Daniel 11:5

KJV

¶ And the king of the south shall be strong, and [one] of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion [shall be] a great dominion.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of the south {H5045} shall be strong {H2388}, and one of his princes {H8269}; and he shall be strong {H2388} above him, and have dominion {H4910}; his dominion {H4475} shall be a great {H7227} dominion {H4474}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The king in the south will be strong, and one of his princes will gain power over him and have dominion; his domain will be a great dominion.

Berean Standard Bible

The king of the South will grow strong, but one of his commanders will grow even stronger and will rule his own kingdom with great authority.

American Standard Version

And the king of the south shall be strong, andoneof his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:5 initiates a remarkably precise prophetic sequence detailing the geopolitical struggles following the dissolution of Alexander the Great's empire. This verse specifically foretells the rise of two dominant Hellenistic powers, the Ptolemaic and Seleucid dynasties, highlighting the initial strength of the "king of the south" and the eventual, even greater, dominion of "one of his princes," setting the stage for centuries of conflict that profoundly impacted the Jewish people and the land of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is a prophetic chapter unparalleled in its historical detail, often referred to as the "Wars of the Kings." It directly follows [Daniel 11:4](/daniel/11-4 "Daniel 11:4 - Division of Alexander's Empire"), which describes the fragmentation of Alexander the Great's vast empire among his four generals, "not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled." This sets the immediate stage for the emergence of the "king of the South" and the "king of the North," the two primary powers (Ptolemaic Egypt and Seleucid Syria, respectively) whose incessant conflicts over the Levant form the central narrative thread of the chapter. Verse 5 begins to unpack the specific dynamics between these emerging powers, laying the groundwork for the detailed prophecies that follow concerning their interactions and the impact on God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following Alexander the Great's death in 323 BC was marked by intense power struggles among his generals, known as the Diadochi. These conflicts eventually led to the establishment of several Hellenistic kingdoms. The two most prominent, and most relevant to Daniel 11, were the Ptolemaic Kingdom, centered in Egypt (the "king of the South"), founded by Ptolemy I Soter, and the Seleucid Empire, centered in Syria and Mesopotamia (the "king of the North"), founded by Seleucus I Nicator. The land of Judah, strategically located between these two empires, became a constant battleground, frequently changing hands and subjecting its inhabitants to the political and cultural pressures of Hellenism. Understanding this post-Alexandrian geopolitical landscape is crucial for interpreting the highly specific prophecies of Daniel 11.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail of Daniel 11:5 and the subsequent verses underscores several profound themes central to the book of Daniel. Foremost among these is **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human history, the rise and fall of empires, and the destinies of kings, a truth powerfully articulated in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). The **Accuracy of Prophetic Detail** is another dominant theme, as the precise fulfillment of these predictions serves as compelling evidence for the divine inspiration of Scripture. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the **Endurance of God's People** amidst geopolitical turmoil, as the conflicts between these kings directly impacted the Jewish community in the land of Israel. The detailed nature of the prophecy also points to the theme of **God's Foreknowledge**, revealing that He knows the end from the beginning, and His purposes will ultimately prevail despite human machinations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** (H4428) From the primitive root `malak`, meaning "to rule." This term denotes a sovereign ruler, emphasizing authority and dominion. In Daniel 11:5, it specifically refers to the heads of the Ptolemaic and Seleucid dynasties, highlighting their royal status and the power they wielded over their respective kingdoms.
* **Strong (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** (H2388) A primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer." This word emphasizes not just physical might, but also the establishment of power, the ability to prevail, and the securement of a position of authority. Its repetition underscores the significant power wielded by both the "king of the south" and, even more so, by "one of his princes."
* **Dominion (Hebrew, _mimshâl'_):** (H4474) From the root `mashal`, meaning "to rule." This noun refers to a ruler or, abstractly, to the act or sphere of rule. It speaks to the extent of authority, the territory governed, and the influence exerted. The phrase "great dominion" signifies an expansive and powerful realm, underscoring the vastness and significance of the empire established by Seleucus I.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of the south shall be strong":** This clause refers to Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Great's generals, who established the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt. Upon the division of Alexander's empire, Ptolemy quickly secured Egypt, a land rich in resources and strategically defensible. He consolidated his power and laid the foundation for a formidable kingdom, making him indeed "strong" among the Diadochi.
* **"and [one] of his princes":** This phrase points to Seleucus I Nicator. Initially, Seleucus served under Ptolemy I, having fled to Egypt for refuge after being driven out of Babylon by Antigonus. Thus, for a period, Seleucus was indeed a subordinate or "prince" under Ptolemy's authority, demonstrating the intricate early relationships among Alexander's successors.
* **"and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion [shall be] a great dominion":** This part of the verse predicts Seleucus I Nicator's eventual rise to power, surpassing that of his former lord, Ptolemy I. Seleucus not only recovered Babylon but went on to conquer vast territories, establishing the Seleucid Empire, which stretched from Asia Minor to India, making it the largest of the Hellenistic kingdoms. His "dominion" was indeed "great," far exceeding the geographical reach and influence of the Ptolemaic kingdom, a remarkable and specific historical prediction.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:5 primarily functions as **Predictive Prophecy**, a literary device where future events are revealed with remarkable specificity. This is not merely a general foretelling but a detailed historical outline presented in advance, serving to authenticate the divine origin of the message. The verse also employs **Repetition** for emphasis, particularly with the words "strong" and "dominion." The doubling of "strong" highlights the significant power of both figures, while the reiteration of "dominion" (first as a verb "have dominion," then as a noun "his dominion," followed by "great dominion") underscores the expansive and unparalleled nature of Seleucus's eventual rule. This repetition serves to impress upon the reader the magnitude and certainty of the predicted outcomes. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Contrast** between the initial strength of the "king of the south" and the *greater* strength and *great* dominion of his former "prince," setting up the dynamic tension that will characterize the subsequent historical narrative of Daniel 11.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:5, with its astonishing precision in foretelling the intricate power shifts among the Hellenistic kings, serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all human affairs. It demonstrates that history is not a random sequence of events, nor is it solely determined by human will or ambition, but rather unfolds according to the meticulously orchestrated plan of a sovereign God. This divine oversight provides profound comfort and assurance, reminding believers that even in the midst of chaotic geopolitical struggles and the rise and fall of empires, God remains firmly on His throne, working all things according to His purpose. The accuracy of this prophecy validates the divine inspiration of Scripture, inviting profound trust in God's Word and His unchanging character.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"): "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding."
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge"): "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"): "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed prophecy of Daniel 11:5, though describing ancient geopolitical shifts, carries profound contemporary relevance for the believer. It serves as a powerful anchor for our faith, reminding us that the God who meticulously orchestrated the rise and fall of ancient empires is the same God who governs our present circumstances and holds our future in His hands. In a world often characterized by political instability, economic uncertainty, and societal upheaval, this verse calls us to look beyond the immediate chaos and fix our gaze on the unchanging sovereignty of God. It encourages us to cultivate a deep trust that His purposes will prevail, regardless of who occupies positions of earthly power. This perspective fosters peace in our hearts, knowing that even when human leaders fail or global events seem overwhelming, God's ultimate plan for redemption and justice is moving forward, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise fulfillment of Daniel 11:5 strengthen your faith in the divine inspiration and authority of the Bible?**
* **In what ways can recognizing God's sovereignty over historical events, as depicted in this verse, bring comfort or challenge to your own life today?**
* **How might understanding God's control over earthly kingdoms influence your prayers for leaders and nations?**

### FAQ

**Why does Daniel 11 use "king of the south" and "king of the north" instead of specific names?**

Answer: The use of "king of the south" and "king of the north" (and similar titles throughout Daniel 11) is a common prophetic and literary device. It allows the prophecy to refer to a *dynasty* or a *succession of rulers* rather than just a single individual. In this context, "king of the south" primarily refers to the Ptolemaic dynasty ruling from Egypt, while "king of the north" refers to the Seleucid dynasty ruling from Syria. This stylistic choice emphasizes the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between these two powers over centuries, rather than focusing solely on the initial figures like Ptolemy I and Seleucus I. It highlights the enduring nature of the conflict and its impact on the land of Israel, which lay geographically between these two spheres of influence, as seen in the detailed accounts throughout [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - The Kings of the North and South").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:5 details the rise and fall of earthly kings, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the profound truth that all earthly dominion and power ultimately point to, and are superseded by, the eternal and universal reign of Jesus Christ. The temporary strength and "great dominion" of Seleucus I, though impressive in its historical context, pales in comparison to the boundless authority granted to the Son of Man. Christ, as the true and ultimate King, has been given "all power in heaven and in earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")). The meticulous divine orchestration of human history, evident in Daniel's prophecies, finds its ultimate purpose in the coming of God's Messiah, who establishes a kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Every earthly king and every fleeting empire serves as a temporary stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the exaltation of Christ, before whom "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, the historical accuracy of Daniel 11:5 not only validates Scripture but also directs our gaze to the one King whose dominion is truly great and without end.

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 11:11

And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, [even] with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.

Daniel 11:25

And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.

Daniel 11:14

And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.

Daniel 11:40

And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

Daniel 11:3

And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.

Daniel 11:4

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.

Daniel 11:8

And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, [and] with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue [more] years than the king of the north.