Daniel 12:7 - Printer Friendly

What does Daniel 12:7 mean?

ESV: And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.

NIV: The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, 'It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed."

NASB: And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish smashing the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.

CSB: Then I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the water of the river. He raised both his hands toward heaven and swore by him who lives eternally that it would be for a time, times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people is shattered, all these things will be completed.

NLT: The man dressed in linen, who was standing above the river, raised both his hands toward heaven and took a solemn oath by the One who lives forever, saying, 'It will go on for a time, times, and half a time. When the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened.'

KJV: And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

NKJV: Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.

Verse Commentary:

After a celestial being (Daniel 10:18–21) delivers a long series of prophecies (Daniel 11:2—12:4), Daniel sees two more figures. These stand on either side of the Tigris River (Daniel 12:5). Someone—most likely one of these two beings—asks the figure above the water about when the predicted events will end (Daniel 12:6).

The messenger, likely Gabriel (Daniel 8:15–16; 9:21–22; 10:18–21; Luke 1:26), makes it clear that what he says is absolute truth. He "swears," meaning he vows or promises on behalf of someone. In this case, the object is God Himself: the eternal "I am" (Exodus 3:14; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 90:2). Raising his hands, and Daniel mentioning each hand individually, adds to the drama and weight of the statement.

According to the linen-clad figure, the events in question will end after "a time, times, and half a time." This same phrasing was used in Daniel's earlier prophetic dream (Daniel 7:1, 25). It is also repeated in the book of Revelation (Revelation 12:6, 14). This is generally interpreted to mean three-and-one-half years, or forty-two months (Revelation 13:5). Most interpreters believe this is a reference to a time referred to as the "great tribulation." This is the second half of a crucial seven-year period during the end times (Matthew 24:21). Along those lines, many interpreters see a violation of a prior treaty (Daniel 9:27) at the midpoint of this seven years, triggering this period of unprecedented suffering. That would correspond to the "shattering" of the people and their strength (Daniel 8:24).

Daniel has heard these words but does not fully comprehend them. He will ask for more information, though truly little will be given (Daniel 12:8).

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.

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

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.

Accessed 5/2/2024 9:30:22 AM