Old Testament
Daniel 11:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"His successor will send a tax collector through the kingdom to maintain its splendor. But within a few days he will be destroyed — not in anger and not in battle.
Compare translations
Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.
What Daniel 11:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a leader who takes over after a powerful ruler. His first act is to impose taxes to keep the kingdom looking impressive and prosperous. However, his reign is short-lived. Within just a few days, he will meet his end, and interestingly, it won’t be due to a battle or an uprising. This suggests that sometimes, the downfall of leaders can come from unexpected places, not through direct conflict. It serves as a reminder that power can be fleeting and that those who rely solely on wealth and status may find themselves vulnerable. The passage highlights the unpredictability of life and leadership, showing that even the most powerful can fall without warning. It encourages us to reflect on the nature of authority and the importance of humility in leadership roles, as well as the transient nature of glory and success in our lives. Ultimately, it teaches us that true strength lies not in wealth or power, but in character and integrity, which endure beyond the fleeting moments of glory.
How to apply Daniel 11:20 to your life
Consider how you view success and leadership in your own life. Are you focused on appearances and status, or do you value integrity and character? Remember that true strength comes from within, and lasting impact is made through genuine actions rather than superficial displays of power. Reflect on your priorities today and choose wisely in your pursuits. Be mindful of the legacy you want to leave behind, as it is often shaped by your character.
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Daniel 11:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Daniel 11:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Daniel
- Author
- Daniel the prophet
- Written
- Around 530 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Exiled Jews and future generations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Daniel 11:20 mean?
Daniel 11:20 describes a leader who takes over after a powerful ruler and imposes taxes to maintain the kingdom's grandeur. However, his reign is short-lived, ending unexpectedly and not through conflict, highlighting the unpredictability of leadership.
What is the significance of the tax collector in Daniel 11:20?
The tax collector in Daniel 11:20 symbolizes a leader focused on maintaining appearances and wealth in the kingdom. This act reflects a reliance on superficial power, which ultimately leads to his quick downfall.
What themes are present in Daniel 11:20?
Key themes in Daniel 11:20 include leadership, the transience of power, humility, and the unexpected nature of downfall. The verse serves as a reminder that true strength lies in character rather than wealth or status.
What does 'not in anger, nor in battle' mean in Daniel 11:20?
The phrase 'not in anger, nor in battle' indicates that the leader's demise will come from unforeseen circumstances rather than direct conflict or rebellion. This emphasizes the fragility of power and the unpredictable nature of life.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.