Daniel 11:36

KJV

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} shall do {H6213} according to his will {H7522}; and he shall exalt {H7311} himself, and magnify {H1431} himself above every god {H410}, and shall speak {H1696} marvellous things {H6381} against the God {H410} of gods {H410}, and shall prosper {H6743} till the indignation {H2195} be accomplished {H3615}: for that that is determined {H2782} shall be done {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt himself and consider himself greater than any god, and he will utter monstrous blasphemies against the God of gods. He will prosper only until the period of wrath is over, for what has been determined must take place.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king will do as he pleases and will exalt and magnify himself above every god, and he will speak monstrous things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been decreed must be accomplished.

American Standard Version

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods; and he shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished; for that which is determined shall be done.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:36 unveils a chilling prophecy concerning a future, self-exalting ruler who will defy all divine authority, speaking blasphemies against the Most High God. This powerful figure, often identified as the Antichrist, will operate with absolute self-will and experience temporary prosperity, yet his reign is ultimately limited by God's sovereign decree, culminating in a divinely determined end.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is a remarkably detailed prophecy, transitioning from historical events to eschatological fulfillment. Verses 1-20 describe the conflicts between the "King of the North" (Seleucid Empire) and the "King of the South" (Ptolemaic Empire). Verses 21-35 focus specifically on Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose actions—such as his desecration of the temple and persecution of the Jews—serve as a historical type or foreshadowing. However, the language in Daniel 11:36 marks a significant shift, moving beyond the historical Antiochus to describe a future, unparalleled figure whose actions are far more extreme and universal in scope, indicating a transition to the end-times Antichrist. This hermeneutical approach views Antiochus as a precursor, with the ultimate fulfillment reserved for a final, climactic adversary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Daniel were given during the Babylonian exile and Persian period, a time when Israel was under Gentile domination. The detailed predictions of subsequent empires (Persian, Greek, Roman) and their rulers would have provided immense comfort and assurance to the Jewish people that God was sovereign over history, even amidst their subjugation. The concept of "gods" in the ancient Near East was pervasive, with various nations worshipping their own pantheon. The "God of gods" (El Elohim) is a superlative title emphasizing the supreme sovereignty of Yahweh over all other claimed deities or powers, making the king's blasphemous self-exaltation a direct challenge to the one true God, a characteristic seen in other tyrannical rulers throughout history who demanded worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Daniel and biblical prophecy. The theme of **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount; despite the rise of incredibly powerful and blasphemous human rulers, God remains ultimately in control, and His predetermined plan will inevitably be accomplished. The king's temporary prosperity is permitted only "till the indignation be accomplished," underscoring that even evil serves God's larger purposes, as seen in [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Stand"). Another crucial theme is **Blasphemous Self-Exaltation and Rebellion**, where the king's actions represent the epitome of human rebellion against divine authority, mirroring the pride that led to the fall (cf. [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer")). This figure's desire to "exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god" foreshadows the ultimate "man of lawlessness" described in [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness"). Finally, the theme of **Eschatological Conflict and Divine Judgment** is evident, as the king's reign is limited by a divinely appointed "indignation," pointing to a future period of God's wrath and ultimate triumph over evil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **magnify (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** (H1431) This primitive root means "to be (causatively make) large" in various senses, including body, mind, estate, or honor, and also in pride. Here, it signifies the king's arrogant self-aggrandizement, elevating himself to an extraordinary and boastful status, far beyond any human or even divine claim. It implies an inflated sense of self-importance and a desire to be seen as supreme.
* **indignation (Hebrew, _zaʻam'_):** (H2195) Derived from a root meaning "froth at the mouth," this word figuratively denotes fury, specifically God's displeasure with sin. In this context, "the indignation" refers to a predetermined period of divine wrath or judgment, often associated with the Great Tribulation, during which God's righteous anger against human rebellion will be poured out. The king's prosperity is explicitly limited by the accomplishment of this divine fury.
* **determined (Hebrew, _chârats'_):** (H2782) This primitive root means "to point sharply," "to wound," or figuratively, "to be alert, to decide." Here, it carries the strong sense of a fixed, unchangeable decree or decision. It emphasizes God's sovereign will and His unalterable plan for history, ensuring that what He has purposed will inevitably come to pass, regardless of human defiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king shall do according to his will":** This phrase immediately establishes the defining characteristic of this future ruler: absolute autonomy and defiance of any external authority, especially divine. He operates solely based on his own desires and agenda, rejecting God's law and sovereignty. This highlights an unprecedented level of self-determination and lawlessness.
* **"and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god":** This describes the king's profound pride and blasphemous ambition. He seeks to elevate himself not just above human rulers, but above all "gods"—whether false deities or even the concept of divine authority—placing himself as the ultimate object of worship and allegiance. This is the epitome of hubris and rebellion against the true God.
* **"and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods":** The king's self-exaltation manifests in audacious and shocking blasphemies. "Marvellous things" (H6381, _pâlâʼ_) here refers to extraordinary or astonishing statements, used in a negative sense to describe the shocking and audacious blasphemies spoken against the supreme God. The title "God of gods" (H410, _ʼêl_) is a superlative, emphasizing the singular, supreme sovereignty of Yahweh, making the king's verbal attacks all the more egregious and direct against the Creator of all.
* **"and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished":** Despite his rebellion, the king will experience a period of success and apparent invincibility. However, this prosperity is temporary and divinely permitted. "The indignation" (H2195, _zaʻam_) refers to a predetermined period of God's wrath or judgment. This clause underscores that the king's reign is not due to his own ultimate power but is limited by God's sovereign timetable and purpose, serving to bring about a specific phase of divine judgment.
* **"for that that is determined shall be done.":** This concluding declaration serves as a powerful affirmation of God's ultimate control and unshakeable sovereignty. Despite the king's seemingly absolute will and temporary triumph, God's eternal plan and predetermined purposes will inevitably unfold and be brought to completion. This provides assurance that evil will not ultimately prevail, as God's decrees are unchangeable and will be brought to pass.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:36 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the king's self-exaltation: "magnify himself above every god" and "speak marvellous things against the God of gods." This exaggerated language emphasizes the unparalleled nature of his pride and blasphemy, portraying him as the ultimate embodiment of anti-divine rebellion. **Foreshadowing** is a key device, as the actions of this "king" serve as a prophetic blueprint for the ultimate Antichrist figure, whose characteristics are further developed in New Testament apocalyptic literature. The phrase "till the indignation be accomplished" functions as a form of **Divine Limitation**, highlighting that even this powerful, rebellious ruler operates within the confines of God's sovereign timetable, his prosperity being conditional and temporary. Finally, the concluding statement, "for that that is determined shall be done," serves as a powerful **Affirmation of Sovereignty**, acting as a theological anchor that grounds the terrifying prophecy in the unshakeable reality of God's ultimate control over history and destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:36 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of evil, divine sovereignty, and the ultimate triumph of God's will. The king's audacious self-exaltation and blasphemy represent the pinnacle of human rebellion against God, a recurring theme throughout scripture that traces back to the very first sin. This figure embodies the spirit of antichrist, challenging the very essence of God's authority and demanding worship for himself. Yet, the verse simultaneously asserts God's absolute control, demonstrating that even the most powerful and defiant human will is subservient to His predetermined plan. The "indignation" and "that which is determined" speak to God's active involvement in history, orchestrating events to bring about His righteous judgment and the eventual establishment of His kingdom. This tension between human rebellion and divine sovereignty is a central theological truth, assuring believers that no evil force, however formidable, can ultimately thwart God's purposes.

* [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness")
* [Revelation 13:5-7](/revelation/13-5-7 "Revelation 13:5-7 - The Beast's Blasphemy and Authority")
* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalm/2-1-4 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Nations Rage, God Laughs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:36 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful message for believers in every generation. It calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that the spirit of self-exaltation and opposition to God is not confined to a single future figure but manifests in various forms throughout history, often in powerful leaders or ideologies that seek to displace divine authority. We are challenged to examine where we might be tempted to act "according to our own will" rather than God's, and to resist the subtle allure of pride and self-sufficiency. More importantly, this verse provides immense comfort and assurance. Even in the face of escalating evil and seemingly insurmountable opposition, God's sovereign plan remains unshakeable. The "indignation" has a set end, and "that that is determined shall be done." This truth should fortify our faith, anchor our hope, and empower us to stand firm, knowing that God's ultimate victory is certain. It reminds us that our allegiance is to the King of kings, whose reign is eternal and whose purposes cannot be thwarted by any earthly or spiritual adversary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "spirit of the king" described in Daniel 11:36 manifest in our world today, even outside of a literal Antichrist figure?**
* **How does the assurance that "that that is determined shall be done" impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **Considering the king's self-exaltation, what practical steps can believers take to combat pride and cultivate humility in their own lives?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the king" referred to in Daniel 11:36, and is he the same as Antiochus IV Epiphanes?**

Answer: While the preceding verses (Daniel 11:21-35) describe the historical actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, most biblical scholars understand Daniel 11:36 to mark a prophetic shift to a future, eschatological figure, commonly identified as the Antichrist. Antiochus IV Epiphanes serves as a historical type or foreshadowing of this ultimate "king." The language in Daniel 11:36 describes actions far more universal and extreme than those of Antiochus, such as exalting himself "above every god" and prospering "till the indignation be accomplished," which points to a final, climactic adversary at the end of the age. This interpretation is supported by the unparalleled nature of the king's blasphemy and his global scope, which aligns with descriptions of the "man of lawlessness" in [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness") and the Beast in [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast from the Sea and the Beast from the Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:36 describes the ultimate adversary of God, it simultaneously points to the supreme sovereignty and ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ. The "king" embodies the spirit of rebellion and self-exaltation that stands in stark contrast to Christ, who, though being in very nature God, "did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). The king's blasphemous claims to be "above every god" are a futile attempt to usurp the rightful position of the "God of gods," a title ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). The king's temporary prosperity is limited by God's "indignation," a period of judgment that will ultimately be executed by Christ Himself, who will return as the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - The King of Kings and Lord of Lords")) to defeat all His enemies and establish His eternal kingdom. Thus, this prophecy, while detailing the depths of human rebellion, ultimately magnifies the unshakeable power and ultimate victory of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose determined plan will indeed be done ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away")).

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

Revelation 13:5

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months.

Revelation 13:6

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

2 Thessalonians 2:4

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Deuteronomy 10:17

For the LORD your God [is] God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Daniel 8:19

And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end [shall be].

Isaiah 14:13

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

Daniel 11:16

But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.