Daniel 8:24

KJV

And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And his power {H3581} shall be mighty {H6105}, but not by his own power {H3581}: and he shall destroy {H7843} wonderfully {H6381}, and shall prosper {H6743}, and practise {H6213}, and shall destroy {H7843} the mighty {H6099} and the holy {H6918} people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His power will be great, but not with the power the first king had. He will be amazingly destructive, he will succeed in whatever he does, and he will destroy the mighty and the holy ones.

Berean Standard Bible

His power will be great, but it will not be his own. He will cause terrible destruction and succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men along with the holy people.

American Standard Version

And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper and do his pleasure; and he shall destroy the mighty ones and the holy people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:24 unveils the formidable nature and destructive agenda of the "little horn" figure, a powerful ruler whose strength is divinely permitted rather than inherent. This verse details his extraordinary capacity for devastation, his strategic success in executing malevolent plans, and his specific targeting of both political adversaries and, most significantly, God's chosen people, underscoring the spiritual dimension of his opposition and the severe trials faced by the faithful.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 8:24 is nestled within Daniel's second major vision, following the vision of the four beasts in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - The Vision of the Four Beasts"). This chapter presents a vision of a ram and a goat, symbolizing the Medo-Persian and Greek empires, respectively. The "little horn" emerges from one of the four notable horns of the goat, which represent the four divisions of Alexander the Great's empire (specifically, the Seleucid kingdom). The verses immediately preceding [Daniel 8:24](/daniel/8-24 "Daniel 8:24 - The Little Horn's Power") describe the little horn's rise to power, his growing might, and his audacious actions, including his assault on the "host of heaven" and the "Prince of the host" ([Daniel 8:10-11](/daniel/8-10-11 "Daniel 8:10-11 - The Little Horn's Arrogance")). Verse 24, therefore, serves as a more detailed exposition of the source and scope of this figure's destructive capabilities, explaining *how* he accomplishes the terrible deeds previously introduced.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the "little horn" of Daniel 8 is widely interpreted as [Antiochus IV Epiphanes](/daniel/8-9 "Daniel 8:9 - Antiochus IV Epiphanes"), a Seleucid king who reigned from 175-164 BC. His reign was marked by aggressive Hellenization policies and a brutal persecution of the Jews, culminating in the desecration of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 167 BC, an event known as the Abomination of Desolation ([Daniel 11:31](/daniel/11-31 "Daniel 11:31 - The Abomination of Desolation")). The phrase "the mighty and the holy people" directly refers to the Jewish people, who were the primary targets of Antiochus's tyranny. His actions, including forbidding Jewish practices, sacrificing pigs on the Temple altar, and erecting an idol of Zeus, were an unprecedented assault on Jewish religious and cultural identity. The cultural context highlights the clash between Hellenistic paganism and monotheistic Judaism, with Antiochus seeking to eradicate the latter.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Daniel and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **divine sovereignty over human power**, as the little horn's immense strength is explicitly stated to be "not by his own power," implying a higher, permissive will at play. This resonates with the recurring motif in Daniel that "the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes" ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty")). Secondly, it highlights the **persecution of God's people**, a consistent theme throughout Daniel, where the saints face intense opposition from earthly powers ([Daniel 7:21](/daniel/7-21 "Daniel 7:21 - The Little Horn's War on the Saints")). The "holy people" are those set apart for God, and their suffering at the hands of this figure underscores the spiritual warfare inherent in human history. Lastly, the verse develops the theme of **the nature of evil and its deceptive success**, as the little horn is described as one who "shall prosper, and practise," indicating a cunning and effective execution of his malevolent schemes, even if only for a limited time.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Power (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** This word (H3581) denotes vigor, force, strength, or ability. Its repetition in the phrase "his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power" is crucial. It signifies that while the ruler's strength is indeed formidable and effective, its origin is external. This implies a delegated or permitted power, not an inherent one, suggesting a supernatural or divine allowance for his actions, or perhaps even demonic empowerment, as seen in other prophetic texts.
* **Wonderfully (Hebrew, _pâlâʼ'_):** This term (H6381) means to be extraordinary, marvelous, or difficult to understand. When applied to destruction, as it is here, it emphasizes the astonishing, perhaps even supernaturally effective, nature of the devastation wrought by this figure. It suggests a level of destruction that goes beyond typical human capability, making it exceptionally impactful and terrifying.
* **Practise (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This verb (H6213) is a very broad term meaning to do, make, accomplish, or perform. In this context, it underscores the active, intentional, and successful execution of the little horn's plans. It suggests not merely abstract plotting but effective implementation of his policies and strategies, allowing him to achieve his destructive goals with cunning and efficiency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power:"** This opening clause immediately establishes a paradox. The "little horn" will wield immense strength and influence, yet this formidable might is not inherent to him. It is a delegated or allowed power, indicating that a higher authority, ultimately God, permits his rise and actions, or that he is supernaturally empowered by an adversarial force, such as Satan. This limitation on his power's source is a critical theological point, highlighting divine sovereignty even over the most destructive human agents.
* **"and he shall destroy wonderfully,"** This phrase emphasizes the extraordinary and astonishing nature of the destruction he will cause. The term "wonderfully" (pâlâʼ) suggests a devastation that is remarkable in its scope, effectiveness, or perhaps even its seemingly miraculous success in achieving its malevolent aims. It speaks to the widespread and profound impact of his campaigns.
* **"and shall prosper, and practise,"** This clause describes the success and cunning of the "little horn." He will "prosper" (tsâlach), meaning he will be successful and effective in his endeavors, achieving his objectives. To "practise" (ʻâsâh) implies that he will actively implement his schemes, policies, and actions with shrewdness and efficiency, turning his destructive intentions into reality. This indicates a calculating and strategic mind behind his reign of terror.
* **"and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people."** This final clause specifies the primary targets of his destructive power. "The mighty" (ʻâtsûwm) likely refers to powerful nations, leaders, or even the strong among the Jewish people who might resist him. Crucially, "the holy people" (qâdôwsh ʻam) unequivocally identifies the people of God, Israel, as a specific target. This highlights the spiritual dimension of his conflict, as his ultimate aim is to oppose God by persecuting those who belong to Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is immediately evident in the opening phrase, "his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power," which sets up a tension between the appearance of autonomous strength and its actual derived source. This also functions as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the divine permission or satanic empowerment that undergirds the Antichrist figure in later prophecy. The phrase "destroy wonderfully" utilizes **hyperbole** or **intensification**, emphasizing the extreme and extraordinary nature of the devastation. The repetition of "destroy" (implied through the verbs' actions) creates a sense of **parallelism** and reinforces the relentless and pervasive nature of his destructive agenda. Furthermore, the "little horn" itself is a powerful **symbol** of oppressive, anti-God power, embodying both historical figures like Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the eschatological Antichrist.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:24 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that even the most formidable human or demonic powers operate within the bounds of God's ultimate sovereignty. The "little horn's" power, though mighty, is explicitly stated to be "not by his own power," a theological bedrock that reminds believers that no evil force is truly autonomous or beyond divine control. This principle offers immense comfort and a call to trust in God's overarching plan, even when His people face intense persecution. The verse also underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where the "holy people" become direct targets of those empowered by evil, highlighting the enduring conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. This persecution, while severe, is ultimately temporary and serves God's purposes, whether for refinement, witness, or to set the stage for His ultimate intervention and judgment.

* [Revelation 13:2](/revelation/13-2 "Revelation 13:2 - The Beast's Power from the Dragon"): "And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority."
* [2 Thessalonians 2:9](/2_thessalonians/2-9 "2 Thessalonians 2:9 - The Lawless One's Coming"): "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders."
* [John 19:11](/john/19-11 "John 19:11 - Pilate's Authority from Above"): "Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 8:24 serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of evil in the world and the spiritual forces that often empower human agents of destruction. It challenges us to look beyond the visible might of oppressive regimes or individuals and discern the true source of their power, recognizing that it is ultimately limited and derived. For believers, this verse cultivates a posture of vigilance and discernment, urging us not to be intimidated by the apparent success or overwhelming power of those who oppose God and His people. Instead, it calls us to deepen our reliance on God's absolute sovereignty, trusting that even when evil seems to "prosper" and "practise" with astonishing effectiveness, God remains in ultimate control, permitting certain events for His higher purposes. This understanding fosters perseverance in faith, knowing that the "holy people" have always faced opposition, but their ultimate vindication and deliverance rest securely in God's hands. It compels us to pray for those who suffer persecution and to stand firm in our faith, even when facing adversity, confident that no power can ultimately thwart God's eternal plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "but not by his own power" shape your understanding of evil and oppressive forces in the world today?**
* **In what ways might we, as "the holy people," be targeted or challenged in our contemporary context, and how can we respond with faith and discernment?**
* **How does knowing that God is sovereign over all power, even destructive power, impact your trust and reliance on Him during difficult times?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "little horn" mentioned in Daniel 8:24, and why is his power not his own?**

Answer: The "little horn" in Daniel 8 is primarily understood to be Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who severely persecuted the Jewish people in the 2nd century BC, desecrating the Temple in Jerusalem. Prophetically, he also serves as a type or foreshadowing of the ultimate Antichrist figure who will appear in the end times. His power is explicitly stated to be "not by his own power" to emphasize that his immense strength and destructive capabilities are not inherent to him but are either divinely permitted by God for His sovereign purposes or are supernaturally empowered by an external evil force, such as Satan, as seen in [Revelation 13:2](/revelation/13-2 "Revelation 13:2 - The Beast's Power from the Dragon") where the beast receives power from the dragon. This highlights that even the most formidable earthly powers are ultimately subject to a higher authority.

**What does it mean that he "shall destroy wonderfully" and "shall prosper, and practise"?**

Answer: The phrase "shall destroy wonderfully" (Hebrew: _pâlâʼ_) signifies that the destruction wrought by the "little horn" will be extraordinary, astonishing, and perhaps even miraculously effective in its malevolence. It suggests a level of devastation that is remarkable in its scope and impact, going beyond typical human capabilities. To "prosper" (Hebrew: _tsâlach_) means he will be successful in his endeavors, achieving his destructive goals. To "practise" (Hebrew: _ʻâsâh_) indicates that he will actively and shrewdly implement his plans and policies. Together, these phrases depict a cunning and highly effective adversary who not only plans evil but successfully executes it, appearing to thrive in his wicked schemes for a time, as also described in [Psalm 73:3](/psalm/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - Prosperity of the Wicked").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 8:24, while describing a formidable earthly adversary, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the "little horn's" derived, destructive power and the inherent, redemptive power of Jesus Christ. The "little horn" operates with a power "not by his own," highlighting his dependency on an external, malevolent source, and his mission is to "destroy the mighty and the holy people." In profound opposition, Jesus Christ possesses all power and authority inherently, as He declared, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). His power is not borrowed but is an attribute of His divine nature. Furthermore, while the "little horn" destroys, Christ came to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Purpose of Christ's Incarnation")) and to give life "more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Good Shepherd")). He is the true "mighty" one, not in a destructive sense, but as the "Mighty God" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Messiah")) who conquers sin and death. Most significantly, while the "little horn" targets "the holy people" for destruction, Christ is the One who makes a people holy through His sacrifice and resurrection, gathering them into His Church and protecting them from ultimate destruction. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), ensuring that "no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand" ([John 10:29](/john/10-29 "John 10:29 - Security of the Believer")). Thus, the terrifying power of the "little horn" ultimately serves to magnify the surpassing, sovereign, and saving power of Christ, who will ultimately crush all opposition and establish His eternal kingdom.

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 8:12

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.

Revelation 17:17

For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

Daniel 12:7

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

Revelation 13:3

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

Revelation 13:10

He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

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.