Daniel 11:38

KJV

But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

KJV (with Strong's)

But in his estate {H3653} shall he honour {H3513} the God {H433} of forces {H4581}: and a god {H433} whom his fathers {H1} knew {H3045} not shall he honour {H3513} with gold {H2091}, and silver {H3701}, and with precious {H3368} stones {H68}, and pleasant things {H2532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But instead, he will honor the god of strongholds; with gold, silver, precious stones and other costly things he will honor a god unknown to his ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

And in their place, he will honor a god of fortresses—a god his fathers did not know—with gold, silver, precious stones, and riches.

American Standard Version

But in his place shall he honor the god of fortresses; and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones and pleasant things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:38 profoundly describes a powerful, defiant ruler who rejects traditional deities and instead honors a "God of forces," likely representing military might or a deified source of strength. This figure's worship is characterized by an opulent display of material wealth, including gold, silver, precious stones, and pleasant things, signifying a materialistic and self-serving devotion rather than genuine spiritual reverence. The verse underscores a radical departure from ancestral religious norms, highlighting a new form of idolatry centered on worldly power and personal aggrandizement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel chapter 11 is a remarkably detailed prophecy, often considered the most specific in the Bible, outlining the geopolitical struggles between the "king of the North" (the Seleucid Empire) and the "king of the South" (the Ptolemaic Empire) in the post-Alexandrian Hellenistic period. Verses 1-35 meticulously detail historical events, many of which were fulfilled with astonishing accuracy by the time of Christ. Daniel 11:38 falls within a section (verses 36-45) that describes a particularly vile and self-exalting king. While many commentators see an initial historical fulfillment in Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose actions align with much of the description (e.g., his desecration of the Jerusalem temple and persecution of the Jews), the hyperbolic language and eschatological scope of these verses strongly suggest a dual fulfillment, pointing ultimately to the end-times Antichrist. This transition from historical detail to future prophecy is a common feature in apocalyptic literature, where immediate events serve as types or foreshadowings of ultimate realities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for the initial fulfillment involves the Hellenistic empires that emerged after Alexander the Great's death, particularly the Seleucids (Syria) and Ptolemies (Egypt). Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king (reigned 175-164 BC), is a primary historical figure associated with this prophecy. He was notorious for his megalomania, his attempt to Hellenize the Jewish people, and his brutal suppression of their religion, culminating in the desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem by sacrificing a pig on the altar and erecting an idol to Zeus. His actions deeply offended Jewish sensibilities and sparked the Maccabean Revolt. Culturally, the ancient world was polytheistic, with various gods associated with specific domains (war, fertility, wisdom). The idea of a ruler deifying himself or a particular aspect of power (like military strength) was not uncommon, as seen in the Roman imperial cults. Daniel 11:38's description of honoring a "god whom his fathers knew not" highlights a radical break from established religious traditions, whether the traditional gods of his own lineage or the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 11:38 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Daniel and broader biblical prophecy. A prominent theme is **Idolatry and Self-Exaltation**, where the ruler's rejection of the true God and established deities in favor of a "God of forces" (or even himself) underscores a profound rebellion against divine authority. This aligns with the broader biblical condemnation of any entity or ideology that usurps God's rightful place, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer") concerning Lucifer's pride. Another key theme is **Worldly Power vs. Divine Sovereignty**. The king's reliance on military might and material wealth for his "worship" stands in stark contrast to the sovereignty of God, who alone holds ultimate power and to whom all true honor is due (cf. [Daniel 2:20-21](/daniel/2-20-21 "Daniel 2:20-21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **End-Times Prophecy and the Antichrist**, providing specific characteristics of the ultimate adversary of God's people, whose actions will mirror and intensify those of historical tyrants like Antiochus IV. This figure's characteristics, including his blasphemous pride and rejection of traditional gods, resonate 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").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **honour (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** This primitive root means "to be heavy," which can denote being burdensome or severe, but also, in a positive sense, "numerous, rich, honorable." In this context, it signifies to "make weighty," "glorify," or "hold in honor." The king's act of honoring is thus a deliberate, weighty act of giving reverence and importance, yet it is misdirected towards a false god. The choice of this verb emphasizes the intentionality and significance of his misplaced devotion.
* **God of forces (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôwahh mâʻôwz'_):** _ʼĕlôwahh_ is a term for "deity" or "God," often used for the true God but here applied to a false god. _Mâʻôwz_ means "a fortified place," "stronghold," or "defence," figuratively, "strength." The combination "God of forces" therefore points to a deity or principle associated with military strength, fortifications, or even self-reliance and human power. It suggests the deification of strategic might, perhaps even the ruler's own military prowess or the system of power he embodies.
* **knew (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root is broad, meaning "to know" in various senses: to ascertain by seeing, to observe, care for, recognize, or even to have intimate acquaintance. In the phrase "whom his fathers knew not," it implies a complete lack of familiarity or recognition. This is not merely ignorance but a deliberate break from ancestral religious traditions, indicating a radical, unprecedented form of worship or ideology that is foreign to his heritage and perhaps even to common human understanding of deity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces:"** This clause introduces a stark contrast ("But") to previous descriptions of the king's actions. "In his estate" (or "in his place/stead") suggests that this is how he will operate within his dominion or sphere of influence. The core action is his honoring of the "God of forces." This "God" is not the God of Israel or any traditional deity, but rather a personification or deification of military power, strategic might, or perhaps even the concept of strength and security derived from human ingenuity and warfare. This indicates a system where power, not piety, is the ultimate object of worship.
* **"and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things."** This second part elaborates on the nature of this king's idolatry. The "god whom his fathers knew not" emphasizes the radical departure from any established religious tradition, whether his own ancestral gods or the God of the covenant. This is a new, perhaps self-invented, form of worship. The method of honoring this god is explicitly materialistic: "with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things." This highlights a worship that is transactional, opulent, and rooted in worldly wealth and splendor, rather than genuine spiritual devotion or humility. It suggests a worship designed to impress, to consolidate power, or to reflect the king's own immense resources and self-importance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is immediately evident with the opening "But," setting this king's actions apart from previous descriptions and from traditional worship. There is strong **Symbolism** in the "God of forces," which represents not a literal deity but the deification of military might, human strength, and strategic power. The lavish gifts—"gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things"—are also highly **Symbolic**, representing the king's immense wealth, his materialistic approach to worship, and the external, showy nature of his devotion, which lacks true spiritual substance. The phrase "a god whom his fathers knew not" is a form of **Negation** that emphasizes the unprecedented and rebellious nature of this king's religious innovation, highlighting his break from tradition and his unique form of apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:38 serves as a potent theological commentary on the nature of idolatry and the ultimate rebellion against God. It illustrates how human pride, when unchecked, leads to the deification of worldly power, material wealth, and self-derived strength, rather than acknowledging the one true God. This ruler's worship is not just a deviation but a radical inversion of true worship, where the means of honor (gold, silver) become ends in themselves, and the object of honor is a reflection of human might rather than divine majesty. This foreshadows a recurring biblical theme: the temptation to trust in human systems and resources over divine providence, culminating in the ultimate defiance seen in the end-times adversary.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")
* [Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Romans 1:25 - Exchanging Truth for a Lie")
* [Revelation 13:4](/revelation/13-4 "Revelation 13:4 - Worshiping the Beast")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:38 challenges believers to critically examine the objects of their own honor and the nature of their worship. In a world that often exalts power, wealth, and human achievement, this verse serves as a sober warning against allowing anything to usurp God's rightful place in our lives. Are we, perhaps subtly, honoring our careers, our financial security, our physical strength, or our intellectual prowess more than the Creator? True worship is not about outward displays of wealth or power, but about humble devotion, obedience, and a heart surrendered to God. This passage calls us to discern the "gods of forces" in our contemporary society—whether they are political ideologies, economic systems, or personal ambitions—and to resist their allure, instead investing our "gold, silver, and precious things" (our time, talents, and resources) in the kingdom of God. It encourages spiritual vigilance, reminding us that the spirit of Antichrist, which elevates human strength and rejects divine truth, is always at work, prompting us to remain steadfast in our allegiance to Christ alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods of forces" or sources of worldly strength do I tend to honor or rely on more than God in my daily life?**
* **How does my worship of God manifest? Is it genuine, humble devotion, or is it sometimes a materialistic or outward display?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to abandon the "gods my fathers knew" (i.e., the foundational truths of my faith) for new, seemingly more powerful or appealing ideologies?**
* **How can I actively redirect my "gold, silver, and precious stones" (my resources and affections) to truly honor the one true God?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "God of forces" mentioned in Daniel 11:38?**

Answer: The "God of forces" (Hebrew: *'el ma'uzzim'*) is not a specific, named deity from ancient pantheons. Instead, it is widely interpreted as a symbolic representation of military might, strategic power, or even the deification of human strength and self-reliance. For the historical Antiochus IV Epiphanes, it could have referred to a deity like Jupiter Capitolinus, whom he honored with lavish gifts, or more broadly, the very concept of military and political dominance that he pursued. For the ultimate end-times Antichrist, it points to a system built on worldly power, control, and human ingenuity, rather than divine authority, effectively deifying the instruments of his own dominion. It signifies a profound rejection of the true God in favor of that which provides worldly security and power.

**Does Daniel 11:38 refer to Antiochus IV Epiphanes or the Antichrist?**

Answer: Biblical scholars generally agree that Daniel 11:38, along with verses 36-45, has a dual fulfillment. It primarily describes the historical actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose tyrannical rule and desecration of the Jewish Temple align remarkably with the prophecy. However, the language used in these verses, particularly the hyperbole and the eschatological scope, transcends Antiochus's historical context and points to a future, ultimate fulfillment in the person of the end-times Antichrist. Antiochus IV serves as a type or foreshadowing of this ultimate "man of lawlessness" ([2 Thessalonians 2:3](/2_thessalonians/2-3 "2 Thessalonians 2:3 - The Man of Lawlessness")) who will similarly exalt himself, reject traditional deities, and rely on worldly power.

**What is the significance of honoring this god "with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things"?**

Answer: The explicit mention of "gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things" highlights the materialistic and opulent nature of this ruler's worship. It signifies that his devotion is not born of genuine spiritual reverence or humility, but rather is a transactional, outward display of wealth and power. This emphasis on material treasures suggests that the "god" he honors is one that aligns with or is empowered by worldly riches and splendor. It contrasts sharply with the spiritual, humble worship commanded by the true God and underscores the king's self-serving, worldly priorities. This detail also emphasizes the immense resources at his disposal, which he misuses for idolatrous purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:38 describes the ultimate anti-God figure, it paradoxically points to Christ through stark contrast and ultimate victory. The "God of forces" honored by this wicked king represents worldly power, military might, and self-exaltation—everything opposed to the true nature of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Christ, by contrast, did not come to be honored with gold and silver in a worldly sense, but rather humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), and He conquers not by earthly forces but by sacrificial love and divine authority. The "god whom his fathers knew not" highlights a radical break from tradition, but Christ is the fulfillment of all the promises and traditions of the Old Testament, the one whom the fathers truly longed to know ([John 8:56](/john/8-56 "John 8:56 - Abraham Rejoiced to See My Day")). Ultimately, the Antichrist's reign, built on the deification of forces and materialism, will be utterly crushed by the appearing of Christ, who will return in true power and glory, not to receive materialistic offerings, but to establish His eternal kingdom where He alone is truly honored and worshipped by all creation ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Return of Christ")).

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 17:1

¶ And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

Revelation 17:5

And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Revelation 13:12

And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Revelation 13:17

And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

1 Timothy 4:1

¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Isaiah 44:9

¶ They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.

Revelation 18:12

The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,