And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.

DANIEL 11:33KJV
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Daniel 11:33 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:33 mean?

Daniel 11:33 says that wise and understanding people among the community will teach and guide many others, but they themselves will suffer for a long time—facing violence, fire, captivity, and being plundered. Even though they help others, they will not escape hardship and persecution.

This verse is part of a prophecy given to Daniel about future struggles for God’s people. The speaker is an angel explaining to Daniel that, during a time of great trouble, some people with insight will try to help and instruct others. Despite their wisdom and good intentions, these leaders will face severe trials, showing that doing what is right does not always protect someone from suffering.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:33

  • The word “understand” (שָׂכַל, sakal) means to be wise or to have insight. This highlights that those who teach are not just knowledgeable, but have practical wisdom to guide others.
  • “Instruct” (בִּין, bin) means to make others understand or to give insight. The verse emphasizes the active role of these wise people in helping others grasp what is happening.
  • “Fall” (כָּשַׁל, kashal) means to stumble or be brought down, often by hardship or violence. The use of this word shows that even the wise are not immune to suffering.
  • “Captivity” (שְׁבִי, shevi) and “spoil” (בִּזָּה, bizzah) refer to being taken prisoner and having possessions taken. These words make clear the real, physical dangers and losses these people will face.

Why Daniel 11:33 matters

  • Daniel 11:33 clarifies that wisdom and faithfulness do not guarantee safety from suffering; even those who guide others can face serious trials.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Daniel 11, where God’s people endure hardship under oppressive rulers, but some remain faithful and help others understand what is happening.
  • This verse helps correct the idea that suffering always means someone has done wrong; here, the wise suffer precisely because they are doing what is right.

Where else these words appear

“spoil” Hebrew H961 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 14:14 And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.
  • Ezra 9:7 Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.
  • Esther 9:15 For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.

“flame” Hebrew H3852 · used in 19 verses

  • Numbers 21:28 For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.
  • Isaiah 4:5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.
  • Lamentations 2:3 He hath cut off in his fierce anger all the horn of Israel: he hath drawn back his right hand from before the enemy, and he burned against Jacob like a flaming fire, which devoureth round about.

“captivity” Hebrew H7628 · used in 47 verses

  • Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
  • Ezra 8:35 Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 22:22 The wind shall eat up all thy pastors, and thy lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness.

“fall” Hebrew H3782 · used in 59 verses

  • Leviticus 26:37 And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.
  • Isaiah 3:8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.
  • Jeremiah 46:16 He made many to fall, yea, one fell upon another: and they said, Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our nativity, from the oppressing sword.