11:33 11:33

Daniel 11:34

11:35 11:35

Bible Versions

Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
Now when they shall fall {H3782}, they shall be holpen {H5826} with a little {H4592} help {H5828}: but many {H7227} shall cleave {H3867} to them with flatteries {H2519}.
When they stumble, they will receive a little help, although many who join them will be insincere.
Now when they fall, they will be granted a little help, but many will join them insincerely.
Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help; but many shall join themselves unto them with flatteries.

Daniel 11:34 is part of a lengthy prophetic passage (Daniel 11:2-45) that details historical events from the Persian Empire through the Hellenistic period, focusing heavily on the conflicts between the Ptolemaic (King of the South) and Seleucid (King of the North) dynasties. This verse specifically describes the experience of God's people during a period of intense persecution.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse falls within a detailed prophecy often interpreted as foretelling the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who reigned from 175-164 BC. He is notorious for his brutal persecution of the Jews, his desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem (the "abomination that maketh desolate" mentioned in Daniel 11:31), and his attempts to Hellenize Judea. The "wise" or "those who understand" mentioned in the preceding verse (Daniel 11:33) are those who remained faithful to God during this severe tribulation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Persecution of the Faithful: The phrase "when they shall fall" underscores the suffering and martyrdom faced by those who remained steadfast in their faith. This period is a test of loyalty to God amidst immense pressure.
  • Limited Divine Aid: "They shall be holpen with a little help" suggests that while God does provide assistance, it may not be a complete or immediate deliverance from suffering. This could refer to the Maccabean Revolt, which offered some relief but was not a definitive end to Jewish struggles, or to God's sustaining grace that preserves believers through trials rather than removing them from them entirely. This "little help" emphasizes God's faithfulness even in dire circumstances, echoing themes of strength being made perfect in weakness.
  • The Danger of Flattery and Hypocrisy: "Many shall cleave to them with flatteries" warns against false allies and insincere support. In times of crisis, some may join the persecuted not out of genuine conviction or solidarity, but for opportunistic reasons, personal gain, or even to betray. This highlights the presence of false brethren or deceivers within the community, making discernment crucial.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "holpen" is an archaic past participle of "help," meaning "helped" or "assisted." The Hebrew word for "flatteries" (חֲלַקְלַקּוֹת - ḥălaqlakkōṯ) literally means "smooth things" or "slippery things," conveying the idea of insincere words, deceptive charm, or hypocrisy. It implies a smooth, deceptive speech intended to gain an advantage or to mislead.

Practical Application

Daniel 11:34 offers timeless lessons for believers facing various forms of adversity:

  • Endurance in Tribulation: It reminds us that faithfulness to God may involve suffering, but God provides sufficient (though sometimes "little") help to endure. Our strength comes from Him, even when circumstances remain difficult.
  • Discernment of Motives: The warning about "flatteries" is highly relevant. Believers must be discerning about who they allow into their inner circles, especially during challenging times. Not everyone who offers support does so with pure motives. This applies to spiritual communities as well, where false teachers or insincere individuals can infiltrate with deceptive words.
  • Spiritual Purity: The verse calls for integrity and genuine commitment, contrasting with the opportunistic behavior of those who "cleave with flatteries." True faith is demonstrated through steadfastness, not through seeking personal advantage.
This prophecy serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign oversight, even in the darkest periods of human history, and His preservation of a faithful remnant.

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.

  • Romans 16:18

    For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

  • Matthew 7:15

    Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

  • 1 John 4:1

    ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

  • Acts 20:29

    For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

  • Acts 20:30

    Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

  • 2 Peter 2:18

    For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

  • 2 Peter 2:19

    While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
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