Daniel 11:4

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.

Daniel 11:4 (KJV)

Context

Daniel 11 is a prophetic chapter that outlines a series of future events, focusing on the power struggles between two great Hellenistic kingdoms—the Seleucid Empire and the Ptolemaic Kingdom—that arose after the death of Alexander the Great. Daniel 11:4 is commonly understood to refer to Alexander the Great, described in verse 3 as “a mighty king.” After his death his empire was divided among his four generals, symbolized by the “four winds of heaven.” Some scholars, however, see the passage as pointing to a later Seleucid ruler such as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose reign also ended without a lasting dynastic succession.

Meaning

“And when he shall stand up” denotes the rise of the ruler to power. “His kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven” describes the fragmentation of his empire into four directions, reflecting the historical division among Alexander’s successors. “Not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled” indicates that his descendants will not inherit the throne or retain his authority. “For his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those” points to other powers rising to take control, leading to the removal of the ruler’s dynasty. The phrase “four winds of heaven” signifies a division into four parts, representing the four points of the compass or the four corners of the earth.

Biblical connections

This verse parallels Daniel 8:8, where a great horn is broken and four notable ones come up toward the four winds, reinforcing the same historical event and God’s sovereign control over the rise and fall of kingdoms.

Application

The passage reminds believers of God’s sovereign control over the rise and fall of kingdoms; even amid political turmoil, God remains the ultimate authority. It warns against pride and unchecked ambition, showing that leaders who seek personal gain at the expense of others often face loss and division. The fulfillment of this prophecy encourages trust in God’s promises, assuring that what He declares will come to pass. Finally, the events foreshadow a larger divine plan of redemption, culminating in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Studying the entire chapter, consulting trusted commentaries, and seeking pastoral guidance deepen our understanding of these truths.