Daniel 12:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

NIV: Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

NASB: And those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

CSB: Those who have insight will shine like the bright expanse of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

NLT: Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.

KJV: And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

NKJV: Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.

Part of the dire prediction of this passage is that Israel will face the worst persecution of its entire existence at some point during the end times (Daniel 12:1). However, the angel speaking to Daniel (Daniel 10:18–21) also provides hope. All will be resurrected after life here on earth; but not all will share the same eternal fate (Daniel 12:2). As noted elsewhere in Scripture, every human being will transition to exist forever in the loving presence of God, or in shameful separation from Him (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28–29). Those with saving faith can anticipate restoration, while those who reject God have no hope after death (Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:12–13).

Among the possible components of the end times is a group of faithful evangelists, descended from the twelve tribes of Israel. This corps of 144,000 (Revelation 7:4–8) will proclaim the gospel during the terrible time of the beasts (Revelation 13:1–4, 11–17). Their brilliant message (Matthew 13:43) will convince many people, from all over the world (Revelation 7:9), to rely on the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21) for salvation (Matthew 24:14). This proper submission to God is described in the Bible as the cornerstone of all that is "wise" (Proverbs 1:7).

Daniel 12:1–4 introduces the last words of a vision (Daniel 10:1) given to Daniel by an angelic messenger (Daniel 10:18–21). The final details of this prophecy involve the end times: when God brings His final judgment on the world. This section connects to concepts such as the time of tribulation, resurrection, salvation, and eternal destiny. After this, Daniel will record one last exchange between two celestial figures, then close out his book.

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.