Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.

DANIEL 11:34KJV
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What does Daniel 11:34 mean?

Daniel 11:34 says that when a group of people falls into trouble or persecution, they will receive a small amount of help, but many others will join them with insincere motives, using flattery. This verse points to a time when support is limited and not everyone who appears to join is genuine.

In the book of Daniel, an angel is explaining to Daniel what will happen to God’s people during times of hardship under oppressive rulers. The verse describes a period when faithful people face setbacks, some outside help arrives, but not enough to fully rescue them. It also warns that many new supporters will come alongside, but their loyalty is questionable, as they are drawn by self-interest or deceit.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:34

  • "fall" (כָּשַׁל, kashal): This word often means to stumble or falter, suggesting real difficulty or suffering, not just a minor setback.
  • "holpen" (עָזַר, azar) and "help" (עֵזֶר, ezer): Both words are related to giving aid or assistance, but the phrase "a little help" stresses that the support is limited and not enough to change the situation completely.
  • "cleave" (לָוָה, lavah): This word means to join or attach oneself, but it does not guarantee sincerity; people may join for their own reasons.
  • "flatteries" (חֲלַקְלַקוֹת, chalaqlaqqot): This word refers to smooth or slippery speech, highlighting that some who join do so with insincere praise or manipulation rather than true support.

Why Daniel 11:34 matters

  • Daniel 11:34 clarifies that not all help in times of trouble is strong or trustworthy; some support is limited, and some people join only for personal gain.
  • The verse highlights the need for discernment, as not everyone who appears to be an ally is sincere—some use flattery to get close.
  • This detail fits into the larger prophecy, showing that the faithful will face both external pressure and internal challenges from false friends during difficult times.

Where else these words appear

“flatteries” Hebrew H2519 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 35:6 Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.
  • Jeremiah 23:12 Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.
  • Daniel 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

“help” Hebrew H5828 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
  • Psalms 20:2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
  • Psalms 121:1 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

“cleave” Hebrew H3867 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 29:34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
  • Esther 9:27 The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;
  • Ecclesiastes 8:15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

“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.