Daniel 11:35

KJV

And [some] of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make [them] white, [even] to the time of the end: because [it is] yet for a time appointed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And some of them of understanding {H7919} shall fall {H3782}, to try {H6884} them, and to purge {H1305}, and to make them white {H3835}, even to the time {H6256} of the end {H7093}: because it is yet for a time appointed {H4150}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Even some of those with discernment will stumble, so that some of them will be refined, purified and cleansed for an end yet to come at the designated time.

Berean Standard Bible

Some of the wise will fall, so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.

American Standard Version

And some of them that are wise shall fall, to refine them, and to purify, and to make them white, even to the time of the end; because it is yet for the time appointed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:35 presents a profound prophetic insight into the suffering of God's faithful people, identified as "them of understanding," during a period of intense tribulation leading up to the "time of the end." This suffering, though severe, is not arbitrary but divinely ordained to serve a specific, purifying purpose: to refine, cleanse, and spiritually whiten them. The verse underscores God's sovereign control over history, emphasizing that this period of trial has a fixed duration and will culminate precisely at His appointed time.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is renowned for its remarkably detailed prophecy concerning the conflicts between the "King of the North" (the Seleucid Empire) and the "King of the South" (the Ptolemaic Empire) following the death of Alexander the Great. Verses 1-34 provide an astonishingly accurate historical account, particularly of the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose persecution of the Jews is a central theme. Daniel 11:35 marks a significant prophetic shift. While it can be seen as a continuation of the trials faced under Antiochus, it also broadens the scope to an eschatological period, extending beyond the immediate historical events to a more intense and widespread tribulation that culminates at the "time of the end." This verse acts as a bridge, connecting historical persecution to future, ultimate purification, leading directly into the final prophecies of Daniel 12.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Daniel 11 is the Hellenistic era, specifically the period following Alexander the Great's death (323 BC), when his vast empire was divided among his generals. The ensuing centuries saw relentless wars between the Seleucid dynasty (Syria/North) and the Ptolemaic dynasty (Egypt/South). Antiochus IV Epiphanes (reigned 175-164 BC) is a key figure, known for his aggressive Hellenization policies and his brutal persecution of the Jews, including the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple (the "abomination that makes desolate" in [Daniel 11:31](/daniel/11-31 "Daniel 11:31 - The Abomination of Desolation")). This historical suffering of God's people under Antiochus provides the immediate context for the "fall" mentioned in verse 35, but the prophecy's extension to "the time of the end" suggests a recurring pattern of tribulation for the faithful that transcends any single historical oppressor, pointing to a final, ultimate period of testing.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 11:35 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over human history and suffering. Even the trials and "falling" of the righteous are not random but are orchestrated by God for specific purposes. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Purification Through Suffering**. The trials are explicitly stated to "try," "purge," and "make white" God's people, emphasizing that adversity is a divinely appointed means of spiritual refinement and growth, leading to holiness. This connects to the broader biblical concept that God uses difficulties to perfect His saints, as seen in [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision for an Appointed Time"). Thirdly, it underscores the importance of **Wisdom and Understanding** (those "of understanding") in discerning God's will and remaining faithful amidst apostasy and persecution. Finally, the phrase "even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed" reinforces the pervasive **Eschatological Outlook** of Daniel, pointing to a predetermined culmination of history and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, a concept further explored in [Daniel 12:4](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - Sealing the Book Until the End").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Understanding (Hebrew, _sâkal'_):** H7919. This primitive root signifies to be circumspect and, by extension, intelligent or wise. In Daniel, it refers to those who possess spiritual discernment, insight into God's plans, and prudence in living according to His will, especially in times of moral compromise and prophetic fulfillment. They are the faithful remnant who comprehend the signs of the times.
* **Fall (Hebrew, _kâshal'_):** H3782. A primitive root meaning to totter or waver, especially through weakness of the legs. By implication, it means to falter, stumble, faint, or fall. In the context of Daniel 11:35, it denotes suffering, being overcome by persecution, or even martyrdom, indicating that even the spiritually discerning will face severe trials and physical hardship.
* **Make them white (Hebrew, _lâban'_):** H3835. A primitive root meaning to be (or become) white. In this context, it symbolizes spiritual purification, righteousness, and holiness. The suffering endured by "them of understanding" serves the ultimate purpose of cleansing them from impurities, preparing them for God's holy presence and the final consummation of His kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And some of them of understanding shall fall":** This clause identifies the subjects of the prophecy: a segment of God's people characterized by spiritual insight and faithfulness. Their "falling" indicates that they will endure significant suffering, persecution, or even death, not escaping the trials of the age despite their wisdom.
* **"to try them, and to purge, and to make them white":** This crucial phrase reveals the divine purpose behind the suffering. The trials are not random but are permitted by God to "try" (refine like metal), "purge" (cleanse from impurities), and "make them white" (bring them to a state of spiritual purity and righteousness). This highlights a sovereign, refining process.
* **"even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed":** This final clause emphasizes the duration and divine control over this period of tribulation. The suffering will continue until a specific, predetermined "time of the end," which is part of God's fixed, sovereign plan. This provides both a boundary to the suffering and an assurance that God's purposes will be fully realized at His precise moment.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:35 employs several powerful literary devices. The phrase "to try them, and to purge, and to make them white" utilizes a clear **Purification Metaphor**, drawing on the imagery of refining precious metals to remove dross. This metaphor emphasizes that suffering is a transformative process, designed by God to cleanse and sanctify His people, bringing them to a state of spiritual purity. The verse also functions as a **Prophetic Shift**, moving from the detailed historical predictions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the preceding verses to a broader, more eschatological outlook concerning the ultimate "time of the end." This shift signals that the suffering described is not confined to a single historical event but represents a recurring pattern or a culminating period of tribulation for the faithful. Furthermore, the explicit statement that the suffering occurs "to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed" underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Predetermination**, asserting that all events, even the trials of the righteous, are under God's control and unfold according to His precise, predetermined timeline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of Daniel 11:35 are profound, asserting God's sovereign hand over human suffering and His redemptive purpose within it. The verse teaches that trials are not arbitrary but are instruments in God's hands for the purification and sanctification of His people. This concept resonates throughout Scripture, demonstrating a consistent divine pattern where adversity serves to refine faith, deepen character, and draw believers closer to God, ultimately preparing them for His presence and purposes. The "time of the end" signifies that all suffering and historical events are moving towards a divinely appointed climax, where God's justice will be fully revealed and His kingdom established in purity and power.

* [1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - The Testing of Faith")
* [Malachi 3:2-3](/malachi/3-2-3 "Malachi 3:2-3 - The Refiner's Fire")
* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Suffering Produces Character")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:35 offers enduring comfort and a call to profound spiritual resilience for believers facing adversity in any age. It transforms our understanding of suffering from a meaningless misfortune into a purposeful, divinely orchestrated process of purification. When we experience trials, whether personal difficulties, societal pressures, or outright persecution for our faith, this verse reminds us that God is actively at work, using these very circumstances to refine our character, deepen our trust, and conform us more closely to His image. It encourages us to embrace, rather than resist, the refining fire, knowing that it is designed to "make us white"—to increase our spiritual purity and prepare us for His ultimate purposes. Furthermore, the assurance that suffering is "for a time appointed" instills hope, reminding us that our trials have a limit and are part of a larger, sovereign plan that is moving towards a glorious culmination.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's purifying purpose in suffering change your perspective on current or past difficulties in your life?**
* **In what specific ways do you believe God is seeking to "try," "purge," or "make white" your faith and character today?**
* **What practical steps can you take to embrace God's refining work, rather than resisting it, when trials come?**
* **How does the knowledge that suffering has an "appointed time" provide you with hope and endurance?**

### FAQ

**What does "them of understanding" mean in this verse?**

Answer: "Them of understanding" refers to those who possess spiritual insight, wisdom, and discernment, particularly in understanding God's prophetic word and His will. They are the faithful remnant who remain true to God amidst apostasy, persecution, and the trials of their time. This group is characterized by their spiritual clarity and their commitment to God's truth, even when it leads to suffering. They are not merely intellectually smart, but spiritually astute, able to discern God's hand in history and His ultimate purposes, as seen in [Daniel 12:10](/daniel/12-10 "Daniel 12:10 - The Wise Will Understand").

**Does "shall fall" imply spiritual failure or physical suffering/martyrdom?**

Answer: While "fall" (Hebrew _kâshal_) can sometimes imply spiritual stumbling, in the context of Daniel 11:35 and the surrounding narrative of persecution, it primarily denotes physical suffering, tribulation, or even martyrdom. It signifies that even the wise and faithful will not be exempt from severe trials and physical hardship. Their "falling" is part of the divinely appointed process of purification, not necessarily an indication of spiritual failure on their part. It highlights the severity of the persecution they will face.

**What is the significance of "the time of the end" and "a time appointed"?**

Answer: "The time of the end" in Daniel refers to a specific, culminating period in God's prophetic timeline, often associated with the ultimate establishment of His kingdom and the final judgment. It is not necessarily a single moment but an era leading to the consummation of all things. The phrase "a time appointed" emphasizes that this entire period of suffering and purification, including its duration and intensity, is not random but is precisely predetermined and controlled by God's sovereign will. It signifies that God has a fixed timetable for all events, ensuring that His purposes will be fulfilled at the exact moment He has ordained, as also mentioned in [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision for an Appointed Time").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 11:35, with its focus on suffering leading to purification and ultimate glorification, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the experience of His followers. Jesus Himself, the ultimate "one of understanding" and the embodiment of divine wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom")), "fell" in the most profound sense through His suffering and crucifixion. His death was the ultimate act of purification, not for Himself, but to "purge our sins" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Purifying Work")) and "make us white" through His shed blood ([Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Washed White in the Lamb's Blood")). The trials of believers, therefore, are not merely random acts of misfortune but a participation in Christ's sufferings ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")), designed to conform them to His image and prepare them for His glorious return. The "time of the end" is intrinsically linked to Christ's second coming, when all purification will be complete, and His kingdom will be fully established, bringing an end to all suffering and ushering in an era of perfect righteousness and peace ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Thus, Daniel 11:35 ultimately points to the refining work of Christ, both on the cross for our salvation and in our lives for our sanctification, all moving towards His glorious eschatological triumph.

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

Zechariah 13:9

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

Malachi 3:2

But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

Malachi 3:4

Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

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.

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.

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Revelation 7:14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.