This verse highlights the chilling reality of a ruler who not only defies human authority but also claims supreme divine standing, "exalting himself above every god." What's often missed is that this ruler's prosperity is not a sign of God's approval, but a divinely permitted period of judgment, running its course "till the indignation is accomplished" – a stark reminder that even wicked reigns have a divinely appointed end.
“And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This section marks a shift in the prophecy, moving beyond Antiochus Epiphanes to describe a future, arrogant king. This figure will elevate himself above all divine powers, speaking blasphemies against God and prospering until divine judgment is complete. The preceding verses detailed Antiochus's persecution of the Jews, setting the stage for this more extreme and universal depiction of opposition to God.
Who is this 'king' who exalts himself above all gods and speaks blasphemies? Is it one person, or something more?
Daniel 11:36 describes a ruler who acts with absolute authority, elevating himself above all divine powers and speaking with outrageous arrogance against the God of gods. While many scholars see Antiochus Epiphanes, the Seleucid king who oppressed Judea, as the primary fulfillment, the text's scope often extends beyond him.
This powerful ruler seems to prosper. Why does God allow this, and for how long?
The verse makes a crucial point: the king's success is not limitless. He 'shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done.' This highlights God's ultimate sovereignty, even over seemingly unstoppable evil.
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Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
A title often used for human rulers or potentates. In Daniel, it frequently refers to arrogant, idolatrous rulers who oppose God's kingdom.
rum · Hebrew Verb
To lift up, set on high, or boast. Biblically, it describes the pride of those who reject God's authority in favor of their own.
el elohim · Hebrew Noun
The supreme, sovereign Creator who is uniquely set apart as the absolute authority over all created beings and spiritual powers.
zaam · Hebrew Noun
Divine wrath, judgment, or fury poured out against sin or disobedience. It signifies God's settled opposition to evil.
charatsah · Hebrew Noun
That which God has sovereignly ordained, fixed, or determined to take place in history. It reflects the certainty of God's providence.
While verse 36 is often seen as directly describing Antiochus Epiphanes and his blasphemous actions against Jewish faith, many commentators also interpret it as a prophetic foreshadowing of a future 'Antichrist' figure who will embody even greater defiance against God, a theme that resonates through centuries of interpretation.
c. 175-164 BC— this verse
Antiochus Epiphanes' Reign
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, ruler of the Seleucid Empire, initiated a brutal campaign to Hellenize Judea. He desecrated the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and outlawed Jewish religious practices.
167 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
In response to Antiochus's oppression, a Jewish rebellion, led by Judas Maccabeus, erupted. This marked a significant period of resistance against Seleucid rule and religious persecution.
c. 140 BC
Roman Expansion in the East
The Roman Republic's influence was steadily growing in the eastern Mediterranean, absorbing territories and imposing its authority on various kingdoms. This growing power would later play a significant role in the region.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, central to Christian belief, occurred during the Roman occupation of Judea. This event profoundly shaped Jewish and Christian history.
c. AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
Following a Jewish revolt, Roman legions under Titus destroyed Jerusalem and its Second Temple. This catastrophic event marked a major turning point for the Jewish people.
c. 2nd-4th Century AD
Rise of Papal Authority
The Bishop of Rome (the Pope) gradually asserted increasing authority within the Christian church, claiming spiritual and temporal power. Some scholars see this developing power as a fulfillment of prophetic descriptions.
c. 14th Century AD onwards
Later Interpretations of Antichrist
As Christian history progressed, interpretations of prophetic texts like Daniel 11 often shifted to describe future or ongoing spiritual conflicts, with the figure of 'Antichrist' becoming a central focus for many.
This passage directly parallels Daniel's description of a figure who exalts himself above all that is called God and sets himself up in God's place, providing a New Testament perspective on this type of rebellion.
Revelation 13:5-6Similar to Daniel's prophecy, this passage describes a beast given authority to act blasphemously for a period, speaking great things and boasting against God, highlighting the theme of arrogant opposition to divine authority.
Isaiah 14:12-15This prophetic passage about the king of Babylon's fall shares the theme of extreme self-exaltation and the desire to ascend above God, serving as an earlier example of this kind of pride.
Daniel 7:20-25This earlier vision in Daniel describes a 'little horn' with a mouth that spoke boastfully and waged war against the saints, echoing the same defiant and oppressive spirit seen in Daniel 11:36.
ellicottDaniel 11:36: "And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done."
(36) The king.— He raises himself by his thoughts and deeds, not only above the heathen deities, but above the true God. Though there can be no doubt that the northern king is still spoken of, it must be remarked th…
clarkeDaniel 11:36: "And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done."
And the king shall do according to his will - This may apply to Antiochus, who exalted himself above every god, called himself a god, sported with all religion, profaned the temple, etc., etc. But others think an an…
This verse highlights the chilling reality of a ruler who not only defies human authority but also claims supreme divine standing, "exalting himself above every god." What's often missed is that this ruler's prosperity is not a sign of God's approval, but a divinely permitted period of judgment, running its course "till the indignation is accomplished" – a stark reminder that even wicked reigns have a divinely appointed end.
This section marks a shift in the prophecy, moving beyond Antiochus Epiphanes to describe a future, arrogant king. This figure will elevate himself above all divine powers, speaking blasphemies against God and prospering until divine judgment is complete. The preceding verses detailed Antiochus's persecution of the Jews, setting the stage for this more extreme and universal depiction of opposition to God.
This section marks a shift in the prophecy, moving beyond Antiochus Epiphanes to describe a future, arrogant king. This figure will elevate himself above all divine powers, speaking blasphemies against God and prospering until divine judgment is complete. The preceding verses detailed Antiochus's persecution of the Jews, setting the stage for this more extreme and universal depiction of opposition to God.
"“And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be…" — This verse highlights the chilling reality of a ruler who not only defies human authority but also claims supreme divine standing, "exalting himself above every god." What's often missed is that this…
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Last reviewed October 2026
