Daniel 12:3-4

Listen to Daniel 12:3-4
3 1And those who are wise 2shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; [a] and 3those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
4 But you, Daniel, 4shut up the words and 5seal the book, until 6the time of the end. 7Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase. ”

Daniel 12:3-4 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.

Unlock Deeper Insights: Get Over 20 Commentaries with Plus! Subscribe Now

Cross References 7

  • 1. 12:3 ch. 11:33
  • 2. 12:3 Matt. 13:43
  • 3. 12:3 [Mal. 2:6]
  • 4. 12:4 [ver. 9; ch. 8:26]
  • 5. 12:4 Isa. 8:16; 29:11; Rev. 5:1; 10:4; 22:10
  • 6. 12:4 [ver. 13]; See ch. 8:17
  • 7. 12:4 Amos 8:12

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