Daniel 11:36

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.

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}.

"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.

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.

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

Daniel 11:36 is a pivotal verse within Daniel's extensive prophecy, often interpreted as describing a powerful, arrogant ruler who will emerge in the end times. While the preceding verses (Daniel 11:21-35) detail historical events related to the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, verse 36 and onward are widely understood by many commentators to transition to a future, ultimate antagonist—the Antichrist.

Context

The Book of Daniel is renowned for its prophetic visions concerning world empires, the future of Israel, and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom. Chapter 11 provides a detailed prophecy of successive kings, particularly those of the Ptolemaic (King of the South) and Seleucid (King of the North) dynasties, leading up to the time of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. However, the dramatic shift in language and the unparalleled nature of the "king" described in verse 36 suggest a prophetic leap beyond mere historical figures to a final, eschatological figure who embodies ultimate rebellion against God. This shift from historical fulfillment to future prophecy is a common hermeneutical approach for this passage, placing it firmly in the realm of end-times prophecy.

Key Themes

  • Absolute Self-Will and Rebellion: The phrase "the king shall do according to his will" highlights this figure's complete autonomy and defiance of any external authority, particularly divine. He operates solely based on his own desires, rejecting God's law and sovereignty.
  • Blasphemous Self-Exaltation: He "shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods." This speaks to an unprecedented level of pride and blasphemous self-deification, challenging the very existence and authority of the Most High God. This characteristic resonates with other biblical descriptions of the "man of sin" or the Beast figure in Revelation.
  • Temporary Prosperity: The king "shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished." His success is divinely permitted for a set period, not due to his own inherent power. This "indignation" refers to a predetermined time of God's wrath or judgment, often associated with the Great Tribulation. His reign, though seemingly powerful, is ultimately limited by God's sovereign timetable.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Predestination: The concluding phrase, "for that that is determined shall be done," underscores God's ultimate control. Despite the king's rebellion and temporary prosperity, God's eternal plan will inevitably unfold. This provides assurance that evil will not ultimately triumph, as God's purposes are unchangeable and will be brought to pass. This theme echoes God's ultimate control over all affairs, as seen in Proverbs 19:21.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "magnify" (gāḏal) implies making oneself great, often in a boastful or arrogant sense, suggesting a profound self-importance. "Marvellous things" (niplāʾôṯ) implies extraordinary or astonishing statements; here, it is used in a negative sense to describe the shocking and audacious blasphemies spoken against God. The phrase "God of gods" (ʾēl ʾelōhîm) is a superlative, emphasizing the supreme sovereignty of the one true God over all other deities or powers, making the king's blasphemy all the more egregious and direct against the Creator.

Practical Application

Daniel 11:36 serves as a powerful reminder of several truths for believers today, particularly as we consider the characteristics of future adversaries of God:

  1. Discernment: It encourages believers to be discerning about powerful leaders who may rise, especially those who exhibit extreme self-exaltation and hostility towards God and His people.
  2. Hope in God's Sovereignty: Despite the rise of wicked powers and periods of intense tribulation, the verse assures us that God remains in control. The "indignation" has a set end, and "that that is determined shall be done." This provides great comfort and hope, knowing that God's plan for justice and redemption will ultimately prevail over all human defiance.
  3. Call to Stand Firm: Understanding the nature of such an adversary should motivate believers to stand firm in their faith and not be swayed by the world's allure or the boasts of those who oppose God, remembering that our ultimate allegiance is to the King of kings and Lord of lords, who will ultimately triumph.
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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

  • Revelation 13:5 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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.