Lexical Summary mikman: Hidden treasure, secret store Original Word: מִכְמַן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance treasure From the same as kammon in the sense of hiding; treasure (as hidden) -- treasure. see HEBREW kammon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as kammon Definition hidden stores NASB Translation hidden treasures (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִכְמָן] noun [masculine] only plural hidden stores, מִכְמַנֵּי הַזָּהָב וְהַכֶּסֶף Daniel 11:43 ( read מַטְמֹנֵי). Topical Lexicon Concept of Hidden TreasureThe noun מִכְמַן conveys the idea of a concealed store of wealth—valuables deliberately hidden for safekeeping. Its single biblical appearance sets it alongside other Hebrew words for treasure, stressing secrecy, security, and the strategic importance of hoarded riches. Biblical Occurrence: Daniel 11:43 “He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, and the Libyans and Cushites will follow at his heels.” (Daniel 11:43) Here the northern invader (historically foreshadowed by Antiochus IV Epiphanes and typologically pointing to a future world ruler) seizes Egypt’s concealed hoards. The plural form suggests numerous vaults or caches uncovered by conquest. Historical Background Hellenistic Egypt was famed for its granaries, Nubian gold, and overflowing royal treasuries. Foreign generals who captured these assets financed further campaigns and cemented power. Archaeological finds in Saqqara, Tanis, and Nubian mines corroborate the existence of extensive hidden reserves, making Daniel’s reference historically credible. Cultural and Economic Significance In the Ancient Near East, treasure symbolized divine favor and royal legitimacy. Kings stored gold and silver in temple treasuries (2 Kings 24:13) and secret depositories (Jeremiah 41:8). Mִכְמַן thus fits a known pattern of safeguarding wealth in subterranean chambers, caves, or fortified rooms—places only the sovereign could access. Theological Themes 1. Divine sovereignty over human wealth: God can transfer hidden riches at will (Daniel 2:21-22). Spiritual Application Believers are warned against misplaced trust in earthly hoards. Jesus instructs, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). The sudden seizure of Egypt’s treasure underscores the transience of material wealth and directs hearts toward an imperishable inheritance (1 Peter 1:4). Intertextual Parallels • Isaiah 45:3 – “treasures of darkness” granted to Cyrus Though employing different terms, these passages echo the motif of concealed riches revealed at a decisive moment. Prophetic and Eschatological Perspective Daniel 11:36-45 blends historical and future fulfillment. The control of treasures by a blasphemous ruler foreshadows the final Antichrist. Revelation 18 likewise portrays world commerce collapsing under divine judgment, showing that earthly wealth cannot withstand God’s decree. Christological Connection Colossians 2:3 proclaims that in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” The Lord who unveils Egypt’s secret vaults now offers the far greater treasure of Himself, surpassing the worth of gold and silver (Philippians 3:8). Key Takeaways for Ministry • Earthly fortunes are temporary; heavenly riches are eternal. Suggestions for Further Study Investigate royal treasuries in Kings and Chronicles; compare Daniel’s portrayal of imperial wealth with Revelation 17-18; study Jesus’ parables of the hidden treasure and the talents for principles of stewardship and kingdom investment. Forms and Transliterations בְּמִכְמַנֵּי֙ במכמני bə·miḵ·man·nê bemichmanNei bəmiḵmannêLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 11:43 HEB: וּמָשַׁ֗ל בְּמִכְמַנֵּי֙ הַזָּהָ֣ב וְהַכֶּ֔סֶף NAS: But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold KJV: But he shall have power over the treasures of gold INT: will gain the hidden of gold and silver 1 Occurrence |
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