Daniel 8:23

And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

And in the latter time {H319} of their kingdom {H4438}, when the transgressors {H6586} are come to the full {H8552}, a king {H4428} of fierce {H5794} countenance {H6440}, and understanding {H995} dark sentences {H2420}, shall stand up {H5975}.

In the latter part of their reign, when the evildoers have become as evil as possible, there will arise an arrogant king skilled in intrigue.

In the latter part of their reign, when the rebellion has reached its full measure, an insolent king, skilled in intrigue, will come to the throne.

And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

Commentary

Daniel 8:23 describes the emergence of a powerful and deceitful ruler, a key figure in the prophetic vision given to Daniel concerning the future of empires and the persecution of God's people.

Context of Daniel 8:23

This verse is part of Daniel's vision in Daniel chapter 8, which symbolically portrays the rise and fall of two great empires: the Medo-Persian (represented by a ram) and the Grecian (represented by a goat). The "great horn" of the goat symbolizes Alexander the Great, and after its breaking, "four notable ones" arise, representing his successor kingdoms (Daniel 8:22). Daniel 8:23 specifically prophesies about a king who would emerge "in the latter time of their kingdom"—that is, from one of these four divisions of Alexander's empire.

Historical interpretation largely identifies this figure with Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king (175-164 BC) known for his brutal persecution of the Jews and desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem around 167 BC. While primarily referring to Antiochus, some prophetic interpretations also see him as a prototype or foreshadowing of a future, ultimate "man of sin" in the end times.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty Amidst Evil: The prophecy underscores that God is sovereign over all human history, even over the rise of wicked and oppressive rulers. Their emergence is foreknown and part of a larger divine plan.
  • The Culmination of Transgression: The phrase "when the transgressors are come to the full" suggests that this tyrannical king arises during a period of widespread moral decay and rebellion against God. This indicates that human sin often precedes divine judgment or the allowance of oppressive regimes to gain power.
  • Characteristics of a Tyrant: The verse vividly describes the nature of this oppressive ruler:
    • "A king of fierce countenance": This implies an individual who is bold, insolent, ruthless, and without compassion. His very appearance radiates cruelty and defiance.
    • "Understanding dark sentences": This points to his cunning, deceptive intelligence, and mastery of intrigue, riddles, and complex, often malicious, schemes. He is not just powerful but also strategically manipulative.
  • Foreshadowing of End-Time Evil: While fulfilled in Antiochus, the characteristics of this king—his cruelty, cunning, and opposition to God's people—serve as a powerful type for future figures, including the ultimate antichrist described in passages like 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 and Revelation 13:7.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used in this verse provide deeper insight into the character of this king:

  • "Fierce countenance" (עַז פָּנִים, 'az panim): This phrase literally means "strong of face" or "bold of face." It conveys a sense of brazenness, impudence, and an unyielding, even cruel, disposition. It's not just a physical description but speaks to his character—unapologetic in his wickedness.
  • "Understanding dark sentences" (מֵבִין חִידוֹת, mebin chidoth): This highlights his intellectual capacity for deception and complex schemes. Chidoth refers to riddles, enigmas, or obscure sayings, implying a mind skilled in subtle, intricate, and often misleading plots, rather than straightforward communication. This king is a master strategist of evil.

Practical Application and Reflection

Daniel 8:23 serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of evil in the world and the potential for tyrannical rulers to emerge, especially during times of widespread societal moral decline. For believers, this prophecy offers:

  • Discerning the Times: It calls for spiritual discernment to recognize the characteristics of oppressive power and deceptive ideologies, whether in historical or contemporary contexts.
  • Faith in God's Sovereignty: Despite the rise of wicked figures, the prophecy confirms God's ultimate control over history and His people's destiny. This provides comfort and assurance that evil will not ultimately prevail.
  • A Call to Righteousness: The connection between the "transgressors coming to the full" and the rise of this king implies a warning. Living righteously and standing firm in faith can be a counter-cultural witness against the tide of sin that often precedes such dark periods.
  • Hope for Deliverance: While this verse describes a dark period, the broader context of Daniel's prophecies ultimately points to God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom (Daniel 7:27).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 13:11

    ¶ And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

  • Revelation 13:14

    And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:9

    [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:11

    And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

  • 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;

  • Daniel 8:9

    And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant [land].

  • Daniel 8:12

    And an host was given [him] against the daily [sacrifice] by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.