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Daniel 11:4

And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.

Daniel 11:4 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Daniel (11:4) describes the rise and fall of a powerful king. The king mentioned here is believed to be Alexander the Great, who established a vast empire but died suddenly at a young age. When it mentions that his kingdom will be divided toward the four winds of heaven, it is referring to the division of Alexander's empire among his four generals after his death. The verse also highlights that the kingdom will not remain in his family line or continue to be as powerful as it once was. Instead, it will be taken over by other rulers and factions. This prophecy accurately foreshadows the historical events that followed Alexander's death and the subsequent fragmentation of his empire. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of power and the unpredictability of political succession.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Daniel, there is a prophecy about the downfall of a powerful king. The detailed description of the king's kingdom being broken and divided towards the four winds of heaven signifies the complete and decisive end of his reign. The text suggests that this king's descendants will not inherit his throne, nor will his dominion continue. The mention of the kingdom being plucked up for others beside those indicates a replacement or succession by forces outside the king's lineage. This verse is a vivid portrayal of the swift and total collapse of a once-mighty empire, highlighting the transient nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all earthly kingdoms. The theological interpretation of this passage may invite reflection on the themes of divine judgment, the fleeting nature of worldly power, and the importance of humility and obedience before God.

Daniel 11:4 in other translations

American Standard Version

And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion wherewith he ruled; for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides these.

World English Bible

When he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of the sky, but not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides these.

Douay-Rheims

And when he shall come to his height, his kingdom shall be broken, and it shall be divided towards the four winds of the heaven: but not to his posterity, nor according to his power with which he ruled. For his kingdom shall be rent in pieces, even for strangers, besides these.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And when he shall stand vp, his kingdome shall be broken, and shall be deuided towarde the foure windes of heauen: and not to his posteritie, nor according to his dominion, which he ruled: for his kingdome shall be pluckt vp, euen to be for others besides those.