daniel 8:22. And not to his posterity] The family of Alexander had a most tragical end: 1. His wife Statira was murdered soon after his death by his other wife Roxana. 2. His brother Aridaeus, who succeeded him, was killed, together with his wife Euridice, by command of Olympias, Alexander's mother, after he had been king about six years and some months. 3. Olympias herself was killed by the soldiers in revenge. 4. Alexander AEgus, his son, together with his mother Roxana, was slain by order of Cassander. 5. Two years after, his other son Hercules, with his mother Barsine, was privately murdered by Polysperchon; so that in fifteen years after his death not one of his family or posterity remained alive! "Blood calls for blood." He (Alexander) was the great butcher of men.
He was either poisoned, or killed himself by immoderate drinking, when he was only thirty-two years and eight months old: and a retributive Providence destroyed all his posterity, so that neither root nor branch of them was left on the face of the earth. Thus ended Alexander, the great butcher; and thus ended his family and posterity.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 11:4
4. The disruption of Alexander’s empire, after his death. when he shall stand up] or, at the time of his standing up. The expression, if correct, will be intended to emphasize the short-lived duration of Alexander’s empire (his reign extended from 336 to 323; his conquests in Asia from 334 to 323). But in view of Dan 8:8, Grδtz’s emendation, ‘when he shall become strong’ (ελςφξε for ελςξγε), is a probable one; the reference will then be to the manner in which Alexander was suddenly struck down in the midst of his successes. be broken] The word is, no doubt, suggested by Daniel 8:8, where it is used of the ‘great horn,’ which symbolizes Alexander. toward the four winds of heaven] So also Daniel 8:8. Alexander’s empire, after his death, was broken up; and in the end the four kingdoms of Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy arose upon its ruins (see on Daniel 8:8). but (it shall) not (belong) to his posterity] Alexander, the conqueror’s youthful son by Roxana, and Herakles, an illegitimate son, were both murdered in 310 or 309, the former by Cassander directly, the latter by Polysperchon at Cassander’s persuasion (Diod. Sic. xix. 105, xx. 28). nor (be) according to his dominion, wherewith he ruled] The divided kingdom would not, in any of its parts, retain the power and prestige which Alexander enjoyed. Cf. Daniel 8:22, ‘but not with his power.’ pluckt up] The figure is that of a tree: it is common in Jeremiah, as Jeremiah 1:10, Jeremiah 18:7, Jeremiah 31:28. and (it shall be) for others besides these] besides Alexander’s generals,—with allusion to the independent petty dynasties which arose gradually in Cappadocia, Armenia, and other countries, during the century and a half that followed upon the death of Alexander (Jerome, von Leng., Bevan). From this point onwards the author confines himself to the kingdoms of the north and of the south, i.e. of the Seleucidae (in Syria), and of the Ptolemies (in Egypt),—these being the two dynasties which during the period that elapsed from the death of Alexander to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, successively dominated Palestine.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 11:4
And when he shall stand up - In the might and power of his kingdom. When his power shall be fully established.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 11:4
4. This is a reference to what has been previously stated more explicitly concerning Alexander and the ending of his empire (Daniel 8:5-8).
Sermons on Daniel 11:4
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.11 & 12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Daniel chapter 11 and the continuation of the angel Gabriel's message to Daniel. The chapter recounts historical events that were to take pla |
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"America Rejecting the Light" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the concept of God's potential withdrawal of protection from a nation that has been abundantly blessed but has turned away from Him. It explores the idea th |
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(Messages) Weapons for Temptation by Basilea Schlink | In this video, Mother Basilea Schlink of the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary discusses the urgent need for Christians to rise up and accept the challenge of spreading God's word in |
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David Wilkerson Prophecy - New York 1000 Fires by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the judgment of societies by God, warning of impending chastisement for turning away from righteousness and holiness. The speaker predicts a period of intens |
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Desperation, Resignation - Part 1 by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the story of Jeremiah visiting the potter's house, where he witnesses the potter remaking a marred vessel, symbolizing God's ability to reshape and work on |
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Do Not Forsake My Law by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, turning back to God, and seeking His wisdom. It highlights the consequences of shedding innocent blood, promoting idolatry, and |
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Oh America, What Will Be Your Destiny - Part 1 by Brian Long | Brian Long expresses a deep burden for the state of America, emphasizing the need for revival and repentance among the church and the nation. He reflects on the blessings America h |