


Daniel 11:34
Bible Versions
Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
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.
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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.
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
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: