And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

DANIEL 11:36KJV
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Daniel 11:36 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:36 mean?

Daniel 11:36 describes a king who acts according to his own desires, exalts himself above all gods, and speaks boldly against the highest God. This king will succeed for a time, until a period of divine anger or judgment is completed, because what has been determined will certainly happen.

In the book of Daniel, this verse is part of a vision given to Daniel about future rulers and conflicts. The speaker is an angel explaining to Daniel what will happen in the "latter days." Daniel 11:36 marks a turning point, focusing on a powerful ruler whose pride and defiance set him apart, and whose temporary success is allowed only until God's set plan is fulfilled.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:36

  • "Exalt" (רָמָה, ramah; H7311) and "magnify" (גָּדַל, gadal; H1431) both stress the king’s self-promotion, but together they show not just pride, but an extreme lifting up of himself above all others, even above the divine.
  • "Speak marvellous things" uses the word (פָּלָא, pala; H6381), which often means to do or say things that are astonishing or extraordinary—here, it suggests the king’s words against God are shockingly bold or blasphemous.
  • "Indignation" (זַעַם, zaam; H2195) points to a period of anger or wrath, often used in the Hebrew Bible for God’s righteous anger. This signals that the king’s success is limited by God’s timing and purpose.
  • "Determined" (חָרָץ, charats; H2782) carries the sense of something firmly decided or decreed, emphasizing that the events are not random but part of a set plan.

Why Daniel 11:36 matters

  • Daniel 11:36 clarifies that the king’s arrogance and success are not unlimited—his rise is part of a larger plan that God has already determined.
  • The verse highlights the theme of human pride versus divine authority, a key thread throughout Daniel.
  • Understanding this verse helps set the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the prophecy, showing that even the most powerful rulers are ultimately subject to God’s will.

Where else these words appear

“determined” Hebrew H2782 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 11:7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.
  • 2 Samuel 5:24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.
  • Isaiah 10:23 For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.

“indignation” Hebrew H2195 · used in 22 verses

  • Psalms 38:3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.
  • Isaiah 26:20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
  • Ezekiel 22:24 Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation.

“will” Hebrew H7522 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
  • Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

“prosper” Hebrew H6743 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
  • 1 Kings 22:15 So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
  • Isaiah 48:15 I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.