Daniel 8:11

KJV

Yea, he magnified [himself] even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily [sacrifice] was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, he magnified {H1431} himself even to the prince {H8269} of the host {H6635}, and by him the daily {H8548} sacrifice was taken away {H7311}{H7311}, and the place {H4349} of his sanctuary {H4720} was cast down {H7993}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, it even considered itself as great as the prince of the army; the regular burnt offering was taken away from him, and the place of his sanctuary was thrown down.

Berean Standard Bible

It magnified itself, even to the Prince of the host; it removed His daily sacrifice and overthrew the place of His sanctuary.

American Standard Version

Yea, it magnified itself, even to the prince of the host; and it took away from him the continual burnt-offering, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:11 vividly portrays the audacious actions of a tyrannical figure, the "little horn," identified historically as Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This verse describes his blasphemous self-exaltation against God, referred to as "the prince of the host," and his direct assault on Jewish worship through the cessation of the "daily sacrifice" and the desecration of "the place of his sanctuary." It encapsulates a profound act of spiritual rebellion and defilement, serving as a powerful prophetic indicator of opposition to divine authority and true worship throughout history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 8:11 is a pivotal verse within Daniel's vision of the ram and the goat, recorded in [Daniel 8](/daniel/8 "Daniel 8 - Vision of the Ram and Goat"). This chapter outlines the rise and fall of two major empires: the Medo-Persian, symbolized by the two-horned ram, and the Greek, represented by the male goat. The vision then introduces a "little horn" that emerges from one of the four divisions of the Greek empire, a detail first presented in [Daniel 8:9](/daniel/8-9 "Daniel 8:9 - Emergence of the Little Horn"). Verse 11 specifically details the aggressive and blasphemous actions of this horn, which are presented as a direct assault on God's people and His established worship. It builds upon the preceding verses that describe the horn's initial growth and power, providing concrete examples of its oppressive nature and its ultimate target: divine authority and the means of communion with God. The verse serves as a crucial point in the narrative, transitioning from the horn's general rise to its specific acts of religious persecution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "little horn" of Daniel 8:11 is widely understood by biblical scholars to represent Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who reigned from 175-164 BC. His reign was marked by an aggressive Hellenization policy aimed at unifying his diverse empire under Greek culture and religion, which brought him into direct conflict with the devout Jewish population. In 167 BC, Antiochus launched a severe persecution against the Jews, culminating in the infamous desecration of the Jerusalem Temple. He abolished the daily burnt offerings (the _tamid_), which were a cornerstone of Jewish worship and a symbol of their covenant relationship with God. Furthermore, he erected an altar to Zeus within the sacred Temple precincts and sacrificed pigs on it, an act considered the ultimate defilement of the "place of his sanctuary." This "abomination of desolation," as referenced in [Daniel 11:31](/daniel/11-31 "Daniel 11:31 - The Abomination that Makes Desolate"), sparked the Maccabean Revolt, a significant historical event that ultimately led to the rededication of the Temple, commemorated annually during Hanukkah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Blasphemous Arrogance and Human Rebellion against Divine Authority**. The "little horn's" act of magnifying himself "even to the prince of the host" demonstrates an extreme form of hubris and direct opposition to God's supreme rule, echoing similar themes of human pride and defiance found throughout Scripture, such as in [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Desecration of Worship and the Sanctuary**. The cessation of the "daily sacrifice" and the casting down of the "place of his sanctuary" represent a direct assault on the established means of communion with God and the sanctity of His holy dwelling. This act of defilement is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, signifying spiritual apostasy and opposition to true religion. Finally, Daniel 8:11 serves as a profound example of **Prophetic Foreshadowing and Typology**. While historically fulfilled by Antiochus IV, his actions are presented as a powerful type or shadow of future events, particularly the actions of the ultimate Antichrist figure in the end times, who will similarly oppose God and seek to desecrate true worship, as alluded to by Jesus in [Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - Jesus' Prophecy of the Abomination of Desolation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **magnified (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** From H1431, this primitive root means "to be (causatively make) large" or "to twist." Here, it is used reflexively ("magnified himself"), emphasizing the extreme pride and self-exaltation of the "little horn." It denotes an arrogant self-aggrandizement, an attempt to elevate oneself to a position of supreme importance or even divine status, directly challenging the rightful authority of God. This act is not merely an increase in power but a boastful and presumptuous claim to superiority over the divine.
* **prince of the host (Hebrew, _sar ha-tsâbâʼ'_):** Derived from H8269 (_sar_), meaning "a head person, prince, ruler," and H6635 (_tsâbâʼ_), meaning "a mass of persons, an army, host." This phrase unequivocally refers to God Himself as the supreme commander of the celestial armies or the angelic hosts. The "little horn" magnifying himself "even to" this Prince signifies an ultimate act of blasphemy, a direct confrontation with the Almighty's sovereignty and a declaration of war against the divine order.
* **sanctuary (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_):** From H4720, meaning "a consecrated thing or place, especially a palace, sanctuary." This term refers to the holy dwelling place of God, specifically the Temple in Jerusalem. Its "casting down" implies not merely physical destruction but a profound defilement and desecration, rendering it unfit for its sacred purpose of worship and communion with God. It signifies an attack on the very presence and worship of God among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, he magnified [himself] even to the prince of the host":** This clause describes the audacious and blasphemous pride of the "little horn." It indicates an extreme form of self-exaltation, where this figure not only elevates himself above all human authority but dares to challenge and set himself against God Himself, the ultimate sovereign and commander of all creation. The phrase "even to" emphasizes the audacious extent of this rebellion, portraying a direct assault on divine majesty.
* **"and by him the daily [sacrifice] was taken away":** This part specifies a concrete act of desecration and suppression of worship. The "daily sacrifice" (Hebrew: _tamid_, H8548), refers to the regular burnt offerings made morning and evening in the Temple, which were central to the covenant worship of Israel. Its cessation by the "little horn" represents a direct assault on the established religious practices and a deliberate interruption of the people's communion with God, signifying a profound spiritual oppression aimed at severing the bond between God and His people.
* **"and the place of his sanctuary was cast down":** This final clause details the ultimate act of defilement against God's dwelling. The "place of his sanctuary" refers to the Temple, God's sacred dwelling place among His people. "Cast down" (Hebrew: _shâlak_, H7993) implies not necessarily physical demolition but a profound act of profanation and desecration, rendering the holy place defiled and unusable for its sacred purpose. This act symbolizes the enemy's desire to obliterate true worship, God's presence, and His established order among His people.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 8:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The "little horn" itself is a potent **Symbol** of tyrannical power and blasphemous opposition to God, representing not just a specific historical figure but a recurring spiritual force of evil throughout history. The phrase "magnified himself even to the prince of the host" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme arrogance and audacious rebellion of this figure, portraying an almost unbelievable level of pride that dares to challenge the Almighty. The actions described—taking away the daily sacrifice and casting down the sanctuary—are forms of **Desecration**, vividly illustrating the enemy's intent to corrupt and abolish true worship. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **Typology** and **Foreshadowing**, where the historical actions of Antiochus IV serve as a prophetic prototype for the actions of a future, ultimate Antichrist figure, demonstrating a recurring pattern of evil in history that culminates in the end times. This layering of meaning enriches the prophetic message, making it relevant across different historical periods.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:11 profoundly illustrates the ongoing spiritual conflict between divine sovereignty and human rebellion. The "little horn's" audacious self-exaltation against the "Prince of the Host" underscores the recurring biblical theme of humanity's propensity for pride and opposition to God, a rebellion that often manifests in the desecration of sacred things and the suppression of true worship. This verse reminds us that throughout history, forces hostile to God will seek to dismantle His established order, defile His presence, and disrupt the communion of His people. Yet, even in such bleak prophecies, the ultimate sovereignty of God is implicitly affirmed; His "host" and "sanctuary" belong to Him, and their defilement is an affront to His ultimate authority, which will not go unpunished. The historical fulfillment by Antiochus IV serves as a powerful testament to the accuracy of God's prophetic word and His ultimate control over the unfolding of history, assuring believers that despite temporary triumphs of evil, God's purposes will ultimately prevail.

* [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness")
* [Revelation 13:5-7](/revelation/13-5-7 "Revelation 13:5-7 - The Beast's Blasphemy and Authority")
* [Psalm 74:7](/psalms/74-7 "Psalm 74:7 - Desecration of God's Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 8:11, though rooted in ancient prophecy, carries profound contemporary relevance for believers. It serves as a stark reminder that spiritual opposition to God and His truth is a persistent reality. In a world increasingly prone to self-exaltation and the marginalization of faith, this verse calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing anything that attempts to usurp God's rightful place in our lives, our communities, or the broader culture. It challenges us to examine whether our own "daily sacrifices" of worship, devotion, and obedience are being subtly "taken away" by distractions, apathy, or compromise. Furthermore, it encourages steadfastness and courage in defending the sanctity of God's truth and the purity of His worship, even when faced with societal pressures or spiritual attacks. Ultimately, while acknowledging the reality of evil, this prophecy anchors our hope in God's ultimate triumph, reminding us that no earthly power, however arrogant or destructive, can ultimately thwart His eternal purposes. Our call is to remain faithful, to worship God alone, and to guard the sanctity of His presence within us and among us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, "magnify ourselves" against the "Prince of the Host" in our daily lives, perhaps through pride, self-reliance, or disobedience?**
* **What are the "daily sacrifices" in your spiritual life—such as prayer, Bible study, fellowship, or service—that are most vulnerable to being "taken away" by the pressures of the world or personal neglect?**
* **How can we ensure that the "place of his sanctuary"—whether our hearts, our homes, or our churches—remains undefiled and consecrated to God, reflecting His holiness and truth?**
* **What specific actions can you take to stand against the spirit of arrogance and desecration in your sphere of influence, upholding God's truth and promoting genuine worship?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "prince of the host" mentioned in Daniel 8:11?**

Answer: The "prince of the host" (Hebrew: _sar ha-tzava_) is a clear and powerful reference to God Himself, the supreme commander of the angelic armies or heavenly hosts. This title emphasizes His ultimate sovereignty, authority, and control over all creation and all spiritual forces. The "little horn" magnifying himself "even to" this Prince highlights the extreme blasphemy and direct challenge to God's divine rule, signifying an act of ultimate rebellion against the Almighty.

**What does "the daily [sacrifice] was taken away" refer to?**

Answer: The "daily sacrifice" (Hebrew: _tamid_) refers to the regular burnt offerings that were made every morning and evening in the Jerusalem Temple, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering")). These sacrifices were a central and continuous act of worship, atonement, and communion between God and His people. Its cessation by the "little horn" (Antiochus IV Epiphanes) was a deliberate act of religious persecution and defilement, designed to suppress Jewish worship and force assimilation into Hellenistic culture. This act of stopping the daily sacrifice is also mentioned in [Daniel 9:27](/daniel/9-27 "Daniel 9:27 - Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks") and [Daniel 11:31](/daniel/11-31 "Daniel 11:31 - The Abomination that Makes Desolate") in relation to the "abomination that makes desolate."

**How does Daniel 8:11 relate to the "abomination of desolation"?**

Answer: Daniel 8:11 describes the historical actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who stopped the daily sacrifices and desecrated the Temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar, an event that is a direct historical fulfillment of the "abomination that makes desolate" mentioned elsewhere in Daniel (e.g., [Daniel 9:27](/daniel/9-27 "Daniel 9:27 - Covenant and Desolation") and [Daniel 11:31](/daniel/11-31 "Daniel 11:31 - The Abomination that Makes Desolate")). Jesus Himself referred to this prophecy in [Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - Jesus' Warning of the Abomination"), indicating that Antiochus's actions were a type or foreshadowing of a future, ultimate "abomination" that would occur in the end times, perpetrated by a final Antichrist figure. Thus, Daniel 8:11 provides the historical prototype for this significant prophetic event, illustrating a pattern of spiritual desecration that culminates in the eschatological period.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 8:11, while detailing the blasphemous actions of an earthly ruler against God's sanctuary and worship, ultimately finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Prince of the Host" against whom the "little horn" magnified himself is ultimately revealed in the New Testament as the [Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The "daily sacrifice" that was taken away foreshadows the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of [Jesus, the Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose perfect offering on the cross forever put an end to the need for repeated animal sacrifices, establishing a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Single Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:11-14](/hebrews/10-11-14 "Hebrews 10:11-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the "place of his sanctuary" that was cast down points to the profound reality that in Christ, God's true sanctuary is no longer a physical temple made with hands, but the [body of Christ, the Church](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Temple"), and indeed, the very person of Jesus Himself ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus' Body as the Temple")). While earthly powers may defile physical structures or suppress outward worship, they cannot ultimately cast down the true spiritual sanctuary of God's people, nor can they diminish the efficacy of Christ's finished work. Jesus' victory over sin and death, and His ultimate reign, ensure that all attempts to magnify oneself against the true "Prince of the Host" are futile, and His worship will ultimately prevail, as every knee will one day bow to Him ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' 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

Daniel 12:11

And from the time [that] the daily [sacrifice] shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, [there shall be] a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

Revelation 13:5

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 13:7

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Daniel 8:25

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Daniel 11:31

And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily [sacrifice], and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

Ezekiel 46:14

And thou shalt prepare a meat offering for it every morning, the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of an hin of oil, to temper with the fine flour; a meat offering continually by a perpetual ordinance unto the LORD.

Revelation 17:14

¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.