Old Testament
Daniel 11:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And when he rises to power, his kingdom will be broken and divided toward the four winds of heaven. It won't go to his descendants, nor will it be ruled with the same authority he had. His kingdom will be uprooted and given to others.
Compare translations
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.
What Daniel 11:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse describes a powerful leader who will rise to prominence but will not maintain his kingdom for long. Instead, his reign will be short-lived, and his kingdom will be divided into four parts. This division signifies a loss of unity and strength, as the kingdom will not be passed down to his children. The authority he once held will not be replicated, and his kingdom will be taken away and given to others. This serves as a reminder that power can be fleeting and that no one is guaranteed to keep their achievements. The rise and fall of leaders often reflect the unpredictable nature of history. Ultimately, this verse highlights the importance of humility and the understanding that all power is temporary, reminding us to focus on what truly matters in life beyond earthly authority and control. It encourages us to consider how we use our influence and the legacy we leave behind, as it may not last as long as we hope or expect. The message is clear: greatness can be short-lived.
How to apply Daniel 11:4 to your life
Reflect on your own life and the influence you have. Consider how you can use your power and authority to uplift others rather than seeking to maintain control. Remember that true greatness lies in the impact you make, not just in the position you hold. Focus on building lasting relationships and a positive legacy that endures beyond your time in power. Embrace humility in your journey and recognize the temporary nature of success.
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 11:4
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 11:4
Related Bible verses
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 11:4 mean?
Daniel 11:4 describes a powerful leader whose kingdom will rise but quickly fall apart. It emphasizes that his reign will not last, as his kingdom will be divided and given to others, highlighting the temporary nature of power.
What is the significance of the 'four winds' in Daniel 11:4?
The 'four winds' in Daniel 11:4 symbolize the division of the kingdom into four parts, indicating a loss of unity and strength. This imagery suggests that the leader's authority will be fragmented and not passed down to his descendants.
How does Daniel 11:4 relate to the theme of humility?
Daniel 11:4 serves as a reminder that even great leaders can lose their power quickly. It encourages humility by showing that no one is assured of lasting success or authority, prompting reflection on how we use our influence.
What lessons can we learn from Daniel 11:4 about leadership?
Daniel 11:4 teaches that leadership is often temporary and that true greatness lies in the positive impact we make rather than in holding power. It encourages leaders to focus on building meaningful relationships and a lasting legacy.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.