His power shall be great—but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed is that this powerful oppressor’s might isn't truly his own; it's granted by external forces, whether human alliances or ultimately, God's permissive will to discipline his people. This highlights that even the most formidable earthly power operates within divine constraints and can be an instrument of God's justice.
His power shall be great—but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This prophecy describes a powerful ruler who will rise to prominence, not through his own inherent strength, but through cunning and external support. He will achieve astonishing success in his destructive campaigns, targeting both powerful leaders and the people of God. This vision directly follows the description of the ram and goat, with this verse elaborating on the actions of the "little horn" that emerges from the goat.
How can someone be described as 'mighty' but 'not by his own power'? This verse reveals a crucial truth about deceptive strength.
This enigmatic phrase points to a power that is granted or facilitated, rather than originating from the individual's own inherent abilities.
A Tool of Divine Providence
Empowered by Others, or Something More
This figure is destined not only to conquer but to inflict 'fearful destruction.' Who is targeted, and why is it so significant?
The verse pinpoints the ultimate aim of this power: the devastation of God's people and their sacred way of life.
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The 'Mighty' and the 'Saints'
Attacks on God's People and Presence
Understand the original words
qadosh · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
The holy people of God; those set apart for His purposes and covenant, often experiencing persecution in apocalyptic texts.
This prophecy speaks of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a ruler who gained power through manipulation and external aid, not his own strength. His reign was characterized by devastating attacks on the Jewish people and their sacred space, highlighting how external political maneuvering can lead to profound internal destruction.
223 BC
Seleucus IV Philopator becomes King
Seleucus IV inherits the Seleucid throne, ruling over a vast empire that includes Judea. His reign is marked by relative peace for the Jews.
187 BC
Seleucus IV Philopator assassinated
Seleucus IV is assassinated by his treasurer, Heliodorus. This creates a power vacuum and instability within the Seleucid Empire.
175 BC
Antiochus IV Epiphanes seizes the throne
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, brother of Seleucus IV, seizes the throne with the help of the Syrian king Eumenes II of Pergamum, bypassing Seleucus IV's son. He begins to assert his authority and influence.
c. 170-167 BC— this verse
Antiochus's oppressive campaigns and desecration
Antiochus IV launches campaigns, including against Egypt, and turns his attention to Judea. He suppresses Jewish religious practices and desecrates the Second Temple.
167 BC
Maccabean Revolt begins
The brutal oppression by Antiochus IV sparks the Maccabean Revolt, a significant uprising of Jews against Seleucid rule.
This passage highlights that true strength and victory don't always come from conventional power or personal might, echoing the idea that the horn's power is 'not by his own power.'
John 19:11Jesus tells Pilate that his authority comes from above, mirroring the concept in Daniel that the horn's power, though destructive, is ultimately permitted or granted by a higher power.
2 Thessalonians 2:9This verse speaks of a future figure whose coming is by the activity of Satan with all power, signs, and false wonders, directly relating to the 'destroy wonderfully' and 'not by his own power' aspects of Daniel 8:24.
Isaiah 10:5This passage describes the Assyrian king as an instrument of God's wrath, illustrating how a powerful, destructive force can be used as a tool of divine judgment, much like the horn in Daniel.
Revelation 13:7This verse mentions the beast being given authority to conquer the saints, directly paralleling the 'destroy... the people who are the saints' aspect of Daniel's prophecy.
ellicottDaniel 8:24: "And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people."
(24) Not by his own power. —Not might, but cunning, will cause his success. (Comp. 1 Maccabees 1:10 , &c.) Thus his destructive powers become astonishing. The mighty.—No special individuals are pointed out, but rulers in general.
jfbDaniel 8:24: "And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people."
- not by his own power—which in the beginning was "little" (Da 8:9; 7:8); but by gaining over others through craft, the once little horn became "mighty" (compare Da 8:25; 11:23). To be fully realized by Antichrist. He shall act by the power of Satan, who shall then be permitted to work through him in unrest…
What's easily missed is that this powerful oppressor’s might isn't truly his own; it's granted by external forces, whether human alliances or ultimately, God's permissive will to discipline his people. This highlights that even the most formidable earthly power operates within divine constraints and can be an instrument of God's justice.
This prophecy describes a powerful ruler who will rise to prominence, not through his own inherent strength, but through cunning and external support. He will achieve astonishing success in his destructive campaigns, targeting both powerful leaders and the people of God. This vision directly follows the description of the ram and goat, with this verse elaborating on the actions of the "little horn" that emerges from the goat.
This prophecy describes a powerful ruler who will rise to prominence, not through his own inherent strength, but through cunning and external support. He will achieve astonishing success in his destructive campaigns, targeting both powerful leaders and the people of God. This vision directly follows the description of the ram and goat, with this verse elaborating on the actions of the "little horn" that emerges from the goat.
"His power shall be great—but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints." — What's easily missed is that this powerful oppressor’s might isn't truly his own; it's granted by external forces, whether human alliances or ultimately, God's permissive will to discipline his peopl…
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Last reviewed October 2026