Daniel 11:23

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And after the league {H2266} made with him he shall work {H6213} deceitfully {H4820}: for he shall come up {H5927}, and shall become strong {H6105} with a small {H4592} people {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Alliances will be made with him, but he will undermine them by deceit. Then, although he will have but a small following, he will emerge and become strong.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:23 provides a precise prophetic insight into the rise of a cunning and treacherous ruler, widely identified as Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The verse describes how this figure, after forming an alliance, would act with profound deceit, ascending to power and consolidating his strength from seemingly insignificant beginnings, relying on guile rather than overt military might or legitimate succession. This detailed prophecy underscores God's sovereign knowledge over human history and the deceptive nature of earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is a remarkable chapter, renowned for its extraordinary detail in predicting historical events, particularly the conflicts between the Seleucid (King of the North) and Ptolemaic (King of the South) dynasties following the breakup of Alexander the Great's empire. Verses 1-20 describe the ongoing wars and political intrigues between these two powers. Daniel 11:21 marks a significant shift, introducing "a contemptible person" who will seize the kingdom by intrigue, not by right. Verse 23 specifically elaborates on the deceptive methods employed by this individual (Antiochus IV Epiphanes) to consolidate his power base, setting the stage for his subsequent actions, including his persecution of the Jewish people, detailed in later verses of the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Daniel 11:23 is understood to refer to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who reigned as Seleucid king from 175-164 BC. Historically, Antiochus was not the direct or rightful heir to the Seleucid throne but gained power through political maneuvering, bribery, and exploiting internal divisions within the Seleucid court. He made a treaty with Ptolemy VI of Egypt (the "league" mentioned), only to betray it later. His character was marked by arrogance, ambition, and a profound lack of integrity, often using cunning and flattery to achieve his ends. The "small people" could refer to the relatively small faction of supporters who initially backed his illegitimate claim, or even the small number of forces he used in his initial ascent, before consolidating a larger army. This era was characterized by intense Hellenization efforts, which Antiochus aggressively pursued, leading to significant cultural and religious clashes, especially with the Jewish people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Daniel and biblical prophecy. The theme of **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as the meticulous detail of the prophecy demonstrates God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations and rulers, even those who act with great wickedness, as seen in how God raises up and brings down kings in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kings"). Another key theme is **Deception and Treachery**, highlighting the pervasive nature of guile in human affairs and the character of those who oppose God's people. This is a recurring warning throughout Scripture, from the serpent's deceit in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall") to the warnings against false teachers in [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - Warnings Against False Teachers"). Finally, the theme of **Small Beginnings Leading to Great Power** is evident, showing how seemingly insignificant forces or individuals can rise to prominence through strategic and often nefarious means, echoing the humble origins of many figures, both good and evil, throughout biblical history, though with vastly different outcomes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **league (Hebrew, _châbar'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to join," "to be compact," or "to couple together." In this context, it refers to the formation of an alliance or treaty. The word can also carry the connotation of "having fellowship with," but here, it underscores a formal agreement that is subsequently violated, emphasizing the treacherous nature of the individual.
* **deceitfully (Hebrew, _mirmâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to deceive," this noun signifies fraud, guile, treachery, or subtilty. It points to actions taken with malicious intent to mislead, betray, or gain an advantage through dishonest means. The use of this word profoundly characterizes the ruler's modus operandi, indicating a calculated and deliberate strategy of betrayal.
* **strong (Hebrew, _ʻâtsam'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bind fast," "to be powerful," or "to be numerous." It describes the process of becoming mighty, increasing in strength, or consolidating power. When paired with "small people," it highlights the remarkable and unexpected growth of power from an initially weak or limited base, achieved through the aforementioned deceitful tactics.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after the league [made] with him":** This clause sets the initial condition for the ruler's actions. It indicates that the individual in question will first enter into a formal agreement or alliance. This "league" is widely understood to be the treaty Antiochus IV Epiphanes made with Ptolemy VI Philometor of Egypt, ostensibly a pact of friendship, but one which Antiochus would soon exploit and ultimately betray for his own expansionist ambitions. The phrase highlights the deceptive premise upon which his subsequent actions are built.
* **"he shall work deceitfully":** This is the core characterization of the ruler's actions. Following the formation of the league, his true nature is revealed as one of profound treachery. The Hebrew term implies a calculated and intentional use of fraud and guile. He does not operate with integrity or honor, but rather manipulates situations and individuals through cunning, false promises, and betrayal to achieve his objectives. This phrase encapsulates the moral bankruptcy of the figure.
* **"for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people":** This final clause explains *how* the deceitful work will enable his rise. "Come up" denotes his ascent to power or prominence. The critical detail is that he achieves this strength "with a small people." This can refer to a modest initial following or a limited military force, suggesting that his power is not derived from overwhelming might or popular support, but rather from the effectiveness of his cunning and strategic manipulation. His ability to grow strong from such humble origins underscores the potency of his deceptive tactics.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:23 employs several potent literary devices. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, presenting future events with remarkable precision, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and control over human history. This specific verse functions as an instance of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the greater malevolence and deceptive nature that will characterize Antiochus IV Epiphanes's reign, particularly his actions against the Jewish people detailed later in the chapter. There is an element of **Irony** in the phrase "after the league... he shall work deceitfully," as a league implies trust and cooperation, yet it becomes the very context for betrayal. This highlights the perverse nature of the ruler. Finally, the verse provides sharp **Characterization** of the figure, immediately establishing him as a master of guile and treachery, defining his essence through his actions rather than direct description.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:23 profoundly illustrates the pervasive nature of deception and the fragility of human alliances in a fallen world. The prophecy reveals that worldly power often operates through cunning and betrayal, rather than justice or righteousness. It serves as a stark reminder that true security and lasting peace cannot be found in human agreements or the strength of earthly rulers, but only in the unwavering character of God. The detailed fulfillment of this prophecy also underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most intricate and wicked human schemes are within His knowledge and ultimate control, serving His larger purposes. This provides immense comfort to believers, assuring them that despite the chaos and treachery in the world, God's plan will ultimately prevail.

* [Psalm 55:21](/psalms/55-21 "Psalm 55:21 - Deceitful Words")
* [Proverbs 26:28](/proverbs/26-28 "Proverbs 26:28 - A Lying Tongue Hates Its Victims")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prophecy in Daniel 11:23, while historically fulfilled in Antiochus IV Epiphanes, offers timeless principles for believers today. It calls us to cultivate discernment in a world often characterized by hidden agendas and deceptive practices. We are reminded that appearances can be misleading, and alliances or promises that seem beneficial on the surface may conceal treacherous intent. This verse encourages us to evaluate leaders, policies, and even personal relationships with wisdom, looking beyond superficial charm or initial agreements to discern underlying motives. Ultimately, it directs our trust away from the shifting sands of human power and toward the unchangeable faithfulness of God. Knowing that God foresees and ultimately overrules all human deceit should strengthen our faith and encourage us to live with integrity, reflecting His character in a world that often lacks it. Our confidence rests not in the stability of earthly powers, but in the unwavering truth and sovereignty of our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the historical fulfillment of this prophecy deepen your trust in God's sovereignty over current world events?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need greater discernment to recognize and guard against deceitful influences or agreements?**
* **How can the knowledge of human treachery, as described here, motivate you to embody truth and integrity in your own interactions?**

### FAQ

**What "league" is being referred to in Daniel 11:23?**

Answer: The "league" most commonly refers to the treaty or alliance formed between Antiochus IV Epiphanes and Ptolemy VI Philometor of Egypt. Historical accounts suggest that Antiochus, after securing the Seleucid throne, entered into an agreement with Ptolemy VI, which he then shrewdly used as a pretext for his later invasions of Egypt, demonstrating his profound deceit.

**Who is the "he" in this verse, and why is he significant?**

Answer: The "he" in Daniel 11:23, and indeed throughout much of Daniel 11 from verse 21 onwards, is widely identified by biblical scholars as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who reigned from 175-164 BC. He is significant because of his pivotal role in Jewish history, particularly his aggressive Hellenization policies and his brutal persecution of the Jews, including the desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem. His actions are seen as a historical precursor or type of the antichrist figure described elsewhere in biblical prophecy, making him a crucial figure for understanding end-time prophecies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:23 directly prophesies the rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, its themes of deceit, false power, and the triumph of a "small people" find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Antiochus, a figure who seized power through treachery and sought to establish his own dominion, stands as a stark contrast to Jesus Christ. Jesus, the true King, did not come to rule by deceit or worldly strength, but by humility and self-sacrifice, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:2-3](/isaiah/53-2-3 "Isaiah 53:2-3 - The Suffering Servant"). He was born into humble circumstances and began His ministry with a "small people"—a handful of disciples—yet through His death and resurrection, He established a kingdom that will never be destroyed, as declared in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom"). The deceit of Antiochus foreshadows the ultimate deception of the "prince of this world" ([John 14:30](/john/14-30 "John 14:30 - Satan, the Prince of This World")) and the "man of lawlessness" ([2 Thessalonians 2:3-10](/2_thessalonians/2-3-10 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 - The Man of Lawlessness")) who will also operate with "all power, signs, and lying wonders." However, Christ, the embodiment of truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), ultimately overcomes all deception and establishes His eternal reign, ensuring that His "small people," the church, will ultimately inherit the earth ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Meek Inherit the Earth")). Thus, the treachery described in Daniel 11:23 ultimately points to the greater victory of Christ over all forms of evil and deceit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 8:25

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

Romans 1:29

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Genesis 34:13

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:

Ezekiel 17:13

And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:

Ezekiel 17:19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; [As] I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

2 Thessalonians 2:9

[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

Proverbs 11:18

¶ The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward.