Daniel 12:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."

NIV: But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge."

NASB: But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.'

CSB: "But you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam about, and knowledge will increase."

NLT: But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.'

KJV: But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

NKJV: “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”

This marks the end of a long proclamation (Daniel 11:2—12:4) given as prophecy to Daniel (Daniel 10:1). The angelic figure who speaks (Daniel 10:18–21) directly addresses Daniel and gives him instructions. These resemble prior commands (Daniel 8:26) and are reinforced later (Daniel 12:9).

Daniel's charge here is to "shut up" and "seal" the words which he has been given. Some translators present this as a measure of secrecy: that Daniel is to tell no one about what he has seen and written. Others believe this refers to security, suggesting that Daniel is meant to carefully preserve what he has seen. The apostle John seems to receive the opposite instruction (Revelation 22:10). Most likely, the intent was for Daniel to carefully preserve these prophecies, but to be discreet about those with whom he shared the visions. This restriction was to expire at "the time of the end," either meaning they would no longer need safeguards, or that they would last until then.

The reference to people roaming, rushing, or running might refer to travel during the end times. The predicted increase of knowledge may foreshadow the profound leaps in communication and information seen in the modern world. Some end-times predictions suggest a lack of access to Scripture, or an obscuring of truthful understanding (Amos 8:12).

It is also possible that the two phrases may be intertwined: this would imply that people will comb through books such as Daniel's record and gradually learn more about what it means. The modern world certainly offers easier travel and easier communication. Study of these texts is more accessible to the common person than any other time in human history. If that is the gist of this prophecy, it has certainly been fulfilled.

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.