Daniel Chapter 11 · Verse 2
And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֕ה
H6258
אֱמֶ֖ת
thee the truth
H571
אֱמֶ֖ת
thee the truth
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
2 of 22
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
אַגִּ֣יד
And now will I shew
H5046
אַגִּ֣יד
And now will I shew
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
3 of 22
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
עוֹד֩
H5750
עוֹד֩
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה
yet three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה
yet three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
7 of 22
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
עֹמְדִ֣ים
Behold there shall stand up
H5975
עֹמְדִ֣ים
Behold there shall stand up
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
9 of 22
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְפָרַ֗ס
in Persia
H6539
לְפָרַ֗ס
in Persia
Strong's:
H6539
Word #:
10 of 22
paras (i.e., persia), an eastern country, including its inhabitants
יַעֲשִׁ֤יר
richer
H6238
יַעֲשִׁ֤יר
richer
Strong's:
H6238
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich
גָּדוֹל֙
than they all
H1419
גָּדוֹל֙
than they all
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
14 of 22
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
מִכֹּ֔ל
H3605
מִכֹּ֔ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַכֹּ֔ל
H3605
הַכֹּ֔ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Historical Context
Written circa 536 BC during Cyrus's reign, this prophecy predates the events by decades. The Medo-Persian Empire (539-331 BC) succeeded Babylon and allowed Jewish return under Cyrus's decree (Ezra 1). Xerxes's Greek campaign is the pivot between Persian dominance and Greek ascendancy, making this prophecy remarkably specific. Daniel's detailed foreknowledge of empire succession demonstrates God's sovereignty over gentile kingdoms during Israel's dispersion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's detailed revelation of future empires demonstrate His sovereign control over history?
- What does Xerxes's massive wealth yet ultimate defeat teach about the limitations of human power and resources?
Analysis & Commentary
Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all—Gabriel's prophecy identifies specific Persian rulers following Cyrus: Cambyses II (530-522 BC), the false Smerdis (522 BC), and Darius I (522-486 BC). The fourth king is Xerxes I (486-465 BC), whose immense wealth is documented by Herodotus. The Hebrew ya'amod (יַעֲמֹד, 'shall stand up') indicates sovereign establishment, not mere succession.
By his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia—Xerxes assembled history's largest invasion force (Herodotus claims over 2 million, likely inflated but massive nonetheless) to attack Greece in 480 BC. The Hebrew ya'ir (יָעִיר, 'stir up') means to rouse or incite. This campaign's failure at Salamis and Plataea shifted power westward, setting the stage for Alexander's conquests (vv. 3-4). God reveals future history to demonstrate His sovereign orchestration of empires.