Daniel 12:2-3

Listen to Daniel 12:2-3
2 And many of those who 1sleep in 2the dust of the earth shall 3awake, 4some to everlasting life, and 5some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 6And those who are wise 7shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; [a] and 8those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Daniel 12:2-3 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DANIEL 12

This chapter begins with an account of a time of exceeding great trouble to the people of God, who are comforted with the consideration of Michael the great Prince being on their side, and with a promise of deliverance, with the resurrection of the dead, and the glorious state of wise and good men upon that, Da 12:1-3, and Daniel is ordered to shut up and seal the book of the prophecy, until a time when it should be better understood, Da 12:4, next follows a question put by an angel to Christ, and his answer to it, with respect to the time of the fulfilment of those wonderful events, Da 12:5-7. Daniel, not understanding what he heard, asks what would be the end of those things, Da 12:8 in answer to which he is bid to be content with what he knew; no alteration would be among men; things would be neither better nor worse with them, Da 12:9,10, a time is fixed for the accomplishment of all, Da 12:11,12, and it is promised him that he should have rest after death, and rise again, and have his lot and share with the blessed, Da 12:13.

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Cross References 8

  • 1. 12:2 [Ps. 17:15; John 11:11]
  • 2. 12:2 [Isa. 26:19]; See Ezek. 37:1-10
  • 3. 12:2 [Isa. 26:19]; See Ezek. 37:1-10
  • 4. 12:2 Matt. 25:46; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Rev. 20:12, 13
  • 5. 12:2 Matt. 25:46; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Rev. 20:12, 13
  • 6. 12:3 ch. 11:33
  • 7. 12:3 Matt. 13:43
  • 8. 12:3 [Mal. 2:6]

Footnotes 1

  • [a] 12:3 Hebrew 'the expanse'; compare Genesis 1:6–8
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025