In his place shall arise a contemptible person to whom royal majesty has not been given. He shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss is that this "contemptible person" is known by a title that sounds grand – "the Illustrious." His entire ascent to power is built on deception, not on legitimate claim or popular acclaim, which explains the "flatteries" and why his true nature, deserving of contempt, is contrasted with his self-proclaimed glory.
In his place shall arise a contemptible person to whom royal majesty has not been given. He shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophecy shifts focus to a new ruler who will seize power through deceit. This individual, Antiochus Epiphanes, is described as contemptible and unworthy of royal honor, yet he cunningly obtains the kingdom by flattery and intrigue rather than rightful succession. He takes advantage of political instability and uses manipulation to secure his throne, setting the stage for his later actions.
How can a 'contemptible person' gain a kingdom? This verse paints a stark picture of a leader whose character seems unfit for royalty, yet he seizes power.
Daniel 11:21 introduces a figure described with strong negative terms – a "contemptible person." This isn't just about someone with a bad reputation; the original language suggests someone utterly to be despised or rejected.
A Man Undeserving of Majesty
Kings typically rise through inheritance, conquest, or acclamation. This verse reveals a different, unsettling path to power: surprise and manipulation.
The rise of this 'contemptible person' is marked by stealth and cunning, not open declaration or rightful succession. Daniel 11:21 reveals a method of seizing power that relies on deception and manipulation.
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The 'Peaceable' Usurpation
Understand the original words
nabah · Hebrew Adjective
A person or thing considered deserving of scorn or deep disapproval; in a biblical context, it often refers to one characterized by moral depravity or wickedness, lacking dignity or godly character.
howd · Hebrew Noun
The splendor, glory, or honor associated with kingship or divine rule; in the Bible, it refers to the state or quality of royal authority and power.
chalaqlaqqah · Hebrew Noun
Smooth, insincere speech or behavior intended to gain favor or manipulate others for personal advantage. In Scripture, it is often linked with deceit and the subversion of truth.
This verse powerfully describes the unholy rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a ruler who gained power not through legitimate succession or military might, but through cunning manipulation and a deceptive charm, a stark contrast to the righteous kingship God intends.
c. 187 BC
Seleucus IV Philopator Reigns
Seleucus IV Philopator, son of Antiochus the Great, rules the Seleucid Empire. His reign is marked by efforts to pay tribute to Rome after his father's defeat.
c. 176 BC
Heliodorus Usurps Throne
Heliodorus, a high official, attempts to seize the throne after Seleucus IV is assassinated, likely by Heliodorus himself. He acts as regent or usurper.
c. 175 BC— this verse
Antiochus IV Epiphanes Seizes Power
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, brother of Seleucus IV, returns from Rome. He allies with Eumenes II of Pergamum and gains the support of the Syrian populace, ousting Heliodorus and taking the throne.
175 BC - 164 BC
Reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes
Antiochus IV reigns as king. He is known for his intellect and ambition, but also for his erratic behavior and persecution of Jews, earning the nickname 'Epimanes' (the madman) from his detractors.
c. 167 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
Antiochus IV's attempts to Hellenize Jerusalem and suppress Jewish religious practices lead to the Maccabean Revolt, a major uprising against Seleucid rule.
This verse describes people who were envious of Moses and Aaron, highlighting a theme of envy and opposition to legitimate authority, which resonates with the 'contemptible person' who usurps power through illegitimate means.
Proverbs 28:21This proverb speaks about showing partiality and how 'for a piece of bread a man will transgress,' illustrating the corruptible nature of those who can be swayed by flattery or gain, mirroring the methods used by the figure in Daniel.
2 Samuel 15:1-6This passage details Absalom's deceptive rise to power, using flattery and disarming people's trust to steal their hearts and eventually usurp David's throne, showing a clear parallel to how the person in Daniel gains the kingdom.
2 Timothy 3:1-5This New Testament passage describes 'terrible times' with people who are 'lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant... treacherous, reckless, inflated with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.' This echoes the 'contemptible' and 'vile' character described in Daniel 11:21.
ellicottDaniel 11:21: "And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries."
(21) A vile person. —The meaning of the language will be plainer after a reference to Psalm 119:141 ; Jeremiah 22:28 . The moral character of the man is especially described. The words that follow explain more fully that he was not worthy of receiving royal majesty. This person is generally identified with An…
jfbDaniel 11:21: "And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries."
- vile—Antiochus called Epiphanes, that is, "the illustrious," for vindicating the claims of the royal line against Heliodorus, was nicknamed, by a play of sounds, Epimanes, that is, "the madman," for his mad freaks beneath the dignity of a king. He would carouse with the lowest of the people, bathe with th…
What's easy to miss is that this "contemptible person" is known by a title that sounds grand – "the Illustrious." His entire ascent to power is built on deception, not on legitimate claim or popular acclaim, which explains the "flatteries" and why his true nature, deserving of contempt, is contrasted with his self-proclaimed glory.
The prophecy shifts focus to a new ruler who will seize power through deceit. This individual, Antiochus Epiphanes, is described as contemptible and unworthy of royal honor, yet he cunningly obtains the kingdom by flattery and intrigue rather than rightful succession. He takes advantage of political instability and uses manipulation to secure his throne, setting the stage for his later actions.
The prophecy shifts focus to a new ruler who will seize power through deceit. This individual, Antiochus Epiphanes, is described as contemptible and unworthy of royal honor, yet he cunningly obtains the kingdom by flattery and intrigue rather than rightful succession. He takes advantage of political instability and uses manipulation to secure his throne, setting the stage for his later actions.
"In his place shall arise a contemptible person to whom royal majesty has not been given. He shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom by flatteries." — What's easy to miss is that this "contemptible person" is known by a title that sounds grand – "the Illustrious." His entire ascent to power is built on deception, not on legitimate claim or popular…
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Last reviewed October 2026