What does Daniel 12:12 mean?

Scripture often suggests a two-part, seven-year period in the end times (Daniel 7:25; 9:27; Revelation 11:2; 12:14; 13:5). As Daniel receives his final words from a celestial being (Daniel 10:18–21), two similar numbers are given. However, neither precisely matches three-and-one-half years. The angel who speaks offers no further information; in fact, he is in the process of telling Daniel to go back to daily life (Daniel 12:9, 13).

The prior verse (Daniel 12:11) mentioned 1,290 days. This is thirty days longer than forty-two "prophetic" months of thirty days each. The number here is another forty-five days beyond that. Because there is almost no context, we can only speculate as to what the additional time spans imply. It's possible that the two halves of the seven-year tribulation may be interrupted during the time when the temple is being defiled (Matthew 24:15; Revelation 13:14). Or the extra days may be the time Jesus is judging nations after His return (Ezekiel 20:30–38; Matthew 25:31–46; Revelation 19:11–15).

The angel's message reinforces the biblical theme of persevering (Matthew 24:13). Jesus provided many parables about the need to be ever-ready for His return (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18), even though we don't know all the details (Matthew 24:44–47; 25:10–12; 14–19).