Daniel 11:23 Meaning: When Promises Are Broken, Power Rises on Deceit
After the treaty made with him he will work deceitfully; for he will come up and will become strong with few people.
And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.
And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully; for he shall come up, and shall become strong, with a small people.
And after they join themselves unto him, he worketh deceit, and hath increased, and hath been strong by a few of the nation.
And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully, and he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.
Meaning in one sentence
Who is the 'him' in Daniel 11:23? This verse describes Antiochus Epiphanes' deceit after a treaty, rising to power with a small force.
Context
Daniel 11 is one of the most detailed prophecies in Scripture, tracing the conflicts between the kings of the north and south, Syria and Egypt. In verse 21, a contemptible person appears: Antiochus Epiphanes, who takes the throne by flattery rather than right. Verse 23 zooms in on one specific tactic. After making a treaty with his nephew Ptolemy Philometor, king of Egypt, Antiochus works deceitfully. He does not keep his word. Yet he grows strong, starting with only a few supporters. The verse shows how power can rise on treachery. The rest of the chapter describes his invasions and plunder, but also his end. God's angel lays it all out ahead of time, so that readers would know who is truly in charge.
Key Words
The word translated 'treaty' comes from the Hebrew chabar, which means to join together or form an alliance. It implies closeness and shared purpose. Antiochus used this bond as a cover for his real plan.
The word for 'deceit' is mirmeh, more than a fib. It carries the weight of treachery, breaking faith with someone who trusted you. The same word describes Jacob's sons deceiving Shechem after making a covenant (Genesis 34:13). It is a deliberate betrayal of a sacred promise.
The last phrase is striking: 'he will become strong with a small people.' The Hebrew word atzam means to be mighty, to prevail. But the strength comes not from numbers, but from cunning. Me'at means little, fewness. This is not a typical rise to power, it is all the more stunning because it starts so small. The power is not from God, but from manipulation. And God sees it all.
How Christians Read This Verse
Most Christian interpreters see Daniel 11:23 as a direct prophecy about Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Syrian ruler who oppressed the Jewish people in the second century BC. He made a peace treaty with the young Egyptian king Ptolemy Philometor, all the while planning to seize his territory. The verse captures his skill at working deceitfully.
Other readers, including some early church fathers and Reformers, see here also a pattern that points ahead to an antichrist figure who will break a covenant and deceive many. As Jamieson-Fausset-Brown note, the passage may have both a primary historical fulfillment and a typological one. Whether read as ancient history or as a warning of future events, the verse reminds us that God sees every hidden scheme.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading assumes the 'treaty' refers to some future covenant with Israel. But the immediate context (verses 21, 30) describes Antiochus Epiphanes' dealings with Egypt. The word 'him' refers to Ptolemy Philometor. Antiochus made a friendly alliance, then used it as cover for invasion. The verse is not about a final antichrist alone; it is a specific prophecy of a real king whose deceit God recorded for our learning.
Living This Out
When you read how Antiochus used a treaty to gain power, it might feel distant from your life. But most of us face small, daily decisions about honesty. A promise made to a coworker, a commitment to your spouse, a word given to your child. This verse asks: do you keep your word even when no one is watching? Or do you use relationships as tools to get ahead?
The verse also offers hope to those who feel small. Antiochus started with few people and became strong, but his strength came from deceit. Your small beginning, when built on honesty, is something God can use in His way and His time. You do not need to manipulate to thrive. God sees the honest heart and works through it.
Main takeaway: God sees when treaties are used for deceit, and He alone holds power, even when it rises from a small beginning.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Some people make promises and then break them. God sees when people are tricky. You can always tell the truth, and God will be proud of you.
For ages 9, 12
This verse tells about a king who made a peace treaty with another king, but he was planning to attack him anyway. He started with only a small army but grew strong by being sneaky. The Bible shows that God knew what was happening all along. Being honest might not make you powerful overnight, but God blesses people who keep their word. You can trust that God sees everything, even when no one else does.
Questions People Ask
Who is 'him' in Daniel 11:23?
Most commentators agree 'him' refers to Ptolemy Philometor, the young king of Egypt, with whom Antiochus Epiphanes made a peace treaty. Antiochus then worked deceitfully, breaking his promise to gain power.
What is the treaty mentioned in Daniel 11:23?
The treaty is a peace agreement between Antiochus Epiphanes (king of Syria) and Ptolemy Philometor (king of Egypt). Antiochus used this alliance as a cover to invade Egypt and expand his control.
Does Daniel 11:23 refer to the antichrist?
Some Christian traditions see Antiochus Epiphanes as a historical type that foreshadows an antichrist figure. Others read the verse as strictly about Antiochus. Both views recognize the passage as a warning about deceitful power.
Why does it say 'he will become strong with a small people'?
Antiochus initially had few supporters when he returned from Rome to claim the Syrian throne. Through cunning and alliances, he grew powerful despite his humble start. The phrase highlights that his strength came from political strategy, not numbers.
What is the practical meaning of Daniel 11:23 for today?
This verse warns that God sees when people use relationships and promises for selfish gain. It also encourages those who feel small, reminding them that God is the true source of strength, not manipulation or numbers.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study