Daniel 11:31

KJV

And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily [sacrifice], and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

KJV (with Strong's)

And arms {H2220} shall stand {H5975} on his part, and they shall pollute {H2490} the sanctuary {H4720} of strength {H4581}, and shall take away {H5493} the daily {H8548} sacrifice, and they shall place {H5414} the abomination {H8251} that maketh desolate {H8074}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Armed forces will come at his order and profane the sanctuary and fortress. They will abolish the daily burnt offering and set up the abomination that causes desolation.

Berean Standard Bible

His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation.

American Standard Version

And forces shall stand on his part, and they shall profane the sanctuary, even the fortress, and shall take away the continual burnt-offering, and they shall set up the abomination that maketh desolate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:31 is a pivotal prophetic verse describing the actions of a powerful antagonist who will desecrate the holy sanctuary, abolish the regular worship, and establish a detestable idol that brings desolation. This prophecy found a significant historical fulfillment in the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes against the Second Temple in Jerusalem, yet it also points to a future, ultimate fulfillment in the end times, foreshadowing the actions of an ultimate antichrist figure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is a remarkably detailed prophetic chapter that outlines a long series of conflicts between the "King of the North" and the "King of the South," generally understood to represent the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties, respectively. This extended prophecy, stretching from the Persian Empire through the Greek successor kingdoms, culminates in the actions of a particularly malicious king in verses 21-35, widely identified as Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Verse 31 specifically marks the climax of his oppressive actions against God's covenant people and their sacred worship, setting the stage for the subsequent divine intervention and the ultimate eschatological events described in the latter part of the chapter and in [Daniel 12](/daniel/12 "Daniel 12 - The End Times and Resurrection").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical fulfillment of Daniel 11:31 is most clearly seen in the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC), a Seleucid king who sought to Hellenize Judea and suppress Jewish religious practices. His actions, particularly the desecration of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 167 BC, are well-documented in historical sources like 1 Maccabees. The "sanctuary of strength" refers to the Second Temple, which was not merely a building but the very heart of Jewish religious and national identity, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The "daily sacrifice" (Hebrew: *tamid*) was the prescribed morning and evening burnt offering, central to the Mosaic covenant and the regular rhythm of worship in Israel. The cessation of this sacrifice was a direct assault on the covenant relationship and a profound act of sacrilege.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical prophecy. It highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty** over human history, demonstrating God's foreknowledge of even the most minute details of future events, including the rise and fall of empires and the actions of wicked rulers. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **persecution and perseverance**, as God's people endure severe trials at the hands of oppressive powers, yet their faith is ultimately vindicated. Crucially, it introduces the concept of the **"abomination that maketh desolate,"** a phrase that becomes a key prophetic marker, not only fulfilled by Antiochus but also referenced by Jesus in His Olivet Discourse (e.g., [Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - The Abomination of Desolation") and [Mark 13:14](/mark/13-14 "Mark 13:14 - The Abomination of Desolation")) as a sign of the end times, pointing to a future, ultimate desecration. This dual fulfillment underscores the **typological nature of prophecy**, where historical events serve as patterns for greater eschatological realities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **arms (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** This word, often translated as "arm," figuratively denotes strength, power, or military force. In this context, "arms shall stand on his part" refers to the military forces or powerful agents of the wicked king (Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the historical context) who will carry out his destructive agenda. It emphasizes the physical, coercive power used to enforce his will.
* **pollute (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** This verb means "to profane," "to defile," or "to violate." It carries the strong connotation of rendering something sacred common or unholy. The act of "polluting the sanctuary" is not merely a physical defilement but a deep spiritual offense, an intentional act of sacrilege against the holy space dedicated to God's worship, making it unfit for its sacred purpose.
* **abomination (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts'_):** This noun refers to something "disgusting," "filthy," or "detestable," particularly in a religious sense, often associated with idolatry or practices abhorrent to God. The phrase "abomination that maketh desolate" (Hebrew: *shiqqûwts shâmêm*) points to an idol or a sacrilegious act that brings about desolation, ruin, or causes utter astonishment and horror due to its extreme impiety. It signifies an act so offensive to God that it results in the withdrawal of His presence or blessing, leading to devastation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And arms shall stand on his part":** This clause introduces the agents of the wicked king, identified as military forces or powerful enforcers. "On his part" indicates their alignment and dedication to the king's agenda. This signifies the deployment of coercive power to achieve the king's nefarious objectives, specifically against the Jewish people and their religious practices.
* **"and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength":** This describes the primary act of sacrilege. The "sanctuary of strength" is the Jerusalem Temple, a place of immense spiritual and national significance for the Jewish people. "Pollute" signifies a deliberate act of defilement, rendering the sacred space unholy and unfit for worship. Historically, Antiochus Epiphanes did this by sacrificing pigs on the altar and setting up an idol within the Temple precincts.
* **"and shall take away the daily [sacrifice]":** This specifies another grave act of religious oppression. The "daily sacrifice" (Hebrew: *tamid*) was the continuous burnt offering, a fundamental component of Temple worship and the Mosaic covenant. Its cessation represents a direct assault on the prescribed worship of God, a forcible interruption of the covenant relationship, and a suppression of the religious freedom of God's people.
* **"and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate":** This climactic phrase describes the ultimate act of sacrilege. The "abomination that maketh desolate" refers to a detestable idol or a profoundly offensive act that leads to desolation or ruin. This act is the culmination of the king's impiety, designed to utterly profane the sanctuary and provoke divine judgment, resulting in the desolation of the holy place and the suffering of the people.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:31 employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the historical actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes serve as a type or pattern for a greater, future antichrist figure and the ultimate "abomination of desolation" prophesied by Jesus. The phrase "sanctuary of strength" uses **metonymy**, where "strength" stands for the power, security, and divine presence associated with the Temple, highlighting its significance beyond a mere building. The entire verse functions as a form of **prophetic symbolism**, where the specific historical events related to Antiochus carry deeper theological meaning and point to broader principles of spiritual warfare, the defilement of sacred things, and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes despite evil. The stark contrast between the sacred "sanctuary" and the "pollute" and "abomination" creates a powerful sense of **antithesis**, emphasizing the extreme nature of the sacrilege.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:31 is a profound theological statement on the nature of evil and divine sovereignty. It reveals that human history, even its darkest chapters, unfolds within the framework of God's predetermined plan. The desecration of the Temple and the cessation of sacrifices underscore the persistent spiritual battle between God's truth and the forces of idolatry and rebellion. This verse reminds us that throughout history, there will be those who seek to undermine true worship and defile what is holy, but their actions are ultimately limited by God's purposes. It also highlights the concept of "desolation" not merely as physical destruction but as a spiritual abandonment or judgment resulting from profound sin and sacrilege. The prophecy's dual fulfillment, both historically and eschatologically, emphasizes the enduring relevance of biblical prophecy and God's faithfulness to His word.

* [Daniel 8:11-13](/daniel/8-11-13 "Daniel 8:11-13 - The Little Horn and the Daily Sacrifice")
* [Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - Jesus' Prophecy of the Abomination of Desolation")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:31, while describing ancient and future events, carries timeless relevance for believers. It calls us to a profound understanding of the sacredness of God's presence and the importance of true worship. In a world that often seeks to trivialize or profane spiritual truths, this verse serves as a stark warning against spiritual apathy and compromise. It compels us to guard our hearts and minds, recognizing that as temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body as a Temple")), we are called to maintain purity and devotion, resisting any "abomination" that seeks to defile our walk with God. Furthermore, understanding the prophetic nature of this verse encourages vigilance and discernment in recognizing the signs of the times, fostering a sense of urgency and readiness for Christ's return. It reminds us that even amidst persecution and spiritual darkness, God's ultimate triumph is assured, strengthening our resolve to remain steadfast in faith and worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical fulfillment of Daniel 11:31 by Antiochus IV Epiphanes strengthen your faith in the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecy?**
* **In what ways might the "sanctuary of strength" be polluted or the "daily sacrifice" be taken away in our lives or in the contemporary church, even without a physical temple?**
* **What "abominations" or detestable things might seek to desolate our spiritual lives today, and how can we actively resist them?**

### FAQ

**What is the "abomination that maketh desolate" and who placed it?**

Answer: The "abomination that maketh desolate" (Hebrew: *shiqqûwts shâmêm*) refers to a detestable, idolatrous act or object that brings about desolation or ruin, particularly in a sacred context. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king, who in 167 BC erected an altar to Zeus in the Jerusalem Temple and sacrificed pigs on it, an act of extreme sacrilege. Prophetically, Jesus referred to this phrase in [Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - The Abomination of Desolation") and [Mark 13:14](/mark/13-14 "Mark 13:14 - The Abomination of Desolation"), indicating a future, ultimate fulfillment during the end times by a figure often identified as the Antichrist, who will similarly desecrate a future temple and demand worship (see [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:31 primarily details the actions of a historical and future antichrist figure, its ultimate significance is found in its profound contrast with Christ. The "abomination that maketh desolate" represents the pinnacle of human rebellion and the ultimate attempt to defile God's dwelling place and disrupt true worship. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the ultimate and perfect "sanctuary" (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus' Body as the Temple")), whose body was broken as the once-for-all "daily sacrifice" ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")) that forever takes away sin, making all other sacrifices obsolete. He did not pollute but purified, not desolate but reconciled. The forces that sought to "take away the daily sacrifice" and "pollute the sanctuary" are ultimately defeated by Christ's finished work on the cross, which inaugurated a new covenant where believers themselves become the temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Thus, Daniel 11:31, in its depiction of ultimate evil, serves to magnify the redemptive power and purifying work of Jesus, who is the true and eternal High Priest, ensuring that genuine worship will never truly cease and God's presence will forever dwell among His people through Him ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")).

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 12:11

And from the time [that] the daily [sacrifice] shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, [there shall be] a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

Daniel 9:27

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Matthew 24:15

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Mark 13:14

¶ But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Daniel 8:11

Yea, he magnified [himself] even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily [sacrifice] was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.

Daniel 8:13

Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain [saint] which spake, How long [shall be] the vision [concerning] the daily [sacrifice], and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

Ezekiel 24:21

Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.