Daniel 11:30
For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.
Daniel 11:30 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse, found in the book of Daniel, speaks of a prophecy regarding the ships of Chittim coming against a certain entity. The mention of Chittim refers to the ancient city-state of Cyprus which was known for its seafaring capabilities. The actions of these ships coming against this entity will cause distress and frustration, leading to a turning away from the holy covenant. This turning away is described as having indignation against the covenant and seeking alliances with those who have forsaken it. The verse serves as a warning about the consequences of straying from one's beliefs and the potential alliances that can be formed in times of distress. It emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's faith and the dangers of turning away from sacred commitments.
Theological Overview
The verse from Daniel 11:30 speaks of the ships of Chittim coming against someone, causing him to feel great distress and anger towards the holy covenant. This individual will turn against the covenant and form alliances with those who have forsaken it. In a theological interpretation, this verse is often understood as referring to a historical event where a powerful enemy threatens to attack God's people, leading to disbelief and rebellion against God's promises and commandments. The word 'Chittim' is associated with the island of Cyprus or Cyprus's inhabitants, which could signify a foreign power or nation coming against the person in question. The mention of a holy covenant highlights the significance of God's promises and the consequences of turning away from them. This passage serves as a warning against forsaking one's faith and forming alliances with those who oppose God's teachings.
Daniel 11:30 in other translations
American Standard Version
For ships of Kittim shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and shall return, and have indignation against the holy covenant, and shall do [his pleasure] : he shall even return, and have regard unto them that forsake the holy covenant.
World English Bible
For ships of Kittim shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and shall return, and have indignation against the holy covenant, and shall take action: he shall even return, and have regard to those who forsake the holy covenant.
Douay-Rheims
And the galleys and the Romans shall come upon him, and he shall be struck, and shall return, and shall have indignation against the covenant of the sanctuary, and he shall succeed: and he shall return, and shall devise against them that have forsaken the covenant of the sanctuary.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For the shippes of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shalbe sorie and returne, and freat against the holy couenant: so shall he doe, he shall euen returne and haue intelligence with them that forsake the holy couenant.