And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north.

DANIEL 11:8KJV
Know the Bible

Daniel 11:8 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:8 mean?

Daniel 11:8 describes a victorious king taking away the defeated nation’s gods, leaders, and valuable treasures to Egypt, and then living longer than the king of the north. The verse highlights the humiliation of the losing side and the superiority of the victor, who outlasts his rival in both power and years.

In the context of Daniel’s vision, an angel is explaining to Daniel a series of future conflicts between northern and southern kingdoms, often understood as the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires after Alexander the Great. This verse specifically shows the southern king (often identified with Egypt) carrying off the spoils of war, including idols and riches, from the northern king, and then remaining in power longer than his opponent.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:8

  • "carry" (יָבֹא, yavo, from H935): This word means "to bring" or "to carry." Here, it emphasizes the act of physically taking away the conquered items and people, showing complete victory.
  • "captives" (שְׁבִי, shevi, from H7628): This term refers to prisoners or captives of war. Its use underlines the total defeat of the northern kingdom, as not just objects but people are taken.
  • "gods" (אֱלֹהִים, elohim, from H430): This word can mean gods or idols. The removal of the gods symbolizes the spiritual and cultural dominance of the victor.
  • "precious" (חֵמְדָּה, chemdah, from H2532): This word means "desirable" or "precious." It highlights that the treasures taken were not just valuable in money but also highly prized.

Why Daniel 11:8 matters

  • Daniel 11:8 clarifies that the conflict between the north and south was not just military but also involved cultural and religious humiliation, as shown by the taking of gods and treasures.
  • The verse shows the temporary nature of power, as even after such a victory, the southern king’s dominance is described in terms of years, hinting at ongoing struggles.
  • This detail connects to the larger theme of Daniel 11, where cycles of conflict, victory, and loss play out between kingdoms, setting the stage for later developments in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“princes” Hebrew H5257 · used in 6 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:38 Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.
  • Joshua 13:21 And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.
  • Ezekiel 32:30 There be the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, which are gone down with the slain; with their terror they are ashamed of their might; and they lie uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit.

“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.

“captives” Hebrew H7628 · used in 47 verses

  • Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
  • Ezra 8:35 Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 22:22 The wind shall eat up all thy pastors, and thy lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness.

“north” Hebrew H6828 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
  • Ezekiel 20:47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.