But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:

DANIEL 11:7KJV
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Daniel 11:7 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:7 mean?

Daniel 11:7 describes how someone from the same family line as the woman mentioned earlier will rise up, take power in her place, and launch a successful military campaign against the king of the north, defeating him. This verse predicts a change in leadership and a victorious attack by this new leader against a northern rival.

In the context of Daniel’s vision, an angel is explaining to Daniel a series of future conflicts between powerful kingdoms. The “branch of her roots” refers to a relative—likely a brother or son—of the earlier queen, who will come with an army and overcome the northern king’s stronghold. This sets up a pattern of ongoing struggle and shifting power between these rival kingdoms.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:7

  • "branch" (נֵצֶר, netser): This word means a shoot or sprout, emphasizing that the new leader comes from the same family roots, not an outsider. It highlights the continuity of the family line.
  • "roots" (שֹׁרֶשׁ, shoresh): This refers to the family origin or ancestry, reinforcing the idea that the new leader is closely related to the previous queen.
  • "fortress" (מָעוֹז, ma'oz): This word means a stronghold or fortified place, showing that the king of the north’s position is well-defended, making the victory more significant.
  • "prevail" (חָזַק, chazaq): This means to become strong or to overcome, stressing that the new leader will not just attack but will succeed and gain the upper hand.

Why Daniel 11:7 matters

  • Daniel 11:7 clarifies that the power struggles described are not random but involve specific family lines and dynasties, showing the personal nature of these conflicts.
  • The verse highlights the theme of reversal and unexpected victory, as the new leader from the same roots defeats a seemingly secure opponent.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the larger narrative in Daniel 11, which traces a series of back-and-forth battles between northern and southern kingdoms, setting the stage for later events in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“branch” Hebrew H5342 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
  • Isaiah 14:19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.
  • Isaiah 60:21 Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

“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.

“roots” Hebrew H8328 · used in 32 verses

  • Deuteronomy 29:18 Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;
  • Job 30:4 Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat.
  • Isaiah 37:31 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:

“fortress” 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.