Daniel Chapter 8 · Verse 24

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

וְעָצַ֤ם shall be mighty H6105
וְעָצַ֤ם shall be mighty
Strong's: H6105
Word #: 1 of 12
to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones
בְכֹח֔וֹ And his power H3581
בְכֹח֔וֹ And his power
Strong's: H3581
Word #: 2 of 12
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
וְלֹ֣א H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְכֹח֔וֹ And his power H3581
בְכֹח֔וֹ And his power
Strong's: H3581
Word #: 4 of 12
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
וְנִפְלָא֥וֹת wonderfully H6381
וְנִפְלָא֥וֹת wonderfully
Strong's: H6381
Word #: 5 of 12
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
וְהִשְׁחִ֥ית and he shall destroy H7843
וְהִשְׁחִ֥ית and he shall destroy
Strong's: H7843
Word #: 6 of 12
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
וְהִצְלִ֣יחַ and shall prosper H6743
וְהִצְלִ֣יחַ and shall prosper
Strong's: H6743
Word #: 7 of 12
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
וְעָשָׂ֑ה and practise H6213
וְעָשָׂ֑ה and practise
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 8 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְהִשְׁחִ֥ית and he shall destroy H7843
וְהִשְׁחִ֥ית and he shall destroy
Strong's: H7843
Word #: 9 of 12
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
עֲצוּמִ֖ים the mighty H6099
עֲצוּמִ֖ים the mighty
Strong's: H6099
Word #: 10 of 12
powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous
וְעַם people H5971
וְעַם people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 11 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
קְדֹשִֽׁים׃ and the holy H6918
קְדֹשִֽׁים׃ and the holy
Strong's: H6918
Word #: 12 of 12
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

Analysis & Commentary

The description "his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power" reveals Antiochus's authority derived from external sources—politically from Seleucid Empire resources, spiritually from satanic enablement. This parallels descriptions of the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:9) whose power comes from Satan. Human tyrants serve as instruments of spiritual evil, consciously or unknowingly advancing demonic agenda when persecuting God's people.

"He shall destroy wonderfully" (Hebrew: veniphla'ot yashchit, וְנִפְלָאוֹת יַשְׁחִית) means "destroy remarkably" or "extraordinarily"—his destructive capacity will be astonishing. "Shall prosper, and practise" indicates apparent success; his policies seem effective, wickedness appears vindicated. "Shall destroy the mighty and the holy people" identifies his primary targets: political leaders ("mighty") and covenant faithful ("holy people"). Persecution particularly targets those most committed to God.

This warns that Satan's servants will sometimes prosper temporarily. Divine permission allows apparent success to test faith—will believers trust God when wickedness triumphs? Yet prosperity is always temporary; Antiochus died insane and in agony (2 Maccabees 9). God permits evil's apparent victory to refine His people, but He guarantees ultimate vindication. This points to Christ, who through apparent defeat (crucifixion) accomplished ultimate victory, reversing Satan's temporary triumph.

Historical Context

Antiochus initially prospered—conquered Egypt, expanded territory, accumulated wealth. Yet his success came from political maneuvering and Roman alliance, not personal power. His persecution killed thousands: elderly scribe Eleazar, mother with seven sons, and countless faithful Jews who refused apostasy. Yet his apparent triumph ended suddenly—divine judgment struck him with intestinal disease, causing excruciating death. His "prosperity" lasted barely three years of intense persecution (167-164 BC) before Maccabean victory and his demise.

Questions for Reflection