But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

DANIEL 11:38KJV
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Daniel 11:38 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:38 mean?

Daniel 11:38 describes a future ruler who will reject the traditional God of his ancestors and instead honor a new god associated with power or strongholds, giving this god valuable gifts like gold, silver, and precious stones. This verse highlights a dramatic shift in religious loyalty and the ruler’s devotion to something his forefathers did not worship.

In context, Daniel is recording a vision about future kings and conflicts, with this part focusing on a king who acts differently from those before him. The verse uses language that points to the ruler’s unusual religious practices, emphasizing his focus on strength and material offerings rather than the faith of his heritage.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:38

  • "God" (אֵל, ’ēl) and "god" (אֵל, ’ēl): The same Hebrew word is used for both "God" and "god" here, showing that the ruler treats this new object of worship as divine, even though it is not the God of his ancestors.
  • "forces" (מָעוֹז, ma‘ôz): This word means "fortress," "stronghold," or "strength." The phrase "God of forces" suggests the ruler is honoring a deity or power associated with military might or protection, not a personal or relational god.
  • "honour" (כָּבֵד, kaved): This word means to give weight, glory, or value. The ruler is not just acknowledging this new god but actively exalting it with valuable offerings, showing deep devotion.

Why Daniel 11:38 matters

  • Daniel 11:38 clarifies that the ruler’s worship is not just a personal preference but a public, material devotion, marked by extravagant gifts and a break from tradition.
  • The verse highlights a theme in Daniel of rulers who set themselves against the God of Israel, helping readers see the contrast between true faith and self-serving power.
  • Understanding the original words for "forces" and "honour" reveals that the focus is on strength and materialism, not spiritual or moral values, which sheds light on the ruler’s character and priorities.

Where else these words appear

“estate” Hebrew H3653 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 40:13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.
  • Exodus 35:16 The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,
  • 1 Kings 7:29 And on the borders that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges there was a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen were certain additions made of thin work.

“things” 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.

“forces” Hebrew H4581 · used in 35 verses

  • Judges 6:26 And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
  • Psalms 108:8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
  • Jeremiah 16:19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.

“precious” Hebrew H3368 · used in 36 verses

  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • 2 Chronicles 3:6 And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim.
  • Proverbs 3:15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.