Daniel 11:4

KJV

And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he shall stand up {H5975}, his kingdom {H4438} shall be broken {H7665}, and shall be divided {H2673} toward the four {H702} winds {H7307} of heaven {H8064}; and not to his posterity {H319}, nor according to his dominion {H4915} which he ruled {H4910}: for his kingdom {H4438} shall be plucked up {H5428}, even for others {H312} beside those.

Complete Jewish Bible

But once he appears, his kingdom will be broken up and divided to the four winds of heaven. It won't be inherited by his descendants, and it won't be ruled with the power he had, because his kingship will be uprooted and will pass to others than his own posterity.

Berean Standard Bible

But as soon as he is established, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the authority with which he ruled, because his kingdom will be uprooted and given to others.

American Standard Version

And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion wherewith he ruled; for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides these.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:4 prophesies the dramatic fragmentation of a powerful king's empire immediately following his rise. Instead of passing to his direct descendants or maintaining its original unified dominion, the vast kingdom would be violently shattered and distributed among others, specifically "toward the four winds of heaven," signifying a complete and widespread division among various successors. This verse precisely foretells the historical aftermath of Alexander the Great's sudden death and the subsequent partitioning of his Hellenistic empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11:4 immediately follows [Daniel 11:3](/daniel/11-3 "The Rise of a Mighty King in Daniel 11:3"), which describes the rise of a "mighty king" who would rule with great dominion and do as he pleased. Historically, this king is understood to be Alexander the Great. Verse 4 then serves as a direct continuation, detailing the swift and unexpected demise of this king's empire. It acts as a crucial transition point, shifting the prophetic focus from the singular, powerful reign of one monarch to the subsequent, fragmented rule of multiple successors. This division sets the stage for the protracted conflicts between the "King of the North" and the "King of the South" that dominate the remainder of [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Prophecies of Kings and Empires in Daniel 11"), providing the historical backdrop for the later prophecies concerning Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Daniel 11:4 finds its precise historical fulfillment in the events following the death of Alexander the Great in Babylon in 323 BC at the age of 32. Despite his unparalleled military conquests that stretched from Greece to India, Alexander died without a clear, adult heir. His infant son (Alexander IV) and mentally disabled half-brother (Philip III Arrhidaeus) were nominal successors but lacked real power. This power vacuum led to intense rivalries and prolonged wars among his leading generals, known as the Diadochi ("successors"). Over several decades, Alexander's vast empire was violently contested and eventually carved up into four major Hellenistic kingdoms: the Ptolemaic Kingdom (Egypt and Palestine, the "King of the South"), the Seleucid Empire (Syria, Mesopotamia, and Persia, the "King of the North"), the Antigonid Kingdom (Macedon and Greece), and the Kingdom of Lysimachus (Thrace and parts of Asia Minor). This division, explicitly stated as "not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion," accurately reflects the historical reality of his empire's dissolution.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully underscores several recurring themes found throughout the book of Daniel. First, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty over Empires**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of human kingdoms. Even the most powerful rulers, like Alexander, operate within God's predetermined plan, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings"). Second, the precise **Fulfillment of Prophecy** is a central theme. Daniel's detailed predictions about Alexander's empire being "broken" and "divided toward the four winds of heaven" were meticulously fulfilled by the historical emergence of the four Hellenistic kingdoms, a division also foreshadowed in the vision of the goat with the broken horn in [Daniel 8:8](/daniel/8-8 "The Broken Horn Prophecy in Daniel 8:8"). Finally, it emphasizes the **Transient Nature of Earthly Power**. Despite Alexander's immense dominion, his empire proved impermanent and unstable, unable to be passed down through his lineage, serving as a stark reminder of the fleeting and often unpredictable nature of human ambition and earthly authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **broken (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** H7665. A primitive root meaning to burst (literally or figuratively); to break (down, off, in pieces, up), crush, destroy. In Daniel 11:4, it vividly conveys the violent and complete shattering of the king's unified kingdom, indicating a forceful and destructive fragmentation rather than a peaceful succession.
* **divided (Hebrew, _châtsâh'_):** H2673. A primitive root meaning to cut or split in two; to halve. Here, it signifies the partitioning of the kingdom into distinct, separate entities. Coupled with "broken," it emphasizes that the division was not merely administrative but involved a fundamental splitting apart of the original whole.
* **posterity (Hebrew, _ʼachărîyth'_):** H319. From 'achar (after); meaning the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity. This word highlights that the kingdom would not be inherited by the king's direct descendants or future generations, underscoring the unexpected and unnatural end of his dynastic aspirations.
* **plucked up (Hebrew, _nâthash'_):** H5428. A primitive root meaning to tear away; to destroy, forsake, pluck (out, up, by the roots), pull up, root out. This verb reinforces the idea of a violent, forceful removal or uprooting of the kingdom from its established foundation, emphasizing that its end was not a natural decline but a forceful intervention, leading to its redistribution among "others."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken,"**: This clause refers to the mighty king's rise to power and the establishment of his vast empire, immediately followed by the prophecy of its violent end. The phrase "stand up" (Hebrew, `H5975 'âmad`) implies his establishment and reign, but the very next declaration is that his kingdom will be "broken," indicating a sudden and decisive collapse.
* **"and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven;"**: This specifies the manner and extent of the kingdom's fragmentation. "Four winds of heaven" is a common biblical idiom signifying the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), emphasizing a complete, widespread, and comprehensive division across the entire geographical expanse of the empire. It implies that the kingdom would be parceled out in every direction.
* **"and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled:"**: This part clarifies the nature of the division, explicitly stating that the kingdom would not pass to the king's direct descendants (his "posterity"). Furthermore, it would not maintain the unified, singular "dominion" (Hebrew, `H4915 môshel`) that the king had established and "ruled" (Hebrew, `H4910 mâshal`). This negates both hereditary succession and the preservation of the empire's original scope and unity.
* **"for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those."**: This final clause reiterates the violent dissolution and redistribution of the kingdom. "Plucked up" (Hebrew, `H5428 nâthash`) conveys a forceful uprooting, reinforcing the idea of a violent seizure rather than a natural transition. The beneficiaries of this division are "others" (Hebrew, `H312 ʼachêr`), meaning individuals distinct from the king's lineage or original associates, specifically referring to his generals who seized power for themselves.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Prophetic Foreshadowing** is the overarching device, as the entire verse serves as a precise prediction of future historical events—specifically, the post-Alexandrian era. The phrase "four winds of heaven" functions as a powerful **Idiom** and **Symbolism**, representing the four cardinal directions and thus signifying a complete, comprehensive, and widespread division of the empire across its entire geographical reach. This vivid imagery is further amplified by the use of strong, active verbs like "broken," "divided," and "plucked up." These verbs constitute **Vivid Imagery** and **Figurative Language**, painting a picture of violent fragmentation and forceful uprooting rather than a peaceful transition. The contrast between the king's initial vast "dominion" and its subsequent failure to pass to "his posterity" highlights a stark **Juxtaposition**, underscoring the impermanence of even the mightiest earthly power in the face of divine decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:4 powerfully illustrates God's meticulous sovereignty over human history and the precise fulfillment of His prophetic word. The detailed prediction of Alexander's empire fracturing into four distinct entities, rather than passing to his heirs, serves as irrefutable evidence of God's foreknowledge and control, demonstrating that human kingdoms rise and fall according to His divine plan. This truth offers profound comfort and assurance to believers, reminding them that even amidst chaotic world events, a sovereign God is orchestrating all things toward His ultimate purposes. It underscores the reliability of Scripture and the certainty of God's promises, reinforcing faith in His overarching plan for humanity and the eventual establishment of His eternal kingdom.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God Removes Kings and Sets Up Kings")
* [Daniel 8:8](/daniel/8-8 "The Broken Horn Prophecy")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Exaltation Comes Not from East or West, But God Judges")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly power, no matter how vast or seemingly invincible, is ultimately transient and subject to God's sovereign will. In a world often characterized by political instability, shifting alliances, and the rise and fall of nations, this prophecy encourages us to place our ultimate trust not in human leaders or earthly systems, but in the unchanging, eternal King of kings. It calls us to cultivate a perspective rooted in eternity, recognizing that while human empires crumble, God's kingdom endures forever. This should inspire a deeper sense of peace and confidence, knowing that God is actively working out His purposes in history, even when circumstances appear chaotic. It also challenges us to consider where our true allegiance lies and to invest our lives in that which has eternal significance, rather than in fleeting worldly pursuits.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise fulfillment of Daniel 11:4 strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the nature of earthly power versus divine sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might focusing on God's control over history impact your response to current global or political events?**
* **How can the transient nature of human kingdoms inform your priorities and investments in life?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" in Daniel 11:4, and why didn't his kingdom go to his posterity?**

Answer: The "he" in Daniel 11:4 is widely understood by biblical scholars and historians to be Alexander the Great, the "mighty king" introduced in [Daniel 11:3](/daniel/11-3 "The Mighty King in Daniel 11:3"). His kingdom did not go to his posterity because he died suddenly in 323 BC at a young age, without a mature, legitimate heir. His infant son, Alexander IV, and his mentally disabled half-brother, Philip III Arrhidaeus, were nominal successors but were eventually murdered. This power vacuum led to intense rivalries and prolonged wars among Alexander's leading generals (the Diadochi), who ultimately carved up the vast empire among themselves, fulfilling the prophecy that it would be divided "not to his posterity."

**What does "divided toward the four winds of heaven" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "divided toward the four winds of heaven" is a powerful biblical idiom signifying a complete and widespread division in every direction. The "four winds" represent the four cardinal points (north, south, east, west). In the context of Alexander's empire, it accurately foretold that his vast dominion would be fragmented into multiple separate kingdoms, each ruled by different generals, spreading across the entire geographical expanse of his former empire. Historically, this refers to the four major Hellenistic kingdoms that emerged: the Ptolemaic (South), Seleucid (East/North), Antigonid (West), and Lysimachian (North) territories. This imagery is also found in [Daniel 8:8](/daniel/8-8 "The Broken Horn Prophecy in Daniel 8:8"), further emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the division.

**How does Daniel 11:4 relate to the broader prophetic themes in the book of Daniel?**

Answer: Daniel 11:4 is integral to the broader prophetic themes in Daniel, particularly the overarching theme of God's sovereignty over human history and the succession of Gentile empires. It builds upon the visions in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue") and [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"), which depict a sequence of world powers leading up to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Specifically, it provides detailed historical precision to the prophecy of the Greek Empire's division, which was previously symbolized by the four-headed leopard in [Daniel 7:6](/daniel/7-6 "The Leopard Beast with Four Heads") and the broken horn giving way to four notable horns in [Daniel 8:8](/daniel/8-8 "The Goat with Four Horns"). This verse underscores the meticulous accuracy of God's prophetic word and His ultimate control over the rise and fall of all earthly kingdoms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:4 describes the fragmentation of a powerful earthly kingdom, its ultimate theological significance points forward to the enduring and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. The swift collapse and violent division of Alexander's empire, which could not be passed to his posterity or maintain its unified dominion, stands in stark contrast to the kingdom established by God through His Son. Earthly kingdoms, no matter how vast or mighty, are temporary and subject to decay, division, and ultimate replacement. This transience highlights the profound truth that only God's kingdom is everlasting, unshakeable, and without end. Jesus, the true King, establishes a dominion that will never be broken, divided, or plucked up. As prophesied in [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "His Kingdom Will Have No End"), "He will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end." The ultimate fulfillment of all divine sovereignty over history culminates in Christ, who, unlike any earthly ruler, will reign eternally, and "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdoms of This World Become the Kingdoms of Our Lord")). Thus, Daniel 11:4, by illustrating the impermanence of human rule, implicitly magnifies the unyielding and everlasting nature of the kingdom of God, perfectly embodied in 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

Daniel 8:8

Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.

Daniel 8:22

Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.

Jeremiah 12:17

But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.

Daniel 7:8

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

Daniel 7:2

Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.

Jeremiah 12:15

And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.

Jeremiah 18:7

[At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it];