But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

DANIEL 11:43KJV
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Daniel 11:43 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:43 mean?

Daniel 11:43 describes a powerful ruler who will control great wealth, specifically the treasures of gold and silver, and all the valuable things of Egypt. The verse also says that the Libyans and Ethiopians will be in close pursuit or under his influence.

This verse is part of a vision given to Daniel, where an angel explains future conflicts involving kings and kingdoms. The focus here is on a king who conquers Egypt and gains its riches, with neighboring peoples like the Libyans and Ethiopians either following him or falling under his control. The passage uses vivid language to show the extent of this ruler’s dominance in the region.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:43

  • The word for "power" is מָשַׁל (mashal), which often means to rule or have dominion. This highlights that the ruler is not just wealthy but exercises real authority over these treasures.
  • "Treasures" is מִסְכְּנוֹת (miskənôt), meaning storehouses or depositories, emphasizing not just scattered wealth but organized, controlled riches.
  • "Steps" is מִצְעָד (mitza'ad), which can mean footsteps or following. Here, it suggests that the Libyans and Ethiopians are either closely following the conqueror or are in his immediate sphere of influence.

Why Daniel 11:43 matters

  • Daniel 11:43 clarifies that the ruler’s power is not limited to military conquest but extends to economic control, especially over Egypt’s famed wealth.
  • The mention of the Libyans and Ethiopians shows that the ruler’s influence spreads beyond Egypt, affecting other significant nations in North Africa.
  • This verse helps set the stage for the dramatic events that follow in Daniel 11, showing the far-reaching impact of this king’s actions and the shifting alliances and powers in the ancient world.

Where else these words appear

“steps” Hebrew H4703 · used in 3 verses

  • Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
  • Proverbs 20:24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

“Libyans” Hebrew H3864 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.
  • Nahum 3:9 Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers.

“Ethiopians” Hebrew H3569 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Samuel 18:21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.
  • 2 Chronicles 14:9 And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah.
  • Jeremiah 38:7 Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;

“precious” 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.