Daniel 11 — Literal or Spiritual?

The Sapphire Review Vol. 3 | No. 3 • January 16, 2026

A Brief Inquiry into the Subject

There is much debate around the question of whether Daniel 11 is a literal or spiritual (figurative) prophecy, especially concerning the closing portion of the chapter. Seeing that the closing verses foretell events connected with the close of probation,¹ it is imperative that we know the answer. In this brief work, we will determine to put this question to rest.

The question is actually quite straightforward. In fact, we need not even delve into the specifics of the prophecy itself. For our present purpose, all that is required of us to learn of the answer is to examine and compare the language employed with that of previous chapters containing figures.

In Bible prophecy, we know that beasts are representative of kingdoms (Dan. 7:7,23), or unrighteous nations, whose horns stand for the kings (Dan. 7:7,24) or rulers that preside over said kingdoms. If this prophecy is anything like that of the earlier prophetic portions of Daniel (chapters 2, 7, and 8), then we should expect to see such figurative language repeated.

With all this being said, let us now call our attention to the primary text of our study:

And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.
Daniel 11:2

The speaker of this text is the angel Gabriel. Let the reader take notice of the fact that he makes no mention whatsoever of beasts, horns, or any other figure, but immediately tells Daniel about certain kings and kingdoms in plain language. It is for this reason that he says, “now will I show thee the truth.” This brief declaration identifies these kings and kingdoms with truth. That is to say, they require no interpretation.

As a second witness, look at how this same phrase, “the truth,” is defined in an earlier chapter:

16 I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.
Daniel 7:16–17

By this we know that “the truth” which Gabriel was come to show Daniel means “the interpretation” (i.e. literal meaning). And what is this interpretation spoken of? Why, it can be none other than the vision of Daniel 8:1–12, for therein we read:

And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
Daniel 8:16

Gabriel’s instructions were to make Daniel, who “had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning” (Dan. 8:15), understand those things which he saw. But by the end of the eighth chapter, the angel had not as yet completed his assignment, for Daniel understood not:

And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.
Daniel 8:27

We must here acknowledge, however, as recorded in the first verse of the tenth chapter, that Daniel did in fact have understanding of a certain vision and its appointed time. (Dan. 10:1.) But this does not refer to the vision of Daniel 8:1–12. Rather, it refers to the seventy weeks which were determined upon the Jews and the holy city, Jerusalem. (Dan. 9:24–27.) This may be confirmed by comparing Daniel 10:1 with chapter 9:22–23.

Thus, after Daniel’s strengthening (Dan. 10:21), we read at the commencement of the present chapter, “And now will I shew thee the truth.” (Dan. 11:2.) These few words set the standard for the whole prophecy, from the second verse down to the forty-fifth. For unlike chapters 2, 7, and 8 which are clothed in figures, Daniel 11 reads in its entirety without the use of a single symbol. We can thus rest assured that it is a literal prophecy because “that which is noted in the scripture of truth” (Dan. 10:21) attests plainly to the fact.

These small but essential details suffice to prove that Daniel 11 is to be taken literally, not figuratively. This knowledge sets us upon the right foundation in order that we may stand firm in the truth and not be persuaded falsely. Though a great multitude today do wrest the scriptures, spiritualizing the meaning thereof to support their own prejudices, these clear points compel us to eschew such fanciful ideas and instead take Daniel 11 as it reads.

Let each one of us ever be like Daniel, earnestly seeking and praying for the truth and meaning of the word of God in all things.

God bless,
Brandon

Scripture Index

1. Dan. 12:1; Rev. 15:5, 22:11.