Daniel 12:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.

NIV: Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

NASB: Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.

CSB: Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.

NLT: Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means.

KJV: Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

NKJV: Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.

A large portion of Daniel's book is written in Aramaic: the common language of that era (Daniel 2:24—7:28). That suggests information targeted at a worldwide audience. The remainder of the prophecies are in Hebrew and seem to involve the region of Judea. In other words, they are predictions about the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. Recently, Daniel has heard prophecies from an angelic figure (Daniel 10:18–21; 12:5–7) regarding the future. These, as well, focus on Judea and the world's interactions with Israel.

For those reasons, many commentators believe this statement contrasting the wicked and the righteous is speaking of the Jewish people during the end times. Other passages indicate an evangelistic force of 144,000 Jews (Revelation 7:4–8) and the special preaching of two "witnesses" in Jerusalem (Revelation 11:3–12). Other prophetic passages suggest many Jewish people will come to faith in Christ during the last days (Zechariah 12:10; 13:1). Those who follow the Lord will experience forgiveness and fellowship with God. However, most will choose to reject Him (Zechariah 13:9).

Scripture supports applying this verse either to Israelites or to the world at large. Misunderstanding God's truth is primarily a matter of disobedience (John 5:39–40; 7:17). Despite the many supernatural events of the end times, most people will stubbornly refuse to acknowledge God (Revelation 9:20–21; 16:8–11). Even after Jesus personally rules the earth for a thousand years people will still defy Him (Revelation 20:4, 7–9). This persistence in evil should not be a surprise; it is an expected aspect of a world moving further and further from its Creator (Revelation 22:11).

Daniel 12:5–13 completes the final prophecy given to Daniel. He sees two additional beings and hears a question about the timing of the predicted events. Daniel does not fully understand the answer and asks for clarity. Instead of more answers, he is told to return to his life. After another reference to days and times, the message ends, as does Daniel's writing.

The angelic being who has been giving Daniel insight into the future (Daniel 10:18–21) provides a few last remarks. These reiterate ideas such as resurrection, eternal fate, and salvation. Daniel asks for more clarity, but the angel simply tells him to care for the prophecies which have been given. He tells Daniel to go back to his life, reassuring him that he will experience resurrection and restoration after his death.

Daniel has been receiving information from an angelic being who appeared near the Tigris River (Daniel 10:4–6). The prophecies covered several centuries of events which were themselves centuries in Daniel's future (Daniel 11). As did prior chapters (Daniel 7—9), these interlock with other prophetic Scriptures. This chapter ends Daniel's text, leaving later prophets to record more details about the end times.

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.