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⇱ Daniel 11:25 And with a large army he will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South, who will mobilize a very large and powerful army but will not withstand the plots devised against him.

Bible > Daniel > Chapter 11 > Verse 25
◄ Daniel 11:25 ►
New International Version
“With a large army he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will wage war with a large and very powerful army, but he will not be able to stand because of the plots devised against him.

New Living Translation
“Then he will stir up his courage and raise a great army against the king of the south. The king of the south will go to battle with a mighty army, but to no avail, for there will be plots against him.

English Standard Version
And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army. And the king of the south shall wage war with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he shall not stand, for plots shall be devised against him.

Berean Standard Bible
And with a large army he will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South, who will mobilize a very large and powerful army but will not withstand the plots devised against him.

King James Bible
And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.

New King James Version
“He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him.

New American Standard Bible
And he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South with a large army; so the king of the South will mobilize an extremely large and mighty army for war; but he will not stand, because schemes will be devised against him.

NASB 1995
“He will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South with a large army; so the king of the South will mobilize an extremely large and mighty army for war; but he will not stand, for schemes will be devised against him.

NASB 1977
“And he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South with a large army; so the king of the South will mobilize an extremely large and mighty army for war; but he will not stand, for schemes will be devised against him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he will stir up his strength and heart against the king of the South with a great military force; so the king of the South will wage war with an extremely large and mighty military force for war; but he will not stand, for schemes will be devised against him.

Amplified Bible
He will stir up his strength and courage against [his former Egyptian ally] the king of the South (Ptolemy VI) with a great army; so the king of the South will prepare an extremely great and powerful army to wage war, but he will not stand, for schemes will be devised against him.

Christian Standard Bible
“With a large army he will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will prepare for battle with an extremely large and powerful army, but he will not succeed, because plots will be made against him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
With a large army he will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will prepare for battle with an extremely large and powerful army, but he will not succeed, because plots will be made against him.

American Standard Version
And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall war in battle with an exceeding great and mighty army; but he shall not stand; for they shall devise devices against him.

Contemporary English Version
He will gather a large and powerful army, and with great courage he will attack the king of the south. The king of the south will meet him with a much stronger army, but he will lose the battle, because he will be betrayed

English Revised Version
And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall war in battle with an exceeding great and mighty army: but he shall not stand, for they shall devise devices against him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"With a large army he will summon his power and courage against the southern king, who will prepare for war with a large, strong army. But the southern king won't be able to withstand him because of the schemes devised against him.

Good News Translation
"He will boldly raise a large army to attack the king of Egypt, who will prepare to fight back with a huge and powerful army. But the king of Egypt will be deceived and will not be successful.

International Standard Version
He'll encourage himself against the southern king by raising a large army. As a result, the southern king will mobilize for war with a large and powerful army, but he won't succeed because they will devise elaborate schemes against him.

NET Bible
He will rouse his strength and enthusiasm against the king of the south with a large army. The king of the south will wage war with a large and very powerful army, but he will not be able to prevail because of the plans devised against him.

New Heart English Bible
And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall wage war in battle with an extremely large and powerful army; but he shall not stand; for they shall devise plans against him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And with a large army he will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South, who will mobilize a very large and powerful army but will not withstand the plots devised against him.

World English Bible
“He will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south will wage war in battle with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he won’t stand; for they will devise plans against him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he stirs up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great force, and the king of the south stirs himself up to battle with a very great and mighty force, and does not stand, for they devise plans against him,

Young's Literal Translation
'And he stirreth up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great force, and the king of the south stirreth himself up to battle with a very great and mighty force, and standeth not, for they devise devices against him,

Smith's Literal Translation
And his strength shall rouse up and his heart against the king of the south with great force; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to war with a great and strong force, even exceedingly; and he shall not stand, for they shall reckon purposes against him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And his strength and his heart shall be stirred up against the king of the south with a great army: and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with many and very strong succours: and they shall not stand, for they shall form designs against him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And his strength and his heart will be enraged against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South will be provoked into going to war by having many allies and exceedingly good circumstances, and yet these will not stand, for they will form plans against him.

New American Bible
He shall rouse his strength and courage to meet the king of the south with a great army; the king of the south shall go into battle with a very large and strong army, but he shall not stand because of the plots devised against him.

New Revised Standard Version
He shall stir up his power and determination against the king of the south with a great army, and the king of the south shall wage war with a much greater and stronger army. But he shall not succeed, for plots shall be devised against him
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And for a time he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great and mighty army; and the king of the south shall be provoked to battle with a very great army; and he shall become exceedingly strong, but he shall not stand; for they shall devise plots against him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And for a time his army and his heart will be aroused against the King of the south with a great and mighty army, and the King of the south will be provoked to battle with a great army, and he shall grow very strong, and he shall not stand, because plots shall be plotted against him
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall stir himself up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise devices against him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And his strength and his heart shall be stirred up against the king of the south with a great force; and the king of the south shall engage in war with a great and very strong force; but his forces shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Kings of the South and North
…24In a time of peace, he will invade the richest provinces and do what his fathers and forefathers never did. He will lavish plunder, loot, and wealth on his followers, and he will plot against the strongholds—but only for a time. 25And with a large army he will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South, who will mobilize a very large and powerful army but will not withstand the plots devised against him. 26Those who eat from his provisions will seek to destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall slain.…

Cross References
Revelation 16:14
These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.

Revelation 17:14
They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”

Revelation 19:19
Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army.

Matthew 24:6-7
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. / Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Luke 21:9-10
When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.” / Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Mark 13:7-8
When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. / Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-9
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival. / The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder,

Revelation 13:4
They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?”

Revelation 13:7
Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.

Revelation 6:4
Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take away peace from the earth and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword.

Isaiah 41:11-12
Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing.

Isaiah 45:1
This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut:

Jeremiah 50:9
For behold, I stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the land of the north. They will line up against her; from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed.

Jeremiah 51:11
Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD—vengeance for His temple.

Ezekiel 38:10-12
This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. / You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a quiet people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates— / in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.’


Daniel 11:2,10
And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia…

Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 28:25
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

the south with.

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Daniel 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.














And with a large army
This phrase indicates the scale and magnitude of the military force involved. Historically, this reflects the period of the Hellenistic kingdoms following the division of Alexander the Great's empire. The Seleucid Empire, often associated with the "king of the North," frequently engaged in large-scale military campaigns. The size of the army underscores the significant resources and manpower available, typical of the era's major powers.

he will stir up his power and his courage
The act of stirring up power and courage suggests a deliberate and strategic preparation for battle. This reflects the aggressive and ambitious nature of the Seleucid rulers, particularly Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who is often identified with the "king of the North." The phrase also implies a psychological readiness, emphasizing the leader's determination and resolve.

against the king of the South
The "king of the South" typically refers to the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt. The ongoing conflict between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms, known as the Syrian Wars, is a historical backdrop for this passage. These wars were characterized by territorial disputes and power struggles, with both sides vying for control over the Levant and other strategic regions.

who will mobilize a very large and powerful army
This mirrors the earlier description of the northern king's forces, highlighting the formidable nature of the Ptolemaic military. The Ptolemies, like their Seleucid counterparts, had access to vast resources and could field significant armies. This balance of power sets the stage for a major confrontation, typical of the era's geopolitical dynamics.

but will not withstand the plots devised against him
Despite the strength of the Ptolemaic army, internal and external plots undermine their efforts. This could refer to political intrigue, betrayal, or strategic miscalculations. Historically, the Ptolemaic kingdom faced internal strife and external pressures, which often weakened their position. Theologically, this can be seen as a reminder of the limitations of human power and the sovereignty of divine plans, as seen in other biblical narratives where God’s purposes prevail despite human schemes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The King of the North
This figure is often interpreted as a ruler from the Seleucid Empire, historically associated with the region north of Israel. In the context of Daniel 11, this king is a central figure in the conflicts described.

2. The King of the South
Typically identified with the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt, the king of the South represents the southern power in the geopolitical struggles of the Hellenistic period.

3. Large Army
Both the king of the North and the king of the South muster significant military forces, indicating the scale and intensity of the conflict.

4. Plots and Betrayal
The downfall of the king of the South is attributed to internal plots and betrayal, highlighting the theme of political intrigue.

5. Historical Context
The events described are often linked to the historical conflicts between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires, particularly during the Hellenistic period following the division of Alexander the Great's empire.
Teaching Points
The Uncertainty of Earthly Power
Earthly power and military might are ultimately unstable and subject to the sovereignty of God. Believers should place their trust in God's eternal kingdom rather than temporal authorities.

The Consequences of Betrayal
Betrayal and internal strife can lead to downfall and destruction. Christians are called to live in integrity and unity, avoiding the divisive plots that characterize worldly politics.

God's Sovereignty in History
The events in Daniel 11 remind us that God is in control of history. Even when nations rise and fall, God's purposes will prevail. This assurance should encourage believers to remain faithful amidst global uncertainties.

Spiritual Warfare and Vigilance
Just as physical battles occur, spiritual warfare is a reality for Christians. Believers must be vigilant, putting on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual deception and attacks.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Daniel 11:25?

2. How does Daniel 11:25 illustrate God's sovereignty over earthly conflicts and leaders?

3. What lessons on courage can we learn from the "king of the South"?

4. How can we apply the concept of divine strength in our daily battles?

5. What scriptural connections exist between Daniel 11:25 and Ephesians 6:10-18?

6. How does understanding Daniel 11:25 enhance our trust in God's ultimate plan?

7. How does Daniel 11:25 relate to historical conflicts between ancient kingdoms?

8. What is the significance of the "king of the South" in Daniel 11:25?

9. Does Daniel 11:25 predict specific historical events or battles?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 11?

11. What are the main events in First and Second Maccabees?

12. Can God's sovereignty coexist with human free will?

13. Revelation 19:14 describes an army in white linen on heavenly horses--what evidence supports a real historical or spiritual event like this?

14. What miracles are described in the Bible?
What Does Daniel 11:25 Mean
And with a large army he will stir up his power

The “he” aligns with the king of the North, historically Antiochus III. Scripture gives earlier hints of his growing might: “For the king of the North will come again with a greater army” (Daniel 11:13).

• “Large army” underscores genuine military muscle, reflecting God’s prediction in advance.

• “Stir up his power” pictures deliberate readiness—steady preparation rather than rash impulse (compare Proverbs 21:31; 2 Chronicles 32:7–8, where Hezekiah emboldens Judah to depend on God yet still strengthens defenses).

The detail assures us that what follows is not random but divinely foreseen.

and his courage against the king of the South

The conflict target is Egypt’s Ptolemaic monarch, “the king of the South” (cf. Daniel 11:5).

• Antiochus channels bold resolve—“courage”—into the campaign. God foretold not just armies but attitudes.

• Scripture often links courage to outcomes (Joshua 1:9; 2 Samuel 10:12). Here it is courage fueled by ambition, not faith, reminding readers that human valor alone does not guarantee lasting victory.

who will mobilize a very large and powerful army

The southern king, Ptolemy V, is no push-over; he musters forces “very large and powerful,” echoing previous Egyptian strength (Daniel 11:6–7).

• God’s Word emphasizes the size of both armies to show the scale of the clash.

• Psalm 20:7 warns that trusting in chariots and horses is futile without the Lord—an implied lesson when two massive armies collide.

but will not withstand the plots devised against him

Despite numerical might, the South collapses because of scheming. Verse 26 elaborates: “Those who eat his provisions will destroy him.”

• Treachery within Egypt proves decisive—political intrigue, betrayal, possibly corrupt counselors (Proverbs 21:30).

• 2 Chronicles 25:8–9 illustrates how reliance on allies or internal factions can backfire.

This segment highlights God’s sovereignty: He foretells that hidden conspiracies, not battlefield strength, will determine the outcome.

summary

Daniel 11:25 reveals an exact, God-given preview of a major north-south showdown in the intertestamental era. The northern king gathers vast strength and boldness, the southern king responds with an even larger force, yet victory turns on covert betrayal rather than open warfare. The verse teaches that:

• God knows and directs history down to motives, army sizes, and secret plots.

• Human courage and numbers are insufficient safeguards without divine favor.

• Scripture’s prophecies are trustworthy, encouraging believers to rest in the Lord who rules kings, battles, and the unseen strategies that decide them.

(25) The south.--Here, for the first time in the second portion of the prophecy, mention is made of the southern king. It is highly probable that the deceit mentioned in the last three verses had this king and his provinces for its object. This and the next two verses are supposed to describe the war of Antiochus with Ptolemy Philometor (see 1 Maccabees 1:16-19), or his war with Physcon, on which see Livy. xliv. 19.

His power and his courage--i.e., his military skill as well as his personal energy.

But he shall not stand.--Comp. Daniel 8:4. The subject is the king of the south, who finds the devices of his opponent are more than a match for him. The "devices are explained in the next two verses.

Verse 25. - And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him. The versions present no point of remark, save that, instead of "king of the south," the Septuagint has, as usual, "the King of Egypt." This is supposed to be a compendious account of the second of the wars waged by Epipbanes against Egypt; but it suits the first better. At this time the Romans had declared war against Perseus, King of Macedon, and Antiochus, finding that they did not conquer Macedon easily, regarded the opportunity a suitable one for assailing Egypt and wresting from Ptolemy Philometor Coele-Syria, which his father had given as dower with Cleopatra, his daughter. The state of Egypt presented an aspect eminently hopeful to an assailant. The court of Egypt was full of intrigue and treachery; the centre of intrigue was the brother of the king, Ptolemy, nicknamed Physeon. The king, Ptolemy, was young; his generals, however, took up the challenge, and set on the field a large army; but the army was defeated, and Antiochus advanced as far as Memphis. Ptolemy was taken prisoner by his uncle, and Physeon his brother ascended the throne. The defeat of Philometor was supposed to be largely due to treachery.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And with a large
גָּדוֹל֒ (gā·ḏō·wl)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

army
בְּחַ֣יִל (bə·ḥa·yil)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

he will stir up
וְיָעֵר֩ (wə·yā·‘êr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake

his power
כֹּח֨וֹ (kō·ḥōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3581: A small reptile (of unknown species)

and his courage
וּלְבָב֜וֹ (ū·lə·ḇā·ḇōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the king
מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of the South,
הַנֶּגֶב֮ (han·ne·ḡeḇ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5045: South country, the Negeb, south

[who]
וּמֶ֣לֶךְ (ū·me·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

will mobilize
יִתְגָּרֶה֙ (yiṯ·gā·reh)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1624: To stir up (strife), engage in strife

a very
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

large
גָּד֥וֹל (gā·ḏō·wl)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

and powerful
וְעָצ֖וּם (wə·‘ā·ṣūm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6099: Powerful, numerous

army
בְּחַֽיִל־ (bə·ḥa·yil-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

but will not
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

withstand
יַעֲמֹ֔ד (ya·‘ă·mōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

the plots
מַחֲשָׁבֽוֹת׃ (ma·ḥă·šā·ḇō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4284: A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, plan

devised
יַחְשְׁב֥וּ (yaḥ·šə·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2803: To think, account

against him.
עָלָ֖יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


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OT Prophets: Daniel 11:25 He shall stir up his power (Dan. Da Dn)