Daniel 8:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And through his policy {H7922} also he shall cause craft {H4820} to prosper {H6743} in his hand {H3027}; and he shall magnify {H1431} himself in his heart {H3824}, and by peace {H7962} shall destroy {H7843} many {H7227}: he shall also stand up {H5975} against the Prince {H8269} of princes {H8269}; but he shall be broken {H7665} without {H657} hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will succeed through craftiness and deceit, become swelled with pride, and destroy many people just when they feel the most secure. He will even challenge the prince of princes; but, without human intervention, he will be broken.

Berean Standard Bible

Through his craft and by his hand, he will cause deceit to prosper, and in his own mind he will make himself great. In a time of peace he will destroy many, and he will even stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be broken off, but not by human hands.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:25 describes the character and ultimate demise of the "little horn" figure, a powerful and deceptive ruler who rises to prominence through cunning and self-exaltation. This figure, who embodies immense pride and a destructive agenda, will employ seemingly peaceful means to achieve widespread ruin. His ultimate act of defiance will be to challenge the "Prince of princes," a divine title, but his reign will be abruptly and supernaturally brought to an end, not by human intervention, but by God's sovereign power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel chapter 8 presents a vivid prophetic vision that follows the general pattern of the previous chapters, detailing the rise and fall of empires. The vision begins with a ram representing the Medo-Persian Empire, followed by a goat symbolizing the Greek Empire, with its prominent horn signifying Alexander the Great. Upon the breaking of this great horn, four notable horns emerge, representing the four successor kingdoms that arose from Alexander's empire. From one of these, the "little horn" of Daniel 8:9-14 emerges, growing exceedingly great and directing its hostility towards God's people, the sanctuary, and the daily sacrifice. Verse 25 serves as a climactic summary of this horn's character, methods, and divinely ordained end, reinforcing the themes of divine sovereignty and ultimate judgment that permeate the entire book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the vision has eschatological implications pointing to a future figure, the immediate historical fulfillment widely recognized by scholars is Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who reigned from 175-164 BC. Antiochus aggressively pursued Hellenization, seeking to impose Greek culture and religion on the Jewish people. His reign was marked by extreme persecution, including the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple, the prohibition of Jewish religious practices, and the slaughter of many Jews. His cunning, self-aggrandizement (he adopted the title "Epiphanes," meaning "God manifest"), and deceptive tactics align remarkably with the description in Daniel 8:25. The phrase "by peace shall destroy many" could allude to his breaking of treaties or using periods of calm to advance his oppressive agenda.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 8:25 encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **human pride and self-exaltation**, contrasting it sharply with divine sovereignty. The "little horn" magnifies himself, a direct affront to the true God, a motif seen in previous chapters with figures like Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. Secondly, the verse underscores the **nature of evil and deception**, illustrating how adversaries of God often operate through cunning and false promises rather than overt force alone, as implied by "cause craft to prosper." Thirdly, it powerfully asserts the theme of **divine judgment and ultimate victory**. Despite the immense power and destructive capacity of this oppressive ruler, his end is not brought about by human might but by God's direct intervention, echoing the imagery of the stone cut without human hands in [Daniel 2:34-35](/daniel/2-34-35 "Daniel 2:34-35 - The Stone that Crushes the Image"). This reinforces the foundational truth that God remains sovereign over all earthly kingdoms and will ultimately establish His eternal kingdom, as envisioned in [Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Kingdom of the Saints").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Craft (Hebrew, _mirmâh'_):** From H4820, this word signifies fraud, deceit, treachery, or guile. It emphasizes that the "little horn's" success is not achieved through legitimate means or honorable warfare, but through cunning, trickery, and deceptive strategies. This highlights the insidious nature of his power, which thrives on manipulation rather than overt strength.
* **Magnify (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** From H1431, this primitive root means to be or make large, to advance, boast, or increase. When applied to "magnify himself in his heart," it denotes an extreme form of arrogance, self-exaltation, and a belief in one's own supreme greatness, potentially even elevating oneself to a divine status. This internal pride is the root of his outward opposition to God.
* **Without hand (Hebrew, _ʼepheç yâd'_):** From H657 and H3027, this phrase literally means "end of hand" or "no hand." It powerfully conveys that the destruction of this ruler will not be the result of human effort, military might, or any earthly power. Instead, it signifies a supernatural, divine intervention, where God Himself brings about the end of this oppressive force, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and control over history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand":** This clause reveals the deceptive and manipulative nature of the "little horn." His "policy" (Hebrew, _sekel_, meaning intelligence or prudence) is not used for good but to advance "craft" (Hebrew, _mirmâh_, deceit). This indicates that his success is built on cunning, treachery, and shrewd, deceptive schemes rather than overt power or moral authority. His methods are characterized by guile and hidden agendas.
* **"and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart":** This phrase exposes the deep-seated pride and arrogance of the ruler. His self-exaltation is not merely an outward display but originates from an inflated sense of his own importance and power within his "heart" (Hebrew, _lêbâb_, the seat of intellect, will, and emotion). This internal hubris fuels his actions and ultimately leads him to challenge divine authority.
* **"and by peace shall destroy many":** This is a chilling detail, indicating that the ruler's destructive power will often be unleashed under the guise of tranquility or through deceptive agreements. He will not always use open warfare but will achieve his destructive aims through betrayal, false security, or broken treaties, catching many off guard and leading to widespread ruin.
* **"he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes":** This is the ultimate act of rebellion and blasphemy. The "Prince of princes" (Hebrew, _sar sarim_) is a superlative title, clearly referring to God Himself or His ultimate divine representative, the Messiah. This highlights the ruler's direct and audacious defiance of divine authority, placing himself in direct opposition to the Almighty.
* **"but he shall be broken without hand":** Despite his immense power, cunning, and defiance, this clause declares his inevitable and supernatural downfall. His destruction will not come from human armies or political machinations, but directly from God's intervention. This emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty and His ability to bring down even the most formidable adversaries without human assistance, ensuring His plan prevails.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 8:25 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The most striking is **Irony**, particularly in the phrase "by peace shall destroy many." This creates a stark contrast between the expectation of peace and the reality of destruction, highlighting the deceptive and treacherous nature of the "little horn." There is also significant **Symbolism** throughout the verse and the broader chapter, with the "little horn" symbolizing an oppressive power, the "Prince of princes" symbolizing divine authority, and being "broken without hand" symbolizing supernatural judgment. The phrase "magnify himself in his heart" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme arrogance and self-deification of the ruler, portraying a pride that knows no bounds. Finally, the entire description functions as a **Prophecy**, providing a predictive account of future events and the character of an anti-God figure, serving both as a warning and an assurance of God's ultimate victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:25 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of evil, divine sovereignty, and eschatological hope. It reveals that human pride, when unchecked, inevitably leads to self-deification and direct opposition to God. The "little horn's" deceptive tactics and destructive power, even under the guise of peace, underscore the insidious nature of sin and the need for spiritual discernment. Yet, the verse culminates in a powerful affirmation of God's absolute control over human history. No matter how powerful or defiant an earthly ruler may become, their ultimate fate rests in the hands of the Almighty. This provides immense comfort and assurance to believers facing oppression, reminding them that God's justice will prevail and His kingdom will ultimately triumph over all earthly kingdoms and their anti-God rulers.

* [Daniel 2:34](/daniel/2-34 "Daniel 2:34 - The Stone Cut Without Hands")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness")
* [Revelation 19:19-20](/revelation/19-19-20 "Revelation 19:19-20 - The Beast and False Prophet Defeated")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 8:25 offers timeless insights for believers navigating a world often marked by deception, pride, and opposition to God. It calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that evil often operates not just through overt force but also through subtle "policy" and "craft," even under the guise of "peace." We are warned against complacency and encouraged to critically evaluate leaders and movements, especially those that promise peace but harbor destructive intentions. Furthermore, the verse serves as a powerful antidote to despair in the face of seemingly overwhelming evil. The "little horn," despite his immense power and defiance, is ultimately "broken without hand." This reminds us that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers and that His ultimate victory is assured. Our hope is not in human strength or political solutions, but in the divine intervention of the "Prince of princes." This should inspire us to trust God's timing, persevere in faith, and live righteously, knowing that His justice will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "craft" and "policy" be used deceptively in our world today, and how can believers discern such tactics?**
* **How does the "little horn's" self-magnification serve as a warning against pride in our own lives or in the lives of leaders we observe?**
* **What does it mean to trust that God will "break without hand" the forces that oppose Him, and how does this impact our prayers and actions?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "Prince of princes" that the "little horn" stands up against?**

Answer: The title "Prince of princes" (Hebrew: _sar sarim_) is a superlative expression used in Scripture to refer to the supreme divine authority. In the context of Daniel, it is widely understood to refer to God Himself, the ultimate sovereign over all rulers and kingdoms. Some interpreters also see it as a messianic title, pointing to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The "little horn's" defiance of this figure signifies his ultimate blasphemy and rebellion against divine authority.

**What does "broken without hand" signify about the end of the "little horn"?**

Answer: The phrase "broken without hand" (Hebrew: _ʼepheç yâd_) is a powerful idiom indicating a destruction that is not caused by human effort, military might, or any earthly means. It signifies a supernatural, divine intervention. This echoes the imagery in [Daniel 2:34](/daniel/2-34 "Daniel 2:34 - The Stone Cut Without Hands"), where the stone that crushes the great statue is "cut out of a mountain without hands," symbolizing God's kingdom established by divine power, not human strength. For the "little horn," it means that despite his formidable power, his end will come directly from God, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to bring down even the most arrogant and powerful adversaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 8:25 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true "Prince of princes." While the "little horn" represents an anti-God figure who seeks to magnify himself and destroy, Christ is the humble King who emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). The "little horn" stands up against the "Prince of princes," but Jesus Christ is the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The destructive power of the "little horn" through "peace" is tragically contrasted with Christ, who is the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")) and whose peace transcends all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Ultimately, the "little horn" is "broken without hand," signifying a divine judgment. This foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all evil, sin, and death, achieved not by human might but by His divine power and sacrificial work on the cross. His return will bring about the final and complete destruction of all who oppose Him, including the Antichrist, who will be "consumed by the breath of His mouth and brought to nothing by the appearance of His coming" ([2 Thessalonians 2:8](/2_thessalonians/2-8 "2 Thessalonians 2:8 - The Lord Will Destroy the Lawless One")). Thus, Daniel 8:25, while describing an oppressive foe, ultimately points to the triumphant sovereignty of Christ, who will establish His eternal kingdom and reign supreme.

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 8:11

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.

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.

Daniel 11:32

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do [exploits].

Daniel 11:33

And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, [many] days.

Job 34:20

In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.

Revelation 19:19

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

Revelation 19:21

And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.