Daniel 11:21 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A contemptible man, denied the royal honor, will rise in his place and seize the kingdom by flattery and intrigue rather than open claim.
What Does Daniel 11:21 Mean?
Now enters one of the chapter's central figures, described bluntly as 'a vile person', a contemptible man on whom the honor of kingship was never meant to fall. He gains the throne not by right or open battle but by coming in peaceably and seizing power through flatteries and deceit. The crown is won by cunning rather than valor.
Scripture has a steady eye for the flatterer who climbs by smooth words and hidden schemes. Such a man rises by exploiting trust, turning courtesy into a weapon. The verse is a caution against being charmed by those who flatter their way to power, for honeyed speech can mask a contemptible heart. True greatness is not grasped by deceit; it is granted to the faithful by God.
Daniel 11:21 in the Original Language
chalaqlaqqoth (חֲלַקְלַקּוֹת), 'flatteries' -- slippery, smooth dealings that deceive and ensnare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel 11:21
What does Daniel 11:21 mean?
A contemptible man, denied the royal honor, will rise in his place and seize the kingdom by flattery and intrigue rather than open claim.