Daniel 11:3

KJV

And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.

KJV (with Strong's)

And a mighty {H1368} king {H4428} shall stand up {H5975}, that shall rule {H4910} with great {H7227} dominion {H4474}, and do {H6213} according to his will {H7522}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Then a powerful king will appear who will rule a vast kingdom and do whatever he pleases.

Berean Standard Bible

Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great authority and do as he pleases.

American Standard Version

And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:3 introduces a formidable ruler who emerges after the Persian kings, characterized by immense power, expansive dominion, and an unyielding will. This verse serves as a precise prophetic declaration, foretelling the rise of a significant historical figure whose actions would profoundly shape the geopolitical landscape, demonstrating God's meticulous foreknowledge and sovereign control over the unfolding of human history and the succession of world empires.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11:3 is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed prophecy delivered to Daniel, spanning from chapter 10 through 12. This specific verse immediately follows the description of the final kings of Persia in [Daniel 11:2](/daniel/11-2 "Daniel 11:2 - The Persian Kings"). The shift from the Persian Empire to the subsequent dominant power is abrupt and dramatic, highlighting the swiftness of the transition. This detailed historical prophecy, often referred to as the "Wars of the Kings of the North and South," provides an unparalleled level of specificity concerning future events, serving to assure Daniel and the exiled Jewish people of God's ultimate control over their destiny and the nations that would impact them. It echoes and expands upon earlier, more symbolic visions in Daniel, such as the various metals of the statue in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream") and the four beasts in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"), providing a more literal and chronological account of successive empires.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Daniel 11:3 anticipates a period following the decline of the Persian Empire, leading into the Hellenistic era. Historically, this refers to the rise of the Macedonian (Greek) Empire under Alexander the Great. The ancient world was characterized by shifting empires, constant warfare, and the rise and fall of powerful rulers. The Persian Empire, though vast, would eventually give way to a new, dynamic force. The cultural impact of the Hellenistic period, marked by the spread of Greek language, philosophy, and customs, would be profound and enduring, influencing the entire Near East, including Judea. This verse speaks to a time when a single individual would dramatically alter the established world order, consolidating power in an unprecedented manner and imposing his will across diverse peoples and lands, a phenomenon that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying to those who lived through it.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Daniel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty** over human history, demonstrating that God orchestrates the rise and fall of empires and rulers, even those who act "according to his will," as seen with [Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Sovereignty Over Kings"). Secondly, it highlights the **Precision of Prophecy**, as the detailed description of this "mighty king" and his actions perfectly aligns with historical events that occurred centuries after Daniel's time. This precision serves to authenticate God's word. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Unprecedented Power and Dominion**, portraying a ruler whose influence and authority would be vast and unchallenged, a characteristic also seen in the swift, four-winged leopard representing Greece in [Daniel 7:6](/daniel/7-6 "Daniel 7:6 - The Four-Headed Leopard") and the swift goat in [Daniel 8:5](/daniel/8-5 "Daniel 8:5 - The Swift Goat"). Finally, the phrase "do according to his will" introduces the theme of **Autocratic Rule**, where human ambition and personal desire drive imperial expansion, yet always within the larger framework of God's ultimate plan for the ages.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mighty (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This word (H1368) denotes someone powerful, a warrior, or a champion. It emphasizes not just strength but also prowess and effectiveness in battle and leadership. When applied to a king, it signifies exceptional military might and the ability to conquer and subdue, far surpassing ordinary rulers. This king is not merely strong but an embodiment of overwhelming power.
* **stand up (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** The verb (H5975) means to stand, arise, or be established. In a political context, it signifies the emergence, appointment, or establishment of a ruler or kingdom. It implies a definitive and forceful appearance on the world stage, indicating a new, dominant power taking its place. The king does not merely appear but "stands up" with authority and permanence.
* **will (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_)::** This term (H7522) refers to delight, desire, favor, or pleasure. When applied to a king's actions, "according to his will" signifies an unconstrained, autocratic exercise of power, where the ruler's personal desires and decisions are the sole determinants of his actions, without significant internal or external opposition. It speaks to absolute authority and self-determination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a mighty king shall stand up":** This opening clause immediately introduces a new, dominant figure on the world stage, distinct from the preceding Persian kings. The term "mighty king" (H1368, H4428) signifies a ruler of exceptional strength, military prowess, and decisive leadership. The phrase "shall stand up" (H5975) denotes a forceful and sudden emergence, indicating a rapid rise to power and the establishment of a new, formidable empire that will displace the existing order.
* **"that shall rule with great dominion":** This clause describes the scope and extent of the king's authority. "Rule" (H4910) signifies the exercise of governing power, while "great dominion" (H7227, H4474) emphasizes the vastness and comprehensiveness of his empire. This ruler's domain will not be limited but will encompass an extensive territory, indicating a period of unparalleled imperial expansion and control over diverse peoples and lands.
* **"and do according to his will":** This final clause highlights the king's autocratic nature and unchecked power. The phrase "do" (H6213) implies active execution and accomplishment, while "according to his will" (H7522) indicates that his actions are driven solely by his own desires, ambitions, and decisions. This king faces little to no opposition, either from within his own realm or from external forces, allowing him to implement his plans without hindrance, reflecting an absolute and unchallenged authority.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:3 is rich in **Prophecy**, serving as a precise foretelling of future historical events centuries before their occurrence. This detailed predictive element underscores the divine origin of the message, demonstrating God's comprehensive knowledge of history's trajectory. The description of the king's power and dominion employs **Hyperbole** or perhaps more accurately, **Verisimilitude**, as phrases like "great dominion" and "do according to his will" emphasize the truly extraordinary and unprecedented nature of this ruler's authority and conquests. While seemingly hyperbolic, these terms accurately capture the historical reality of Alexander the Great's swift and extensive empire-building. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the subsequent detailed accounts of the Hellenistic period, particularly the division of the empire and the conflicts that would follow, which are elaborated upon in the rest of [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - The King of the North and South").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:3 powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over human history. Even the most formidable and self-willed earthly rulers, who seem to act entirely "according to his will," are ultimately instruments within God's larger, predetermined plan. This verse assures believers that no human power, however great or tyrannical, can thwart the divine purpose. The precision of this prophecy, foretelling the rise of such a specific figure and the nature of his rule centuries in advance, serves as a profound testament to God's omniscience and His active governance of the world. It provides comfort and confidence that despite the chaos and ambition of human empires, God remains on the throne, orchestrating all things toward His ultimate redemptive ends.

* [Daniel 8:5-8](/daniel/8-5-8 "Daniel 8:5-8 - The Swift Goat and its Broken Horn")
* [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")
* [Psalm 75:7](/psalms/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God Lifts Up and Brings Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:3 invites us to reflect on the nature of power and the ultimate source of authority. In a world where leaders rise and fall, and empires wax and wane, this verse provides a steady anchor: God is sovereign over all. The "mighty king" who acts "according to his will" is still operating within the bounds of God's overarching will. This truth offers immense spiritual nourishment, reminding us not to place our ultimate trust or fear in human institutions or powerful individuals, but in the God who raises them up and brings them down. It encourages us to live with a kingdom perspective, understanding that earthly dominion is temporary, while God's kingdom is eternal. Our confidence should rest not in the strength of nations or the charisma of leaders, but in the unwavering faithfulness of the Lord, who controls all historical trajectories. This perspective frees us from anxiety about geopolitical shifts and empowers us to faithfully pursue God's purposes in our own spheres of influence, knowing that His plan will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed nature of this prophecy strengthen your faith in God's control over history?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to place our trust in human power or will, rather than God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the temporary nature of this "mighty king's" dominion encourage you to invest in eternal rather than temporal pursuits?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live with a greater awareness of God's ultimate authority in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "mighty king" referred to in Daniel 11:3?**

Answer: While not explicitly named in the text, the overwhelming consensus among biblical scholars and historians identifies the "mighty king" of Daniel 11:3 as Alexander the Great. His meteoric rise to power, unparalleled military conquests, and the establishment of a vast empire that stretched from Greece to India perfectly align with the description of a ruler who would "stand up" with "great dominion" and "do according to his will." This interpretation is further supported by the preceding and subsequent verses in Daniel 11, which accurately describe the Persian kings and the subsequent division of Alexander's empire among his generals. Parallels are also found in earlier visions, such as the swift goat with a notable horn in [Daniel 8:5-8](/daniel/8-5-8 "Daniel 8:5-8 - The Swift Goat and its Broken Horn"), which is explicitly identified as the king of Greece.

**How does this verse demonstrate God's sovereignty?**

Answer: Daniel 11:3 powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty through the precision of its prophetic declaration. Long before Alexander the Great was born, God revealed to Daniel the exact nature of his rise to power, his vast dominion, and his autocratic rule. This foreknowledge underscores that God is not merely an observer of history but its orchestrator. He raises up kings and brings them down (as seen in [Psalm 75:7](/psalms/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God Lifts Up and Brings Down")), and even the most powerful human wills operate within the confines of His ultimate plan. The fact that such a specific and detailed prophecy was fulfilled centuries later provides irrefutable evidence that God declares "the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done" ([Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:3 describes an earthly king of immense power and dominion, it ultimately points forward to the true and eternal King, Jesus Christ. The "mighty king" of this verse, though achieving unparalleled worldly success, ruled for a fleeting period and his empire ultimately fragmented. In stark contrast, Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whose dominion is not merely great but eternal and universal ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). He did not "stand up" through military conquest but through humble incarnation, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, by which He was given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). Unlike the earthly king who acts "according to his will" for personal ambition, Christ's will is perfectly aligned with the Father's, always for the redemption of humanity and the establishment of God's righteous kingdom. Every knee will one day bow to Him, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). He is the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")), making His dominion truly absolute and His will eternally supreme, fulfilling the ultimate prophetic hope for a perfect, everlasting King.

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 11:16

But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.

Daniel 11:36

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

Daniel 8:21

And the rough goat [is] the king of Grecia: and the great horn that [is] between his eyes [is] the first king.

Daniel 7:6

After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

Daniel 5:19

And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

Daniel 8:4

I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither [was there any] that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.

Daniel 8:14

And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.