Bible Strands
Daniel 11:33
Those with insight will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by sword or flame, or be captured or plundered.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The passage addresses a future period of intense persecution, positioned between a description of covenant corruption and a note on temporary divine allowance after believers fall. It speaks to a defined group operating amid escalating hostility.
The words — מַשְׂכִּילֵי (mas.ki.lei) translates literally as “those with insight,” denoting individuals specifically tasked with imparting understanding to others.
The thread — This pattern of faithful instruction under threat runs through Malachi 2:7 regarding the preservation of knowledge, and Matthew 24:9 and John 16:2 regarding the promised persecution of those who obey.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to commit to teaching others while accepting that temporary suffering by sword, flame, or captivity is the expected cost. It demands steady instruction despite the reality of falling and receiving only brief aid afterward.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
Cross-references
- Malachi 2:7 For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts.
- Matthew 24:9 Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
- John 16:2 They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.
- 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.
- Isaiah 32:3 Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen.
- Daniel 12:3 Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
- Daniel 12:10 Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.
- Hebrews 11:34 quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.
- Revelation 17:6 I could see that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and witnesses for Jesus. And I was utterly amazed at the sight of her.
- Zechariah 8:20 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities—