This part of a prophecy given to Daniel in 536 BC (Daniel 10:1) concerns an infamous figure from the late second century BC: Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The previous verse hinted at his conniving, illegitimate rise to power (Daniel 11:21). Here, it predicts his early military victories. Many of these were related to his abnormal takeover, assisted by relatives and bordering kings with whom he was friendly. These were also aided by his clever diplomacy towards Rome, who was engaged in another war in Thessaly and Macedon. By avoiding conflict with the Roman Empire, Antiochus was able to focus his attention elsewhere.

Among his notable triumphs was Antiochus's thorough defeat of Egypt in 170 BC. With advance notice that Egypt planned to invade and retake Judea, Antiochus assembled a large army and staged them at his own border. As soon as the Egyptian army left the safety of their city, Pelusium, the Seleucids attacked. Antiochus's forces were victorious, capturing the city. This gave them free access to Egyptian territory. The army pressed their advantage, overrunning the nation and even taking prisoner the Egyptian king, Ptolemy VI Philometor. Egypt was reduced to a "dummy state:" a nation subject to the commands of another. That event appears to factor into later parts of this passage (Daniel 11:24–25).

This verse also mentions some action Antiochus would take against "the prince of the covenant." Opinions vary concerning the identity of this person. Even with the benefit of historical hindsight, the answer is not entirely clear. One option is the Jewish high priest, Onias III. Ancient records vary in their claims about what happened to Onias III and to what extent Antiochus IV Epiphanes was involved. Under this interpretation, the high priest was the "prince" of Israel's religious relationship to God: the old covenant. Not all scholars accept this option, however. One common alternative is that this verse is general, implying all of Antiochus's conquests and victories, against both secular and religious leaders.

Daniel 11:21–35 continues from a series of prophecies about many rulers over many decades. In contrast, this segment's predictions focus on a single ruler and his hateful actions against Egypt and Israel. History knows this figure as Antiochus IV Epiphanes: one of the Jewish people's most vicious and hated persecutors.

This chapter is most easily understood in terms of the historical events which it predicts. These include the conflicts between Ptolemaic Egypt and the Seleucid Empire up through the second century BC. This mentions the infamous Antiochus IV Epiphanes and what eventually became the Maccabean Revolt. The last portion of prophecy looks to the end times: blasphemous rulers, an invasion from the north, and a major defeat.

Daniel is receiving a prophecy, in an encounter which began in chapter 10. The substance of that prophecy is mostly given in chapter 11. This predicts the major events relating to Judea leading up to the conquest of the Roman Empire. It also begins to speak of end-times events. This leads to chapter 12 and the final prophetic remarks given to Daniel. Chapter 11 connects to other prophetic segments of Scripture such as Ezekiel 38 and Joel 2. Occurrences recorded here are also used by Jesus to depict end times events (Matthew 24:15).

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.

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