Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then the king of the North will come and build up siege ramps and will capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will be powerless to resist; even their best troops will not have the strength to stand. New Living Translation Then the king of the north will come and lay siege to a fortified city and capture it. The best troops of the south will not be able to stand in the face of the onslaught. English Standard Version Then the king of the north shall come and throw up siegeworks and take a well-fortified city. And the forces of the south shall not stand, or even his best troops, for there shall be no strength to stand. Berean Standard Bible Then the king of the North will come, build up a siege ramp, and capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will not stand; even their best troops will not be able to resist. Berean Literal Bible And the king of the north will come, and he will build a siege mound, and he will capture a city of fortifications; and the forces of the south will not stand; even their best troops will have no strength to stand. King James Bible So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand. New King James Version So the king of the North shall come and build a siege mound, and take a fortified city; and the forces of the South shall not withstand him. Even his choice troops shall have no strength to resist. New American Standard Bible Then the king of the North will come, pile up an assault ramp, and capture a well-fortified city; and the forces of the South will not stand their ground, not even their choicest troops, for there will be no strength to make a stand. NASB 1995 “Then the king of the North will come, cast up a siege ramp and capture a well-fortified city; and the forces of the South will not stand their ground, not even their choicest troops, for there will be no strength to make a stand. NASB 1977 “Then the king of the North will come, cast up a siege mound, and capture a well-fortified city; and the forces of the South will not stand their ground, not even their choicest troops, for there will be no strength to make a stand. Legacy Standard Bible Then the king of the North will come, cast up a siege ramp, and capture a well-fortified city; and the might of the South will not stand, not even their choicest troops, for there will be no strength to make a stand. Amplified Bible Then the king of the North (Syria) will come and build up siege ramps and capture a well-fortified city. The forces of the South will not stand their ground, not even the finest troops, for there will be no strength to stand [against the Syrian king]. Berean Annotated Bible Then the king of the North will come, build up a siege ramp, and capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will not stand; even their best troops will not be able to resist. Christian Standard Bible Then the king of the North will come, build up a siege ramp, and capture a well-fortified city. The forces of the South will not stand; even their select troops will not be able to resist. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the king of the North will come, build up an assault ramp, and capture a well-fortified city. The forces of the South will not stand; even their select troops will not be able to resist. American Standard Version So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mound, and take a well-fortified city: and the forces of the south shall not stand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to stand. Contemporary English Version Then the army from the north will surround and capture a fortress in the south, and not even the most experienced troops of the southern kingdom will be able to make them retreat. English Revised Version So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take a well fenced city: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the northern king will come, build dirt attack ramps, and capture a fortified city. The southern forces will not be able to withstand him. Even their best troops will not be strong enough. Good News Translation So the king of Syria will lay siege to a fortified city and capture it. The soldiers of Egypt will not continue to fight; even the best of them will not have enough strength. International Standard Version Then the northern king will come, erect a siege ramp, and capture a fortified city. The southern forces won't prevail—not even with their best troops—and they'll have no strength to take a stand. NET Bible Then the king of the north will advance and will build siege mounds and capture a well-fortified city. The forces of the south will not prevail, not even his finest contingents. They will have no strength to prevail. New Heart English Bible So the king of the north shall come, and build up a siege mound and take a well-fortified city. And the forces of the south shall not prevail, neither his best troops, neither shall there be any strength to resist. Webster's Bible Translation So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fortified cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the king of the North will come, build up a siege ramp, and capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will not stand; even their best troops will not be able to resist. World English Bible So the king of the north will come and cast up a mound, and take a well-fortified city. The forces of the south won’t stand, neither will his select troops, neither will there be any strength to stand. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king of the north comes in, and pours out a mound, and has captured fortified cities; and the arms of the south do not stand, nor the people of his choice, indeed, there is no power to stand. Berean Literal Bible And the king of the north will come, and he will build a siege mound, and he will capture a city of fortifications; and the forces of the south will not stand; even their best troops will have no strength to stand. Young's Literal Translation 'And the king of the north cometh in, and poureth out a mount, and hath captured fenced cities; and the arms of the south do not stand, nor the people of his choice, yea, there is no power to stand. Smith's Literal Translation And the king of the north shall come and shall pour out a mound, and take the city of fortifications: and the arms of the south shall not stand, and the people of his choices, and no strength to stand. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king of the north shall come, and shall cast up a mount, and shall take the best fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, and his chosen ones shall rise up to resist, and they shall not have strength. Catholic Public Domain Version And the king of the North will arrive and will transport siege works, and he will seize the most fortified cities. And the arms of the South will not withstand him, and his elect will rise up to resist, but the strength will not. New American Bible When the king of the north comes, he shall set up siegeworks and take the fortified city by storm. The forces of the south shall not withstand him, and not even his picked troops shall have the strength to withstand. New Revised Standard Version Then the king of the north shall come and throw up siegeworks, and take a well-fortified city. And the forces of the south shall not stand, not even his picked troops, for there shall be no strength to resist. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the king of the north shall come and set up ramparts and take the most strongly fortified cities; and the arms of the south shall not withstand, because they have no strength to withstand, and the chosen ones of the people shall rise up, but they cannot resist because they have no strength to withstand. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King of the north shall come and he will set an ambush, and he shall subject the mighty fortresses, and the arm of the south shall not stand, because there is no power in them to stand, and the chosen ones of the people shall rise up, and they shall not be able, because there is no power in them to stand OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mound, and take a well-fortified city; and the arms of the south shall not withstand; and as for his chosen people, there shall be no strength in them to withstand. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king of the north shall come in, and cast up a mound, and take strong cities: and the arms of the king of the south shall withstand, and his chosen ones shall rise up, but there shall be no strength to stand. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Kings of the South and North…14In those times many will rise up against the king of the South. Violent ones among your own people will exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision, but they will fail. 15Then the king of the North will come, build up a siege ramp, and capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will not stand; even their best troops will not be able to resist. 16The invader will do as he pleases, and no one will stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land, with destruction in his hand.… Cross References Then the king of the North will come, Jeremiah 50:3 For a nation from the north will come against her; it will make her land a desolation. No one will live in it; both man and beast will flee.” Jeremiah 6:22-23 This is what the LORD says: “Behold, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is stirred up from the ends of the earth. / They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Zion.” Ezekiel 38:15 And you will come from your place out of the far north—you and many peoples with you, all riding horses—a mighty horde, a huge army. build up a siege ramp, Ezekiel 4:2 Then lay siege against it: Construct a siege wall, build a ramp to it, set up camps against it, and place battering rams around it on all sides. Ezekiel 17:17 Pharaoh with his mighty army and vast horde will not help him in battle, when ramps are built and siege walls constructed to destroy many lives. Jeremiah 6:6 For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Cut down the trees and raise a siege ramp against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; there is nothing but oppression in her midst. and capture a fortified city. 2 Kings 18:13 In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. Isaiah 36:1 In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. 2 Chronicles 12:4 He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem. The forces of the South will not stand; Jeremiah 46:5-6 Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!” declares the LORD. / “The swift cannot flee, and the warrior cannot escape! In the north by the River Euphrates they stumble and fall. Isaiah 31:1-3 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. / Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. / But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together. Ezekiel 30:21-22 “Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt. See, it has not been bound up for healing, or splinted for strength to hold the sword. / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt. I will break his arms, both the strong one and the one already broken, and will make the sword fall from his hand. even their best troops will not be able to resist. Jeremiah 46:15 Why have your warriors been laid low? They cannot stand, for the LORD has thrust them down. Psalm 20:7-8 Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. / They collapse and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. Psalm 33:16-17 No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. 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. … Treasury of Scripture So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand. cast up. Jeremiah 5:10 Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they are not the LORD'S. Jeremiah 6:6 For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her. Jeremiah 33:4 For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword; most fenced cities. shall not. Daniel 11:6 And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times. Daniel 8:7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. his chosen people. Jump to Previous Arms Army Attempt Best Build Capture Cast Choicest Chosen Cities City Earthworks Fenced Forces Fortified Ground Mound Mount North Picked Position Poureth Powerless Ramp Ramps Resist Siege Siegeworks South Stand Strength Throw Troops WithstandJump to Next Arms Army Attempt Best Build Capture Cast Choicest Chosen Cities City Earthworks Fenced Forces Fortified Ground Mound Mount North Picked Position Poureth Powerless Ramp Ramps Resist Siege Siegeworks South Stand Strength Throw Troops WithstandDaniel 11 1. The overthrow of Persia by the king of Grecia.5. Leagues and conflicts between the kings of the south and of the north. 30. The invasion and tyranny of the Romans. Then the king of the North will come This phrase refers to the Seleucid king, part of the Hellenistic kingdoms that emerged after the death of Alexander the Great. The "king of the North" is typically identified as Antiochus III, also known as Antiochus the Great. His kingdom was located in the region of modern-day Syria and extended into parts of Asia Minor. This historical context is crucial as it sets the stage for the ongoing conflict between the Seleucid Empire and the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, which is often referred to as the "king of the South." build up a siege ramp and capture a fortified city The forces of the South will not stand even their best troops will not be able to resist Persons / Places / Events 1. King of the NorthThis refers to a ruler from the northern territories relative to Israel, historically understood as the Seleucid Empire. In the context of Daniel 11, this often points to Antiochus III, also known as Antiochus the Great. 2. King of the South This represents the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, which was in conflict with the Seleucid Empire during this period. 3. Siege Ramp A military strategy used in ancient warfare to breach fortified cities. It signifies the determination and military prowess of the King of the North. 4. Fortified City A city with strong defenses, likely referring to a strategic location in the ongoing conflict between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms. 5. Forces of the South The military forces of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, which are depicted as unable to withstand the assault from the north. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in HistoryThe rise and fall of kingdoms are under God's control. Understanding this helps us trust in His ultimate plan, even amidst worldly chaos. The Futility of Human Strength The inability of the southern forces to stand against the north reminds us that human strength and wisdom are insufficient without God's guidance. Spiritual Warfare The physical battles in Daniel reflect the spiritual battles believers face. We must be equipped with the armor of God to stand firm. Endurance in Trials Just as the fortified city faced a siege, believers may face trials that test their faith. Endurance and reliance on God are crucial. Prophetic Fulfillment The detailed prophecies in Daniel affirm the reliability of Scripture and encourage us to study God's Word diligently. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Daniel 11:15?2. How does Daniel 11:15 illustrate God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and rulers? 3. What lessons can we learn from the "king of the North's" military success? 4. How does Daniel 11:15 connect with God's promises in other Scriptures? 5. How can believers today remain faithful amidst powerful worldly influences like in Daniel 11:15? 6. What practical steps can we take to trust God's plan as seen in Daniel 11:15? 7. How does Daniel 11:15 align with historical events and archaeological findings? 8. What is the significance of the "king of the North" in Daniel 11:15? 9. How does Daniel 11:15 fit into the broader prophecy of Daniel 11? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 11? 11. Who holds the title King of the North? 12. What does the Bible say about the King of the South? 13. Why do some archaeological findings not align with the specific military campaigns or territorial details described in Daniel 11:5-20? 14. How could the Israelites quickly overwhelm multiple allied armies, as described in Joshua 11:1-5? What Does Daniel 11:15 Mean Then the king of the North will come• Scripture describes a renewed northern offensive: “Then the king of the North will come” (Daniel 11:15). Historically this fits Antiochus III of the Seleucid Empire moving southward after earlier setbacks (see Daniel 11:10–13). • Daniel had already forecast such resilience: “He will again raise a greater army than before” (Daniel 11:13). The prophet’s precision underscores God’s sovereign control over international events. • Like Jeremiah’s picture of looming judgment from the north (Jeremiah 1:14), the text reminds us that God may use earthly powers to accomplish His purposes, yet He remains the true King directing history. Build up a siege ramp • Ancient armies piled earth and timber against city walls; “build up a siege ramp” (Daniel 11:15) signals methodical, patient warfare (cf. 2 Samuel 20:15; Jeremiah 32:24). • Antiochus III employed this tactic west of the Jordan, tightening his grip on Phoenician strongholds. Such detail highlights the literal accuracy of prophecy—exact military engineering foretold centuries in advance. • The verse also echoes the Lord’s warning in Isaiah 29:3: “I will encamp against you all around; I will besiege you with a rampart,” showing that siege imagery consistently depicts coming judgment. Capture a fortified city • “And capture a fortified city” (Daniel 11:15) came to pass when Antiochus took Sidon in 198 BC, forcing Ptolemaic commander Scopas to surrender. • Jeremiah 34:7 refers to “the fortified cities of Judah,” clarifying that such strongholds were expected to endure—yet when God decrees otherwise, walls crumble. • 2 Chronicles 11:11 lists Rehoboam’s fortified defenses, underscoring how human strength can never guarantee security apart from the Lord. The forces of the South will not stand • Ptolemy V’s army had once pushed northward (Daniel 11:14), but prophecy declared their downfall: “The forces of the South will not stand.” • Isaiah 31:3 cautions, “The Egyptians are men and not God… when the LORD stretches out His hand, he who helps will stumble,” illustrating why reliance on mere manpower fails. • By recording this collapse before it occurred, God affirmed that He alone “removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). Even their best troops will not be able to resist • The Seleucid victory was total; “even their best troops” (literally “choice ones”) broke ranks. Daniel 8:24 had already predicted a northern ruler who would “destroy mighty men and the holy people.” • Psalm 33:16 reminds us, “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.” Victory rests in the Lord’s hand, not elite battalions. • For believers today, this reinforces confidence that God’s Word proves true in every detail, encouraging steadfast faith when worldly powers appear daunting. summary Daniel 11:15 literally foretold Antiochus III’s southward campaign: he came, raised siege works, seized the stronghold of Sidon, and crushed the Ptolemaic army—including its elite units. Each phrase unfolded exactly as God declared, validating Scripture’s reliability and reminding us that the Lord who governs past empires also oversees present events and future hopes. (15) The king of the north.--This prince attacks the fortress of his rival, who is unable to resist him. Here it is supposed that the allusion is to the capture of Sidon by Antiochus the Great. The troops of Ptolemy under Scopas had acquired possession of Jerusalem and of various portions of Syria during the absence of Antiochus. Scopas and the Egyptian troops under him fled to Sidon, where they were forced by famine to surrender to the Syrians (B.C. 198).The arms of the south.--Comp. Daniel 11:31. The phrase means the armed force of the south. Verse 15. - So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand. The version of the LXX. is, "And the king of the north shall attack and turn his spears, and shall take the fortified city, and the arms of the King of Egypt shall stand with his rulers, and there shall not be strength in them to resist them." It is difficult to imagine what Hebrew text was before the translator when he rendered, "turn his spears." Theodotion agrees with the Massoretic in the first portion, and with the LXX. in the latter. The Peshitta rendering is not unlike the Massoretic, "And the king of the north shall come and shall lay ambuscades, and shall conquer strong fastnesses; and the arms of the south shall not stand, because there is not in them might to stand; and his chosen people shall not stand, because there is not might in them to stand." The Vulgate, as usual, is closest to the Massoretic. The reference here is most probably to the capture of Sidon, into which Scopas, the general of Ptolemy, had thrown himself after his defeat at Paneas. Other strongholds and fortified cities were of necessity taken at the same time. The arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people. Ptolemy sent several successive armies to relieve Sidon, but was unable to compel Antiochus to give up the siege. Finally Scopas had to surrender. Neither shall there be any strength to withstand. Egypt was to all appearance helpless; there was neither wisdom in their counsels nor valour in their arms.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then the kingמֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of the North הַצָּפ֔וֹן (haṣ·ṣā·p̄ō·wn) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6828: Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter will come, וְיָבֹא֙ (wə·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go build up וְיִשְׁפֹּךְ֙ (wə·yiš·pōḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8210: To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl out a siege mound, סֽוֹלֲלָ֔ה (sō·w·lă·lāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5550: A military mound, rampart of besiegers and capture וְלָכַ֖ד (wə·lā·ḵaḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere a fortified מִבְצָר֑וֹת (miḇ·ṣā·rō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4013: A fortification, castle, fortified city, a defender city. עִ֣יר (‘îr) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5892: Excitement The forces וּזְרֹע֤וֹת (ū·zə·rō·‘ō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 2220: The arm, the foreleg, force of the South הַנֶּ֙גֶב֙ (han·ne·ḡeḇ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5045: South country, the Negeb, south will not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no stand; יַעֲמֹ֔דוּ (ya·‘ă·mō·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations even their best מִבְחָרָ֔יו (miḇ·ḥā·rāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4005: Choicest, best troops וְעַם֙ (wə·‘am) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock will not וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle be able כֹּ֖חַ (kō·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3581: A small reptile (of unknown species) to resist. לַעֲמֹֽד׃ (la·‘ă·mōḏ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations Links Daniel 11:15 NIVDaniel 11:15 NLT Daniel 11:15 ESV Daniel 11:15 NASB Daniel 11:15 KJV Daniel 11:15 BibleApps.com Daniel 11:15 Biblia Paralela Daniel 11:15 Chinese Bible Daniel 11:15 French Bible Daniel 11:15 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Daniel 11:15 So the king of the north shall (Dan. Da Dn) |
    |