Daniel 12:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, "O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?"

NIV: I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, "My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?"

NASB: But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so I said, 'My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?'

CSB: I heard but did not understand. So I asked, "My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?"

NLT: I heard what he said, but I did not understand what he meant. So I asked, 'How will all this finally end, my lord?'

KJV: And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?

NKJV: Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the end of these things?”

After hearing a lengthy prophetic message (Daniel 11:2—12:4), Daniel now sees three beings. The first is the one who delivered the predictions: a shining figure above the Tigris River (Daniel 10:4–6). The two additional figures probably look like men, and are probably angels, but Scripture says little about them. The primary figure, who is most likely the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; 10:18–21; Luke 1:26) is then asked a question about the timing of these events (Daniel 12:5–6).

The angel's answer is a reference to "a time, times, and half a time." Prophetically, this would match with a period of three-and-one-half years, or forty-two months. That corresponds to other biblical prophecies about the "great tribulation" of the end times (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 12:6, 14; 13:5).

Daniel has heard these questions and answers. Still, he hasn't fully grasped what everything means. His question seems to emphasize the ultimate outcome. Daniel had received some information about the eternal kingdom. He knew that those who followed God would be part of that (Daniel 7:14, 22, 27). Yet much of what Daniel has been told is symbolic and shadowy. Daniel has scarce information about Christ's return to earth or the nature of the thousand-year kingdom that follows.

The angel's answer is essentially to tell Daniel that it's not his concern (Daniel 12:9). Looking back, we know that prophets beyond Daniel's lifetime provided more details about the end times. Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi would write what was not fully revealed to Daniel.

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.