And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times.

DANIEL 11:6KJV
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Daniel 11:6 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:6 mean?

Daniel 11:6 describes a political alliance formed between the king of the south and the king of the north through the marriage of the southern king’s daughter to the northern king, but the alliance fails because the woman and those connected to her lose their power and influence. The verse shows that even carefully arranged agreements can fall apart, and those involved may end up betrayed or powerless.

In the book of Daniel, an angel is explaining future events to Daniel, focusing on conflicts between powerful kingdoms after Alexander the Great’s empire broke apart. Daniel 11:6 uses the image of a royal marriage to show how rulers tried to secure peace or power, but the attempt does not succeed. The language points to a time when political marriages were common, but even these could not guarantee lasting stability.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:6

  • "Agreement" (בְּרִית, bərith): This word means a formal covenant or treaty, not just a casual agreement. The verse highlights that this was a serious, binding attempt at peace or alliance.
  • "Retain" (עָצַר, atsar): This word means to hold back or keep control. The verse emphasizes that the southern king’s daughter is unable to keep her position or influence, showing the fragility of her situation.
  • "Arm" (זְרוֹעַ, zeroa): This word often means strength or power, not just a physical arm. The verse uses it to show that neither the woman nor those supporting her have the strength to maintain their plans.

Why Daniel 11:6 matters

  • Daniel 11:6 clears up the idea that political alliances, even those sealed by marriage, are not always reliable or lasting, especially in a world of shifting power.
  • The verse shows how personal relationships and political strategies are deeply connected in ancient history, but also how easily they can unravel.
  • Daniel 11:6 connects to the larger theme of Daniel 11, where the rise and fall of rulers and kingdoms are shown to be unpredictable and often outside of human control.

Where else these words appear

“agreement” Hebrew H4339 · used in 19 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 29:17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
  • Psalms 98:9 Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
  • Proverbs 23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

“together” Hebrew H2266 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Exodus 36:16 And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.
  • Psalms 58:5 Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.

“retain” Hebrew H6113 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
  • 1 Kings 8:35 When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:
  • 2 Chronicles 14:11 And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.

“end” Hebrew H7093 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
  • Esther 2:12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women,(for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
  • Ezekiel 7:2 Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.