Daniel 11:37

KJV

Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither shall he regard {H995} the God {H430} of his fathers {H1}, nor the desire {H2532} of women {H802}, nor regard {H995} any god {H433}: for he shall magnify {H1431} himself above all.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will show no respect for the gods his ancestors worshipped, or for the god women worship - he won't show respect for any god, because he will consider himself greater than all of them.

Berean Standard Bible

He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers, nor for the one desired by women, nor for any other god, because he will magnify himself above them all.

American Standard Version

Neither shall he regard the gods of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall magnify himself above all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:37 describes a powerful, arrogant end-time ruler who embodies the ultimate spirit of rebellion against God. This figure will utterly disregard the traditional faith of his ancestors, reject all divine authority, and even scorn normal human affections or the promised Messiah. His defining characteristic is an unparalleled pride, as he seeks to elevate himself above every deity and all forms of worship, ultimately aiming for self-deification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 presents one of the most detailed and extensive prophecies in the Bible, outlining a sequence of historical events from the Persian Empire through the Greek kingdoms of the Ptolemies (kings of the South) and Seleucids (kings of the North). While much of the chapter, particularly verses 21-35, finds striking historical fulfillment in the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a significant scholarly consensus views verses 36-45 as a shift in focus. These latter verses describe a "willful king" whose characteristics transcend those of Antiochus, pointing to a future, ultimate antagonist often identified as the Antichrist. Daniel 11:37 specifically details the spiritual and moral depravity of this climactic figure, setting the stage for the great tribulation and the ultimate deliverance described in [Daniel 12](/daniel/12 "Daniel 12 - The Time of the End").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Daniel are set against the backdrop of successive world empires, from Babylon to the divided Greek kingdoms that followed Alexander the Great. The historical figure of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who desecrated the Jerusalem temple and persecuted the Jews (as described in [Daniel 8](/daniel/8 "Daniel 8 - The Ram and the Goat") and [Daniel 9](/daniel/9 "Daniel 9 - Daniel's Prayer and the Seventy Weeks")), serves as a historical prototype for the "willful king." In the ancient Near East, ancestral gods and traditional religious practices were foundational to societal identity and stability. To "regard the God of his fathers" was to honor one's heritage and the divine order. The rejection of "any god" signifies a radical departure from all established religious norms, leading to an unprecedented form of self-worship. The phrase "desire of women" is particularly enigmatic, potentially touching upon cultural values related to family, fertility, or even specific cultic practices, making its precise interpretation crucial for understanding the figure's unique character.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 11:37 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical prophecy. The primary theme is **rebellion against God**, culminating in the ultimate human defiance of divine authority. This is closely linked to **self-deification** and **unparalleled pride**, as the ruler seeks to elevate himself above all. The verse also highlights the theme of **apostasy**, a turning away from established faith, even ancestral traditions. It underscores the **eschatological conflict** between God's sovereignty and human arrogance, serving as a stark warning about the nature of ultimate evil. This figure's actions foreshadow the blasphemous claims and persecutions described in later prophetic books, emphasizing the consistent biblical portrayal of those who oppose God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **regard (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** This word, meaning "to separate mentally," "discern," "understand," or "consider," implies a deliberate and conscious act of paying attention or giving heed. When the text states he "shall not regard," it signifies a willful and absolute refusal to acknowledge, consider, or pay attention to the God of his fathers or any other deity. It's not mere ignorance but an active, disdainful turning away.
* **desire (Hebrew, _chemdâh'_):** This feminine noun denotes something "delightful," "precious," or "longed for." Its application here to "women" (H802, _ʼishshâh_) creates a unique and debated phrase. It suggests a rejection of something highly valued or sought after, whether it be normal human affections, the worship of female deities, or, significantly, the Messiah, who is referred to as the "desire of all nations" in prophetic scripture.
* **magnify (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** This primitive root means "to be (causatively make) large" in various senses, including body, mind, estate, or honor. In this context, "magnify himself" signifies an act of extreme self-exaltation, boasting, and an attempt to elevate oneself to a position of supreme authority and worship. It implies an inflated sense of self-importance that seeks to transcend all other powers, human or divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers":** This clause indicates a profound and deliberate rejection of the traditional, ancestral faith. In ancient societies, the "God of his fathers" represented the established religious heritage and the divine authority passed down through generations. This ruler will not only abandon but actively dismiss the religious practices and beliefs that shaped his lineage and culture, signaling a radical break from all inherited piety.
* **"nor the desire of women":** This is perhaps the most enigmatic phrase in the verse, open to multiple interpretations. It could signify a disregard for normal human affections, marriage, or family, pointing to an unusual or perverse character. Alternatively, it might refer to a rejection of the worship of female deities common in paganism. Most significantly, many theological interpretations see it as a veiled reference to the Messiah, who is prophetically called the "desire of all nations" ([Haggai 2:7](/haggai/2-7 "Haggai 2:7 - The Desire of All Nations")). In this view, the ruler's disregard for the "desire of women" would symbolize his ultimate opposition to Christ and the spiritual longing for salvation.
* **"nor regard any god":** This further amplifies the ruler's comprehensive rejection of all divine authority. Beyond merely abandoning his ancestral faith, he will refuse to acknowledge or pay heed to any other deity, whether pagan, national, or the one true God. This signifies a complete and utter atheism or, more accurately, a self-deification where he himself becomes the sole object of worship and ultimate authority.
* **"for he shall magnify himself above all":** This concluding statement is the defining characteristic of the "willful king." It reveals the driving force behind his actions: an unbridled, unparalleled pride and arrogance. He will elevate himself to a position of supreme power and authority, seeking to usurp the place of God and demand worship for himself. This self-exaltation is absolute, placing him above every other power, whether human or divine.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:37 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the nature of this future ruler. The use of **Anaphora** and **Parallelism** in the repeated "Neither shall he regard... nor regard" emphasizes the comprehensive and absolute nature of his rejection of all divine authority, creating a sense of total apostasy. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "magnify himself above all," which underscores the extreme and unprecedented scale of his pride and self-exaltation, portraying him as a figure who knows no bounds in his arrogance. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Typology**, where the historical actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (as detailed earlier in the chapter) serve as a foreshadowing or type for the ultimate "willful king," the Antichrist, whose characteristics are described here in their fullest and most terrifying form. This allows the reader to understand the future through the lens of past historical patterns.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:37 presents a chilling portrait of ultimate human rebellion and self-exaltation against the divine. Theologically, it underscores the profound danger of unbridled pride, which inevitably leads to a rejection of all external authority, especially God's. This "willful king" embodies the culmination of humanity's fallen tendency to usurp God's place, seeking to be worshipped rather than to worship. His disregard for the "God of his fathers" and "any god" signifies not merely atheism, but an active, blasphemous self-deification. This figure stands as the stark antithesis to God's sovereignty, demonstrating the spiritual forces at play in the cosmic conflict between good and evil, ultimately culminating in a final confrontation where God's justice will prevail over all human arrogance.

* [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness")
* [Revelation 13:5-6](/revelation/13-5-6 "Revelation 13:5-6 - The Beast's Blasphemy")
* [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - Lucifer's Fall from Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:37 serves as a profound warning and a call to spiritual discernment for believers in every age. The "willful king" embodies a spirit of antichrist characterized by radical apostasy, blasphemous self-exaltation, and an utter disregard for divine truth and authority. While this verse points to a specific end-time figure, its principles resonate throughout history and in our contemporary world. It challenges us to recognize the subtle and overt ways in which individuals and societies may "magnify themselves above all"—whether through secular humanism, intellectual pride, or the pursuit of power that disregards moral and divine boundaries. This prophecy reminds us that true authority belongs to God alone, and any attempt to usurp His place is ultimately futile and leads to destruction. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, to contend for the truth, and to cultivate humility and submission to God's will, standing in stark contrast to the spirit of arrogance described here. Understanding this verse compels us to anchor our hope not in human systems or leaders, but in the unchanging sovereignty of God and the ultimate triumph of His Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "spirit of antichrist" described in Daniel 11:37 manifest in various forms in our world today, beyond a single individual?**
* **What are the dangers of personal or societal pride that leads to a disregard for traditional faith or the authority of God?**
* **In what ways might we, even subtly, be tempted to "magnify ourselves" or our own opinions above God's revealed truth?**
* **How can believers cultivate a posture of humility and submission to God in a world that often celebrates self-exaltation?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" in Daniel 11:37?**

Answer: The "he" in Daniel 11:37 is generally understood to refer to a future, eschatological figure often identified as the Antichrist or the "man of lawlessness." While the preceding verses in Daniel 11 accurately describe the historical reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, many scholars believe that from verse 36 onward, the prophecy shifts to a figure whose characteristics transcend Antiochus and point to a final, ultimate antagonist who will appear before the end times. Antiochus serves as a historical type or foreshadowing of this future individual, but the "willful king" of Daniel 11:36-45 exhibits a level of self-deification and global opposition to God that goes beyond any historical figure, culminating in the events described in [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast from the Sea and the Beast from the Earth").

**What does "nor the desire of women" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "nor the desire of women" is one of the most debated and enigmatic parts of Daniel 11:37, leading to several interpretations.
* **Disregard for traditional affections/marriage:** Some interpret it as indicating an abnormal character, perhaps a lack of interest in normal human relationships, marriage, or family, suggesting a perverse or asexual nature.
* **Rejection of pagan female deities:** Another view suggests it refers to a disregard for the worship of female deities (like Ishtar or Ashtoreth) that were common in ancient pagan cultures. This would further emphasize his rejection of all other gods.
* **Disregard for the Messiah:** A highly significant and widely accepted theological interpretation connects "the desire of women" to the Messiah. The prophet Haggai refers to the Messiah as the "desire of all nations" in [Haggai 2:7](/haggai/2-7 "Haggai 2:7 - The Desire of All Nations"). In this view, the "willful king's" disregard for the "desire of women" symbolizes his ultimate rejection of Christ, the true object of humanity's deepest spiritual longing, aligning with his overall blasphemous opposition to God. This interpretation fits well with the Antichrist's role as the ultimate opponent of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 11:37, with its chilling depiction of a ruler who magnifies himself above all and disregards every god, serves as a profound antithesis to the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the "willful king" embodies ultimate human pride and rebellion, Christ perfectly exemplified humility and submission to the Father's will. The Antichrist seeks to usurp divine authority and demand worship for himself, echoing the temptation of Satan to be "like the Most High" ([Isaiah 14:14](/isaiah/14-14 "Isaiah 14:14 - Lucifer's Ambition")). In stark contrast, Jesus, though "in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He did not seek His own glory but the glory of the Father who sent Him ([John 8:50](/john/8-50 "John 8:50 - Jesus Seeks God's Glory")). Furthermore, if "the desire of women" is interpreted as a veiled reference to the Messiah, then this figure's rejection of it highlights his ultimate opposition to Christ, who is indeed the "desire of all nations" ([Haggai 2:7](/haggai/2-7 "Haggai 2:7 - The Desire of All Nations"))—the one for whom humanity truly longs, whether consciously or unconsciously. The "willful king's" self-exaltation is a perversion of true kingship, which belongs to Christ alone, who was "highly exalted" by God the Father and given "the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Ultimately, this prophecy underscores the absolute necessity of Christ's return to defeat this self-magnifying adversary and establish His righteous kingdom, demonstrating that all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted ([Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")).

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

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.

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:

1 Timothy 4:3

Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

Genesis 3:16

¶ Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

Ezekiel 24:16

Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down.

Genesis 3:5

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Deuteronomy 5:21

Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any [thing] that [is] thy neighbour's.