For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches.

DANIEL 11:13KJV
Know the Bible

Daniel 11:13 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:13 mean?

Daniel 11:13 predicts that the king of the north will return after some years with an even larger army and greater wealth than before, preparing for another major conflict. The verse highlights a renewed and stronger attempt by this northern king to assert power after a period of waiting.

In the book of Daniel, this message is part of a vision given to Daniel about future conflicts between northern and southern kingdoms, often understood as the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires. The verse is spoken by an angel to Daniel, describing a cycle of invasions and shifting power. The focus is on the increasing scale and determination of the king of the north’s campaign, setting the stage for further events in the prophecy.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:13

  • "north" (צָפוֹן, tsafon): This word points to the geographical direction, often referring to the Seleucid Empire in historical context, helping readers place the action on the map.
  • "multitude" (הָמוֹן, hamon): This word means a large crowd or army, emphasizing the sheer size of the force being gathered.
  • "greater" (רַב, rav): This word highlights that the army is not just large, but even larger than before, stressing escalation.
  • "riches" (רְכוּשׁ, rekush): This word refers to wealth or resources, showing that the renewed campaign is not only about military might but also about material strength.

Why Daniel 11:13 matters

  • Daniel 11:13 clarifies that the king of the north’s renewed campaign is not a quick response but comes after a significant pause, showing persistence and planning.
  • The verse draws attention to the increasing scale of conflict, which helps readers track the rising tension and stakes in the ongoing struggle described in Daniel 11.
  • Understanding the specific terms for "multitude" and "riches" reveals that the prophecy is concerned with both military and economic power, not just one or the other.

Where else these words appear

“riches” Hebrew H7399 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 12:5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
  • Genesis 36:7 For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:3 He appointed also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the LORD.

“after” Hebrew H7093 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
  • Esther 2:12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women,(for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
  • Ezekiel 7:2 Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

“multitude” Hebrew H1995 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
  • Psalms 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
  • Ezekiel 7:13 For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life.

“north” Hebrew H6828 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
  • Ezekiel 20:47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.