Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

DANIEL 11:37KJV
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Daniel 11:37 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:37 mean?

Daniel 11:37 describes a coming ruler who will show no respect for the God worshiped by his ancestors, will not value what women desire, and will disregard all other gods, instead making himself greater than any deity. The verse paints a picture of someone who sets himself above all traditional religious beliefs and customs.

In the book of Daniel, this prophecy is part of a message given to Daniel about future kings and conflicts, focusing especially on a powerful, arrogant leader. The verse uses strong language to show how this figure breaks with the past, ignoring both family faith and common religious practices, and even exalting himself above all gods.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:37

  • "regard" (בִּין, bin): This word means to pay attention to, understand, or consider. Here, it stresses that the ruler will deliberately ignore or show no concern for the God of his fathers or for any god at all.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohim): This is the common Hebrew word for God, often used for the God of Israel. The phrase "God of his fathers" points to the ancestral faith, suggesting a rejection of inherited religious tradition.
  • "desire" (חֶמְדָּה, chemdah): This word means something precious or desirable. The phrase "the desire of women" has been understood in different ways, but it clearly points to something highly valued or longed for by women, which this ruler ignores.
  • "magnify" (גָּדַל, gadal): This means to make great or exalt. The verse says the ruler will "magnify himself above all," highlighting his pride and self-exaltation over any god.

Why Daniel 11:37 matters

  • Daniel 11:37 clarifies that the coming ruler is not just irreligious but actively rejects all established faiths, including his own heritage, which would have been shocking to the original audience.
  • The verse emphasizes the ruler’s pride, showing that his main focus is on exalting himself rather than serving any higher power or tradition.
  • This verse helps set the stage for the rest of the chapter, which describes ongoing conflicts and the character of this leader, making it clear that his actions are rooted in self-worship and a break from all religious norms.

Where else these words appear

“desire” Hebrew H2532 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 27:15 And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son:
  • Isaiah 2:16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
  • Daniel 10:19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

“god” Hebrew H433 · used in 56 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
  • Job 12:6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.
  • Job 31:6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.

“magnify” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.
  • Isaiah 10:15 Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.