And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.

DANIEL 8:12KJV
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Daniel 8:12 (KJV)

What does Daniel 8:12 mean?

Daniel 8:12 describes how a powerful force was allowed to oppose the regular sacrifices because of widespread wrongdoing, and this force threw truth to the ground and succeeded in its actions. The verse shows that corruption and falsehood were able to flourish for a time, disrupting what was meant to be holy and true.

In the context of Daniel’s vision, an angel is explaining what will happen in the future regarding a ruler who will oppose God’s people. The “host” refers to an army or group given authority against the daily sacrifices, which were central to Jewish worship. The verse emphasizes that this was allowed “by reason of transgression,” meaning the people’s sins opened the door for this oppression, and that truth itself was forcefully rejected and replaced with deceit.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 8:12

  • “host” (צָבָא, tsābā’): This word often means an army or organized group. Here, it suggests a force or power that is allowed to act against the daily sacrifices, highlighting the scale and seriousness of the opposition.
  • “daily” (תָּמִיד, tāmid): This refers to the continual, regular sacrifices offered in the temple. The disruption of these sacrifices signals a major spiritual crisis for the people.
  • “transgression” (פֶּשַׁע, pesha’): This word means rebellion or serious wrongdoing. The verse points out that it was the people’s own rebellion that allowed this hostile force to act.
  • “truth” (אֱמֶת, ’emet): This word means truth, faithfulness, or reliability. The image of truth being “cast down to the ground” shows that honesty and faithfulness were publicly rejected and trampled.

Why Daniel 8:12 matters

  • Daniel 8:12 clarifies that the suffering and disruption of worship were not random but connected to the people’s own transgressions, showing a cause-and-effect relationship.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of losing truth in society, as the triumph of falsehood leads to real harm and confusion.
  • Understanding this verse helps readers see the broader theme in Daniel of God allowing difficult times for a purpose, and that even when evil seems to succeed, it is not outside God’s knowledge or control.

Where else these words appear

“prospered” Hebrew H6743 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
  • 1 Kings 22:15 So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
  • Isaiah 48:15 I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.

“transgression” Hebrew H6588 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
  • Psalms 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
  • Lamentations 1:5 Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the LORD hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy.

“daily” Hebrew H8548 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 25:30 And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.
  • Deuteronomy 11:12 A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.
  • Psalms 74:23 Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.

“down” Hebrew H7993 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 21:15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
  • 2 Kings 2:16 And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send.
  • 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.