Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

DANIEL 9:11KJV
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Daniel 9:11 (KJV)

What does Daniel 9:11 mean?

Daniel 9:11 says that all of Israel has broken God’s law by turning away and refusing to listen, so the curses and consequences written in the law of Moses have come upon them because of their sin. The verse connects Israel’s disobedience directly to the troubles they are experiencing, showing these are the result of choices made against God’s instructions.

Daniel is speaking in prayer to God, confessing on behalf of the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon. He recognizes that the nation’s suffering is not random but is the fulfillment of warnings given in the law of Moses, which promised blessings for obedience and curses for rebellion. Daniel’s words show a deep awareness of Israel’s collective responsibility and the seriousness of turning away from God’s voice.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 9:11

  • "Transgressed" (עָבַר, avar) means to cross over or go beyond a boundary. Here, it highlights that Israel has not just made mistakes but has deliberately stepped over the line God set in His law.
  • "Law" (תּוֹרָה, torah) refers to God’s teaching or instruction, especially the commandments given through Moses. The use of torah ties Israel’s actions back to the covenant relationship established at Sinai.
  • "Curse" (אָלָה, alah) is the word for a sworn curse or oath of judgment. Daniel connects Israel’s suffering to specific covenant warnings, not just general misfortune.
  • "Oath" (שְׁבוּעָה, shevuah) means a solemn promise or sworn statement. This points to the seriousness and binding nature of the consequences written in the law of Moses.

Why Daniel 9:11 matters

  • Daniel 9:11 clarifies that Israel’s exile and suffering are not accidental but are the direct result of breaking the covenant with God, as warned in the law of Moses.
  • The verse emphasizes collective responsibility, showing Daniel confessing not just his own sins but the sins of the entire nation.
  • This verse helps the reader see how Daniel’s prayer is rooted in Scripture, specifically in the promises and warnings found in the Torah, making his confession both humble and informed.

Where else these words appear

“poured” Hebrew H5413 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 9:33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:25 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.
  • Ezekiel 22:20 As they gather silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin, into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire upon it, to melt it; so will I gather you in mine anger and in my fury, and I will leave you there, and melt you.

“oath” Hebrew H7621 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 24:8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.
  • Joshua 2:17 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
  • Nehemiah 6:18 For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.

“curse” Hebrew H423 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 24:41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
  • Deuteronomy 29:21 And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:
  • Isaiah 24:6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.