Old Testament
Daniel 11:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
After some years, they will form an alliance. The daughter of the king of the south will go to the king of the north to seal the agreement. But she will not retain her power, and he will not endure either. She will be handed over, along with those who brought her, her father, and the one who supported her.
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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.
What Daniel 11:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a political alliance forming between two powerful kingdoms. The daughter of the king of the south travels to the king of the north to finalize this agreement. However, despite the hopes for stability, neither she nor the king will maintain their power. The alliance will ultimately fail, leading to her being betrayed along with those who supported her. This reflects the fragility of human plans and the unpredictability of political relationships. The passage serves as a reminder that even the most strategic alliances can crumble, often due to unforeseen circumstances. It highlights the importance of understanding that power is temporary and can shift unexpectedly, leaving individuals vulnerable. Trusting in human strength alone can lead to disappointment, as history shows us that alliances can be broken and loyalties can change in an instant. This story encourages us to seek deeper, more reliable foundations in our lives, rather than relying solely on external agreements or relationships.
How to apply Daniel 11:6 to your life
In our own lives, we often make plans and form partnerships that we believe will bring us security. However, it's crucial to remember that not all agreements will last. We should invest in relationships built on trust and integrity, rather than just strategic advantages. Reflect on your own alliances and consider their stability and foundation. Seek deeper connections that can withstand challenges and changes in circumstances.
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
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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 11:6 mean?
Daniel 11:6 describes a political alliance between two kingdoms, where the daughter of the king of the south seeks to secure an agreement with the king of the north. However, the verse highlights that neither party will maintain their power, leading to betrayal and failure of the alliance.
What is the significance of the daughter of the king of the south in Daniel 11:6?
The daughter of the king of the south represents a strategic move to form an alliance through marriage or diplomacy. Her journey to the king of the north symbolizes the hope for stability, but the verse ultimately reveals the fragility of such political arrangements.
What does the phrase 'she shall not retain the power of the arm' mean in Daniel 11:6?
The phrase 'she shall not retain the power of the arm' indicates that the daughter will lose her influence and authority despite the alliance. It emphasizes the temporary nature of power in political relationships.
How does Daniel 11:6 relate to the theme of betrayal?
Daniel 11:6 illustrates betrayal through the eventual downfall of the alliance, where the daughter and her supporters are handed over. This reflects the idea that even well-planned agreements can lead to unexpected treachery.
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