The Bible Says
Daniel 11:36-39 Meaning

In Daniel 11:36-39, as the angelic messenger’s words continue, Daniel’s vision seems to shift from a historical focus on Antiochus IV Epiphanes toward a future ruler who embodies extreme arrogance and defiance against God. While scholars debate whether the king introduced here is still Antiochus IV or a future individual, many see these verses as pointing beyond the Seleucid tyrant to the end-times Antichrist. Scripture often layers prophecies, or contains multiple fulfillments (see Isaiah 7:14-16), allowing certain historical figures (like Antiochus) to foreshadow even more ultimate fulfillments yet to come (1 John 2:18). In that sense, the king described next represents an even greater rebellion, culminating in what Jesus, in the New Testament, calls “the abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15).

Daniel hears that Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done (v. 36). This verse indicates that this ruler wields near-absolute authority-he acts as he pleases (v. 36), facing little external restraint. The words he will exalt and magnify himself above every god (v. 36) point to a self-deification reminiscent of how Antiochus IV called himself Epiphanes (“God Manifest”). Yet, since God gives prophecies that relate to both the immediate future and the far future, especially to Daniel (Daniel 2:31-45, 7:15-28, 8:15-27, 9:24-27), many believe this verse portrays the ultimate Antichrist, who will openly blaspheme and elevate himself in place of all worship (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

This brazen self-exaltation includes speaking monstrous things against the God of gods (v. 36). Such language recalls earlier descriptions in Daniel (Daniel 7:20-21, 25) where the boastful horn (king) will “speak out against the Most High.” Antiochus IV indeed blasphemed against God by desecrating the Jerusalem temple. Yet, in the end times, the Antichrist’s arrogance will peak in a global context. Revelation 13:5-6 describes a beast who utters “great boasts and blasphemies.” The continuity between Antiochus’s hubris and the final Antichrist underscores Scripture’s message that human pride left unchecked becomes satanic in nature.

Still, this verse emphasizes that he will prosper until the indignation is finished (v. 36). Despite appearances, even the most rebellious ruler exists under God’s sovereign timetable.

That which is decreed will be done (v. 36) signals that the Lord has established a limit for this king’s success-his downfall will come exactly when God’s plan calls for it. Believers find assurance in this truth: earthly power, no matter how monstrous, cannot prevail beyond the boundaries the Sovereign God has set (Psalm 2:1-5).

Daniel next learns that this blasphemous tyrant will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all (v. 37). Many interpret the phrase the gods of his fathers (v. 37) to mean that this ruler abandons any traditional religious heritage, forging his own cult of self-worship. Antiochus IV once publicly honored Greek deities, but he also called himself “Antiochus Epiphanes,” which means “God Manifest,” ascribing godhood to himself. With this prophecy extending beyond him, it suggests a more extreme scenario where all established worship is dismissed in favor of the ruler’s personal glorification.

The clause nor for the desire of women (v. 37) has sparked multiple interpretations. Some see it as indicating an asexual or ascetic bent, while others understand it as a metaphor for rejecting the normal affections and concerns of society-this king is so consumed with power that ordinary human loves mean nothing to him. Regardless of the nuance, the essential point is that he disregards every natural loyalty or devotion. He is only out for himself. Scripture reveals such unbounded selfishness ultimately reflects the character of Satan himself, who aimed to exalt his throne above God’s (Isaiah 14:13-14).

When the text says, he will magnify himself above them all (v. 37), the Apostle Paul wrote similarly in 2 Thessalonians 2:4, about how in the end-times the “man of lawlessness” will chose to exalt “himself above every so-called god.” Historically, Antiochus IV demanded that many cities erect statues of him as a god, but the end-times Antichrist (also called “the beast”) will pursue deification to its full extent, murdering those who do not worship him (Revelation 13:15). Believers living during any era of extreme tyranny can draw hope knowing that such self-glorification leads inevitably to God’s judgment (Proverbs 16:18).

The prophecy describes further that instead he will honor a god of fortresses, a god whom his fathers did not know; he will honor him with gold, silver, costly stones and treasures (v. 38). The phrase a god of fortresses (v. 38) suggests that this ruler’s true devotion lies in brute military might or power structures, rather than in any genuine deity of his ancestral tradition. Historically, Antiochus IV prioritized expanding his empire’s territory and influence through aggressive campaigns, paying homage (in effect) to military strength. In the broader, future sense, the final Antichrist may well enthrone the principle of force and domination as his god.

By honor him with gold, silver, costly stones and treasures (v. 38), this king lavishes wealth upon the instruments of warfare and on whatever system he deems essential to maintain control. Practically, it means he invests heavily in armaments or alliances that ensure his domination.

Finally, Daniel’s angelic guide reveals, He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price (v. 39). This verse emphasizes that the king’s power extends so far as to challenge even the mightiest defenses-the strongest of fortresses (v. 39)-indicating overwhelming capability to subdue opposition. Historically, Antiochus IV attacked heavily fortified cities and rewarded collaborators. In the ultimate end-times sense, the Antichrist will strike at any bastion of resistance, backed by the power of Satan (Revelation 13:2) or what Daniel calls a foreign god (v. 39).

By giving great honor to those who acknowledge him (v. 39), the ruler creates a transactional system of sycophants: those who submit or betray others are elevated, forming a puppet hierarchy under his absolute control. This approach fosters massive corruption, as he will parcel out land for a price (v. 39), effectively selling influence and territory to maintain loyalty. Here again, Antiochus IV’s historical record of bribery and wealth distribution serves as a shadow of the final, deeper evil to come.

Ultimately, these verses remind us that all oppressive regimes manipulate rewards and punishments to bend populations to their will. Yet, Daniel’s wider message is that such dominion-no matter how grand-faces a divine cutoff. The proud, blasphemous reign of this king inevitably collides with the justice of the God of gods (v. 36), who has set a limit on human rebellion. Jesus assured believers that no matter how terrifying world powers become, His victory is sure (John 16:33). As the prophecy unfolds, it foreshadows both the darkest expressions of human arrogance and the certainty that God’s kingdom will triumph in the end.