Daniel 12:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

NIV: Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

NASB: And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.

CSB: Many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to eternal life, and some to disgrace and eternal contempt.

NLT: Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace.

KJV: And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

NKJV: And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.

An angel speaking to Daniel (Daniel 10:1, 18–21) continues to describe what will happen in the end times: the last moments of history before God's judgment. The prior verse (Daniel 12:1) mentioned ideas often discussed in "eschatology:" the study of those last days. Among these were the great tribulation and concept of a "book" recording those who are saved.

This verse uses a euphemism for death, calling it "sleep." This reflects the idea that the end of earthly life is not the end of all life. In the New Testament, Paul uses this same metaphor (1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:15).

Another crucial point reinforced here is that all people will be resurrected into one of two fates. These are the only possible eternal fates. One is life with God, the other is the "contempt" of separation from Him (Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:12–13). Jesus also spoke of this two-sided eternal destiny during His earthly ministry (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28–29). John's vision of the ultimate judgment makes the same distinction (Revelation 20:11–15), also making mention of a "book."

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.