Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

DANIEL 11:39KJV
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Daniel 11:39 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:39 mean?

Daniel 11:39 describes a powerful ruler who uses the support of a foreign god to gain control over strong fortresses, honors this god, gives authority to others, and divides land for profit. The verse shows how this leader rewards followers and uses religion and wealth to strengthen his rule.

In the book of Daniel, an angel is revealing future events to Daniel, focusing here on a coming king who will act differently from past rulers. The verse highlights how this king will use alliances with a "strange god" to gain influence, reward supporters with positions of power, and distribute land as a way to secure loyalty and personal gain.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:39

  • "strange" (נֵכָר, nekar): This word means "foreign" or "alien." The verse uses it to describe the god this ruler honors, emphasizing that it is not the traditional God of Israel but a foreign deity.
  • "god" (אֱלוֹהַּ, eloah): This is a general word for "god," not the specific name of Israel's God, underlining the foreign nature of the worship.
  • "divide" (חָלַק, chalaq): This word means "to divide" or "apportion." Here, it refers to the ruler splitting up land, likely as rewards or bribes, showing a transactional approach to leadership.
  • "gain" (מְחִיר, mekhir): This word means "price" or "profit." The verse suggests the land is divided not out of fairness or justice, but for personal or political advantage.

Why Daniel 11:39 matters

  • Daniel 11:39 clarifies that the ruler's power is tied to religious and political manipulation, not just military strength.
  • The verse shows how loyalty and authority are bought, not earned, which is a theme that runs through the chapter's description of corrupt leadership.
  • Understanding the use of a "strange god" and the dividing of land for profit helps explain the broader context of shifting alliances and moral decline in this prophetic vision.

Where else these words appear

“gain” Hebrew H4242 · used in 15 verses

  • Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
  • 2 Chronicles 1:16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
  • Isaiah 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

“strong” 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.

“strange” Hebrew H5236 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
  • 1 Samuel 7:3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
  • Psalms 144:7 Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;

“holds” Hebrew H4013 · used in 37 verses

  • Numbers 13:19 And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;
  • 2 Kings 18:8 He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.
  • Jeremiah 34:7 When the king of Babylon's army fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish, and against Azekah: for these defenced cities remained of the cities of Judah.