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Daniel 8:23

Daniel 8:23 in Multiple Translations

In the latter part of their reign, when the rebellion has reached its full measure, an insolent king, skilled in intrigue, will come to the throne.

And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

And in the later years of their kingdom, when their evil doings have become complete, there will come up a king full of pride and expert in dark sayings.

When those kingdoms come to an end, when their sins have reached their fullest extent, a ferocious and treacherous kingdom will rise to power.

And in the end of their kingdome, when the rebellious shalbe consumed, a King of fierce countenance, and vnderstanding darke sentences, shall stand vp.

'And in the latter end of their kingdom, about the perfecting of the transgressors, stand up doth a king, fierce of face, and understanding hidden things;

“In the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have come to the full, a king of fierce face, and understanding riddles, will stand up.

And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

And after their reign, when iniquities shall be grown up, there shall arise a king of a shameless face, and understanding dark sentences.

The people in those kingdoms will become very wicked, with the result that it will be necessary for them to be punished. But near the time when those kingdoms will end, one of those kingdoms will have a king who will be very proud/defiant [IDM]. He will also be very fierce and very deceitful.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 8:23

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Daniel 8:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּֽ/בְ/אַחֲרִית֙ מַלְכוּתָ֔/ם כְּ/הָתֵ֖ם הַ/פֹּשְׁעִ֑ים יַעֲמֹ֛ד מֶ֥לֶךְ עַז פָּנִ֖ים וּ/מֵבִ֥ין חִידֽוֹת
וּֽ/בְ/אַחֲרִית֙ ʼachărîyth H319 end Conj | Prep | N-fs
מַלְכוּתָ֔/ם malkûwth H4438 royalty N-fs | Suff
כְּ/הָתֵ֖ם tâmam H8552 to finish Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
הַ/פֹּשְׁעִ֑ים pâshaʻ H6586 to transgress Art | V-Qal
יַעֲמֹ֛ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מֶ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms
עַז ʻaz H5794 strong Adj
פָּנִ֖ים pânîym H6440 face N-cp
וּ/מֵבִ֥ין bîyn H995 to understand Conj | V-Hiphil
חִידֽוֹת chîydâh H2420 riddle N-fp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 8:23

וּֽ/בְ/אַחֲרִית֙ ʼachărîyth H319 "end" Conj | Prep | N-fs
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
מַלְכוּתָ֔/ם malkûwth H4438 "royalty" N-fs | Suff
Royalty or royal power refers to the authority and dominion of a king or queen, like Solomon's reign in Israel. It can also mean the kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch. The word is used in the Bible to describe sovereign power and authority.
Definition: 1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power 1a) royal power, dominion 1b) reign 1c) kingdom, realm Aramaic equivalent: mal.khu (מַלְכוּ "kingdom" H4437)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. See also: Numbers 24:7; Esther 1:9; Psalms 45:7.
כְּ/הָתֵ֖ם tâmam H8552 "to finish" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To finish or complete something, either in a good or bad sense, like when God finished creating the world in Genesis. It can also mean to be consumed or destroyed. The KJV Bible uses words like accomplish, cease, or have done to translate it.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be finished, be at an end 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be finished, be completed 1a1a) completely, wholly, entirely (as auxiliary with verb) 1a2) to be finished, come to an end, cease 1a3) to be complete (of number) 1a4) to be consumed, be exhausted, be spent 1a5) to be finished, be consumed, be destroyed 1a6) to be complete, be sound, be unimpaired, be upright (ethically) 1a7) to complete, finish 1a8) to be completely crossed over 1b) (Niphal) to be consumed 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to finish, complete, perfect 1c2) to finish, cease doing, leave off doing 1c3) to complete, sum up, make whole 1c4) to destroy (uncleanness) 1c5) to make sound 1d) (Hithpael) to deal in integrity, act uprightly
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, be clean (pass-) ed, consume, have done, (come to an, have an, make an) end, fail, come to the full, be all gone, [idiom] be all here, be (make) perfect, be spent, sum, be (shew self) upright, be wasted, whole. See also: Genesis 47:15; 2 Kings 22:4; Psalms 9:7.
הַ/פֹּשְׁעִ֑ים pâshaʻ H6586 "to transgress" Art | V-Qal
To transgress means to break away from authority, like rebelling or revolting against God or others, as seen in Psalm 51:1. It involves intentional disobedience. This concept is key in understanding sin and guilt.
Definition: 1) to rebel, transgress, revolt 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rebel, revolt 1a2) to transgress 1b) (Niphal) to be rebelled against
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: offend, rebel, revolt, transgress(-ion, -or). See also: 1 Kings 8:50; Isaiah 46:8; Psalms 37:38.
יַעֲמֹ֛ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
מֶ֥לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
עַז ʻaz H5794 "strong" Adj
Means strong or fierce, used to describe powerful forces or intense emotions in the Bible, like greedy desires or mighty powers.
Definition: strong, mighty, fierce
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: fierce, [phrase] greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong. See also: Genesis 49:3; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 18:18.
פָּנִ֖ים pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וּ/מֵבִ֥ין bîyn H995 "to understand" Conj | V-Hiphil
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
חִידֽוֹת chîydâh H2420 "riddle" N-fp
A riddle or puzzle is what this Hebrew word represents, often used to describe difficult questions or perplexing sayings. It appears in the Bible as a way to convey complex ideas or challenge people's thinking, such as in the story of Samson and Delilah.
Definition: 1) riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question 1a) riddle (dark obscure utterance) 1b) riddle, enigma (to be guessed) 1c) perplexing questions (difficult) 1d) double dealing (with 'havin') Aramaic equivalent: a.chi.dah (אֲחִידָה "riddle" H0280)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dark saying (sentence, speech), hard question, proverb, riddle. See also: Numbers 12:8; Judges 14:19; Psalms 49:5.

Study Notes — Daniel 8:23

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Revelation 13:11–14 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. This beast had two horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. And this beast exercised all the authority of the first beast and caused the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose mortal wound had been healed. And the second beast performed great signs to cause even fire from heaven to come down to earth in the presence of the people. Because of the signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived.
2 2 Thessalonians 2:9–11 The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie,
3 Revelation 19:20 But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
4 Daniel 8:9–12 From one of these horns a little horn emerged and grew extensively toward the south and the east and toward the Beautiful Land. It grew as high as the host of heaven, and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the earth, and trampled them. It magnified itself, even to the Prince of the host; it removed His daily sacrifice and overthrew the place of His sanctuary. And in the rebellion, the host and the daily sacrifice were given over to the horn, and it flung truth to the ground and prospered in whatever it did.
5 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,
6 Daniel 7:20 I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn whose appearance was more imposing than the others, with eyes and with a mouth that spoke words of arrogance.
7 Daniel 7:11 Then I kept watching because of the arrogant words the horn was speaking. As I continued to watch, the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire.
8 Daniel 7:8 While I was contemplating the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like those of a man and a mouth that spoke words of arrogance.
9 Daniel 7:25 He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.
10 Ezekiel 38:16 You will advance against My people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the latter days, O Gog, that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I show Myself holy in you before their eyes.

Daniel 8:23 Summary

This verse is talking about a king who will come to power and be very good at deceiving people. He will be proud and insolent, but his power will not come from God. This is similar to what we see in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, where a final Antichrist figure will arise and deceive many. We need to be careful not to be deceived by people who seem powerful or charismatic, but instead trust in God's sovereignty and judgment, as seen in Psalm 37:1-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the insolent king mentioned in Daniel 8:23?

The insolent king is believed to be Antiochus Epiphanes, a king of the Seleucid Empire, who fulfilled many of the prophesied events in Daniel 8, as seen in Daniel 11:21-35 and 1 Maccabees 1:10-64.

What does it mean that the rebellion has reached its full measure?

The rebellion refers to the sins of the people, and when it reaches its full measure, it means that God's patience has worn thin, similar to what is described in Genesis 15:16 and Matthew 23:32, where God's judgment is poured out on the wicked.

What is the significance of the king being skilled in intrigue?

The king's skill in intrigue indicates his cunning and ability to deceive, which is a hallmark of the enemy, as seen in John 8:44 and 1 Peter 5:8, where Satan is described as a deceiver and a roaring lion seeking to devour God's people.

How does this verse relate to the end times?

While Daniel 8:23 specifically refers to a historical figure, its themes of rebellion, deceit, and God's judgment are also relevant to the end times, as described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 and Revelation 13:1-10, where a final Antichrist figure will arise and deceive many.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be rebelling against God's will in my life, and how can I turn back to Him?
  2. How can I discern the deceitful schemes of the enemy in my life, and what are some ways that I can protect myself from them?
  3. What does it mean to be 'skilled in intrigue' in a spiritual sense, and how can I avoid being deceived by the enemy's cunning plans?
  4. How can I trust in God's sovereignty and judgment, even when I see wickedness and rebellion flourishing in the world around me?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 8:23

And in the latter time of their kingdom,.... Toward the close of the kingdom of the four kings that divided Alexander's kingdom; for though they were four distinct kings, and had four separate

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 8:23

And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 8:23

In the latter time of their kingdom, i.e. when they were come to the height, and beginning to decline. It notes that time when the Romans began to seize part of the Grecian kingdom, by Emilius Probus, who subdued Perseus king of Macedonia, and thereby brought all Greece under the Roman jurisdiction; which was one hundred and sixty-six years before Christ was born, that very year Antiochus set up the abomination of desolation. When the transgressors are come to the full; when the Jews were grown to an excess of wickedness, and called for punishment, then God suffered Antiochus to persecute them. Of fierce countenance; such was he: the word is translated impudent, inhuman, for the countenance is the discoverer of the mind and manners oftentimes. Understanding dark sentences; full of all subtlety, another Julian, to lay snares, and fetch over the inconstant and backsliding Jews: such a one all histories declare this Antiochus to be.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 8:23

Daniel 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.Ver. 23. And in the latter time of their kingdom.] In the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the Greek monarchy. When the transgressors are come to the full.] Heb., Are accomplished; when the Jews are grown stark naught. This was the reason why God set over them such a breathing devil, as was Antiochus, for a punishment of their open impiety and formal apostasy. When Phocas the traitor had slain Mauritius the emperor, there was an honest poor man, saith Cedrenus, who was earnest with God in prayer to know why that wicked man so prospered in his design; to whom answer was returned by a voice, that there could not be a worse man found and that the sins of Christians and of Constantinople did require it. A king of fierce countenanoe.] Heb., Hard of face - that is, brazen faced, impudent, and withal acute, subtle ( acutus et astutus), and of a deep reach. Antiochus, Julian, the Duke of Alva, were such.

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 8:23

(23) Transgressors . . .—When transgressors have filled up the measure of their guilt so as to exceed the limits of God’s mercy, then this event shall take place. The transgressors are the apostate Jews. Here, as in the other visions, the particulars respecting the most prominent objects of the vision are given more fully in the interpretation than in the early part of the chapter. The king is represented as being “of a fierce countenance,” he is shameless, he has no reluctance in pursuing the cruelties which he has designed. He “understands dark sayings,” or uses falsehood and dissimulation to carry out his purposes.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 8:23

Verse 23. When the transgressors are come to the full] When the utmost degradation has taken place, by the buying and selling of the high priesthood; for Onias was ejected for a sum of money, to make room for wicked Jason; and Jason again was supplanted for a greater sum by a worse man, if possible, than himself, Menelaus; and the golden vessels of the temple were sold to pay for this sacrilegious purchase. Thus transgressions were come to the full, before the Romans had commission to destroy Jerusalem and its temple, c. A king of fierce countenance] The Roman government, as before for king is often taken for kingdom or empire. Understanding dark sentences] Very learned and skilful in all things relating to government and its intrigues. The learning of Rome is proverbial to the present time.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 8:23

15–27. Daniel seeks to know the meaning of the vision, which is imparted to him, as in Daniel 7:16 ff., by an angel. 15 that I sought to understand (it), and, behold, &c.] cf. Daniel 7:19. there was standing in front of me] appearing suddenly, some little way off (see Daniel 8:17, ‘came near’). as the appearance of a man] The expression ‘as the appearance of’ is borrowed from Ez. (Ezekiel 1:13-14; Ezekiel 1:26-28, Ezekiel 8:2, Daniel 10:1, Ezekiel 40:3, Ezekiel 42:11), and recurs below, Daniel 10:6; Daniel 10:18. The word for man (geber)—different from that in Daniel 10:18—is evidently chosen with allusion to the name ‘Gabriel,’ ‘man of God’ [not the word used in the common phrase, ‘man of God,’ for a prophet].

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 8:23

And in the latter time of their kingdom - When it shall be drawing to an end.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 8:23

23. The Alexandrine empire has been broken into four kingdoms (Daniel 8:8; Daniel 8:22) which in this vision are said to have ultimately become changed into a kingdom — the fourth kingdom of Daniel

Sermons on Daniel 8:23

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Stan Ford The Second Coming 08 Rise and Fall of Antichrist by Stan Ford In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issues of apostasy, apathy, and anarchy in the world today. He emphasizes the importance of making time for Jesus Christ and not being co
Denny Kenaston The Approaching Wave of Persecution (Text Transcription) by Denny Kenaston Brother Denny Kenaston preaches about the approaching wave of persecution, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared mentally, spiritually, and practically for the challeng
Paris Reidhead The Beast by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker discusses the vision described in Revelation chapter 13. He starts by emphasizing that despite the challenges and opposition faced by the church, the Go
Anton Bosch Vatican Fulfills Prophecy by Anton Bosch Anton Bosch delves into the detailed events leading to the return of Jesus Christ as outlined in Revelation 13, 17, and 18. The rise of a world religious figure who unites all reli
Denis Lyle What Is the Mission of the Holy Spirit? by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches about the Charismatic Movement, highlighting its history, vocabulary, popularity, and tendency towards ecumenism. He delves into the theological confusion surro
Zac Poonen (Christian Leadership) Lovers of the Truth by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is not written in a logical or mathematical way, but rather speaks to the heart. He shares an anecdote about preaching in a se

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