Daniel 11:32

Authorized King James Version

PDF

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.

Original Language Analysis

וּמַרְשִׁיעֵ֣י And such as do wickedly H7561
וּמַרְשִׁיעֵ֣י And such as do wickedly
Strong's: H7561
Word #: 1 of 9
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
בְרִ֔ית against the covenant H1285
בְרִ֔ית against the covenant
Strong's: H1285
Word #: 2 of 9
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
יַחֲנִ֖יף shall he corrupt H2610
יַחֲנִ֖יף shall he corrupt
Strong's: H2610
Word #: 3 of 9
to soil, especially in a moral sense
בַּחֲלַקּ֑וֹת by flatteries H2514
בַּחֲלַקּ֑וֹת by flatteries
Strong's: H2514
Word #: 4 of 9
flattery
וְעַ֛ם but the people H5971
וְעַ֛ם but the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 5 of 9
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יֹדְעֵ֥י that do know H3045
יֹדְעֵ֥י that do know
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 6 of 9
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֱלֹהָ֖יו their God H430
אֱלֹהָ֖יו their God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 7 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יַחֲזִ֥קוּ shall be strong H2388
יַחֲזִ֥קוּ shall be strong
Strong's: H2388
Word #: 8 of 9
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
וְעָשֽׂוּ׃ and do H6213
וְעָשֽׂוּ׃ and do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 9 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Cross References

1 Chronicles 28:9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.Psalms 9:10And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.Zechariah 10:12And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.Jeremiah 31:34And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.Malachi 4:2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.Proverbs 26:28A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.Proverbs 19:5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

Analysis & Commentary

Antiochus used flatteries to corrupt apostate Jews willing to abandon covenant. Yet 'the people that do know their God' (faithful Jews like the Maccabees) resisted strongly, leading to heroic resistance and martyrdom. This encourages faithfulness under persecution—knowing God produces courageous resistance.

Historical Context

Daniel chapter 11 contains some of Scripture's most detailed predictive prophecy, written c. 536 BC and fulfilled with remarkable precision 200-160 BC during Ptolemaic-Seleucid conflicts. The prophecies served multiple purposes: encouraging Jewish exiles that God controls history, providing roadmap for future generations facing Hellenistic pressures, and typologically pointing to end-times Antichrist. Reformed theology sees dual fulfillment: near historical events (Antiochus Epiphanes) typifying far eschatological realities (final Antichrist). This pattern validates divine inspiration—only God knows future details with such precision. For believers under persecution, these prophecies demonstrated that tyrannical opposition is temporary, God's sovereignty absolute, and ultimate victory certain. The historical fulfillment encourages trust that eschatological promises will similarly fulfill exactly as prophesied.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People