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.