Daniel 11:35 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:35 mean?

Daniel 11:35 says that some wise or discerning people will stumble or suffer setbacks, but this will serve to refine, purify, and cleanse them until the time of the end, because there is still an appointed time for these events. The verse suggests that hardship and testing have a purpose in preparing people for what is to come.

In Daniel 11:35, the angel is speaking to Daniel about future events involving faithful people who have understanding. The context is a prophecy about struggles and persecution among God’s people during a turbulent period. The verse explains that even those who are wise will face difficulties, but these challenges are meant to test and improve their character, and this process will continue until the time that God has set for the end of these troubles.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:35

• "understanding" (שָׂכַל, śāḵal): This word refers to people who are wise, discerning, or have insight. Here, it highlights that even those with spiritual insight are not exempt from hardship.
• "fall" (כָּשַׁל, kāshal): This word often means to stumble or falter, not necessarily to be destroyed. It suggests temporary setbacks rather than final defeat.
• "try" (צָרַף, ṣārap̄): This word means to refine or test, like metal in a fire. The imagery is of a refining process that removes impurities.
• "purge" (בָּרַר, bārar): This word means to purify or cleanse, emphasizing the idea of being made clean or genuine.
• "white" (לָבַן, lāḇan): This word means to make white or to cleanse, often symbolizing purity or righteousness.
• "time" (עֵת, ‘ēt) and "appointed" (מוֹעֵד, mō‘ēd): These words together stress that the period of testing is not random but set by God for a specific purpose and duration.

Why Daniel 11:35 matters

• Daniel 11:35 clarifies that suffering and setbacks among the faithful are not meaningless but serve a refining purpose, which can correct the idea that hardship always means failure or abandonment by God.
• The verse emphasizes that even wise and faithful people are included in this process, countering the belief that spiritual insight guarantees an easy path.
• Daniel 11:35 connects to the broader prophecy by showing that these trials are part of a larger, divinely appointed timeline, helping readers see the events as part of God’s plan rather than random misfortune.