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.

DANIEL 11:2KJV
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Daniel 11:2 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:2 mean?

Daniel 11:2 predicts that three more kings will arise in Persia, followed by a fourth king who will be wealthier and more powerful than the others, and who will use his riches to stir up opposition against the kingdom of Greece. This verse sets the stage for coming conflicts between Persia and Greece.

In this verse, the angel is speaking to Daniel, revealing future events that will affect the Persian Empire and its relationship with Greece. The focus is on specific rulers and the growing tension that will eventually lead to major historical clashes, especially the famous conflicts between Persia and Greece.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:2

  • "truth" (אֱמֶת, ’emet): This word means reliability or certainty. The angel assures Daniel that what is being revealed is trustworthy and not speculation.
  • "up" (עָמַד, ‘amad): This verb means to stand or arise, often used for someone taking a position of power. Here, it signals the rise of new kings in Persia.
  • "riches" (עֹשֶׁר, ‘osher): This word emphasizes the extraordinary wealth of the fourth king, which is highlighted as the source of his strength and influence.
  • "Grecia" (יָוָן, Yavan): This is the Hebrew term for Greece, pointing to the specific historical power that Persia will confront.

Why Daniel 11:2 matters

  • Daniel 11:2 helps clarify the historical sequence leading up to the famous wars between Persia and Greece, grounding later visions in real-world events.
  • The verse emphasizes the role of wealth ("riches") in shaping political power and international conflict, showing how material resources can drive major historical changes.
  • Understanding this verse helps readers see how the book of Daniel connects prophecy with actual historical kingdoms, making the predictions more concrete and specific.

Where else these words appear

“strength” Hebrew H2393 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 12:1 And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.
  • Isaiah 8:11 For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,

“Grecia” Hebrew H3120 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 10:2 The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:7 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
  • Ezekiel 27:19 Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.

“richer” Hebrew H6238 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 14:23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
  • Psalms 65:9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.
  • Proverbs 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

“Persia” Hebrew H6539 · used in 24 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 36:20 And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:
  • Ezra 4:3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
  • Esther 1:19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.