Daniel 11:33

And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, [many] days.

And they that understand {H7919} among the people {H5971} shall instruct {H995} many {H7227}: yet they shall fall {H3782} by the sword {H2719}, and by flame {H3852}, by captivity {H7628}, and by spoil {H961}, many days {H3117}.

Those among the people who have discernment will cause the rest of the people to understand what is happening; nevertheless, for a while they will fall victim to sword, fire, exile and pillage.

Those with insight will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by sword or flame, or be captured or plundered.

And they that are wise among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by spoil, many days.

Commentary

Daniel 11:33 KJV is a powerful prophecy describing the steadfastness and suffering of God's faithful people during a period of intense tribulation. It highlights the role of those who possess spiritual understanding and their commitment to instruct others, even in the face of severe persecution.

Context of Daniel 11:33

This verse is part of a detailed prophetic chapter in the Book of Daniel, primarily understood to describe the historical conflicts between the Seleucid (King of the North) and Ptolemaic (King of the South) empires following Alexander the Great's death. Verses 32-35 specifically focus on the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Syrian king who heavily persecuted the Jews in the 2nd century BC, defiling the Temple and attempting to eradicate Jewish faith. However, many scholars also see an eschatological dimension, viewing these events as a type or foreshadowing of future end-time persecution and the enduring faithfulness of God's people during the great tribulation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Discernment Amidst Apostasy: The "they that understand" refers to those who possess deep spiritual insight (Hebrew: sakal), enabling them to discern God's truth and purpose even when others compromise their faith. They are wise in the ways of God, not merely intellectually.
  • The Call to Instruct: These understanding ones are not passive; they "shall instruct many." This emphasizes the vital role of teaching, warning, and guiding others towards righteousness and faithfulness, especially in times of spiritual darkness.
  • Persecution and Martyrdom: Despite their wisdom and ministry, these faithful instructors face immense suffering: "they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil." This speaks to martyrdom, torture, imprisonment, and confiscation of property. It underscores the high cost of standing for truth in a hostile world, a theme echoed in Jesus's teachings on persecution for righteousness.
  • Endurance and Duration: The phrase "[many] days" suggests a prolonged period of affliction, highlighting the need for steadfast endurance and perseverance in faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "understand" is sakal, which means to be prudent, to have insight, to act wisely, or to prosper. It's not just intellectual understanding, but a practical wisdom that leads to righteous action. The term "instruct" (related to bin or a causative form of sakal) implies making others understand, teaching them to discern and act wisely according to God's will.

Practical Application

Daniel 11:33 holds timeless relevance for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Understanding God's Word is Crucial: Cultivating spiritual discernment through diligent study of Scripture is essential to navigate challenging times and resist compromise.
  • We Are Called to Disciple Others: Those who understand are commissioned to share that understanding, instructing others in truth and righteousness, preparing them for spiritual warfare.
  • Faithfulness May Bring Suffering: Following Christ faithfully may involve hardship, opposition, or even persecution. This verse prepares believers to expect and endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel, knowing that their ultimate reward is with God, as seen in Revelation 2:10.
  • Perseverance is Key: The prolonged nature of the suffering ("many days") calls for unwavering commitment and perseverance in faith, trusting in God's ultimate victory and justice.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Malachi 2:7

    For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

  • Matthew 24:9

    Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

  • John 16:2

    They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

  • Daniel 12:10

    Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

  • Isaiah 32:3

    And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.

  • Isaiah 32:4

    The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly.

  • Daniel 12:3

    And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
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