Daniel 12:5-13 · Bible study
Daniel 12:5-13 Commentary: Angels, Oath, and the Promise of the End
Hebrew · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore the closing vision of Daniel: angelic witnesses, solemn oath, cryptic time numbers, and God's assurance of rest and resurrection for the faithful.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The final scene of Daniel confirms that God’s plan is on schedule; the righteous are purified, and Daniel is assured of resurrection.
- Key words: “time, times, and a half” (symbolic 3.5 years), “shut up and sealed” (hidden until the end), “abomination of desolation” (idolatrous sacrilege).
- Main debate: Whether the numbers (1290, 1335) refer to the Maccabean period, the end of the age, or a dual fulfillment.
- Theological theme: God’s sovereignty over history, the refining purpose of suffering, and the hope of resurrection.
- Best use: A passage for those enduring long trials; it gives hope that the pain is limited and that faithfulness leads to inheritance.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
5Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing there, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank.
6One of them said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long until the fulfillment of these wonders?”
7And the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, raised 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, and times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has finally been shattered, all these things will be completed.”
8I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?”
9“Go on your way, Daniel,” he replied, “for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.
10Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.
11And from the time the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation set up, there will be 1,290 days.
12Blessed is he who waits and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.
13But as for you, go on your way until the end. You will rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
5Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on the river bank on this side, and the other on the river bank on that side.
6One said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be to the end of these wonders?”
7I 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 will be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have finished breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things will be finished.
8I heard, but I didn’t understand. Then I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?”
9He said, “Go your way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.
10Many will purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined, but the wicked will do wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.
11“From the time that the continual burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there will be one thousand two hundred ninety days.
12Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred thirty-five days.
13“But go your way until the end; for you will rest, and will stand in your inheritance at the end of the days.”
KJV King James Version 1769
5Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.
6And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
7And 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.
8And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
9And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
10Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
11And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
12Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
13But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
5Then I, Daniel, looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on the brink of the river on this side, and the other on the brink of the river on that side.
6And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
7And 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 unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
8And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my lord, what shall be the issue of these things?
9And he said, Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed till the time of the end.
10Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but they that are wise shall understand.
11And from the time that the continual burnt-offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
12Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
13But go thou thy way till the end be; for thou shalt rest, and shalt stand in thy lot, at the end of the days.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
5And I have looked--I, Daniel--and lo, two others are standing, one here at the edge of the flood, and one there at the edge of the flood,
6and he saith to the one clothed in linen, who is upon the waters of the flood, `Till when is the end of these wonders?'
7And I hear the one clothed in linen, who is upon the waters of the flood, and he doth lift up his right hand and his left unto the heavens, and sweareth by Him who is living to the age, that, `After a time, times, and a half, and at the completion of the scattering of the power of the holy people, finished are all these.'
8And I have heard, and I do not understand, and I say, `O my lord, what is the latter end of these?'
9And he saith, `Go, Daniel; for hidden and sealed are the things till the time of the end;
10Purify themselves, yea, make themselves white, yea, refined are many: and the wicked have done wickedly, and none of the wicked understand, and those acting wisely do understand;
11and from the time of the turning aside of the perpetual sacrifice , and to the giving out of the desolating abomination, are days a thousand, two hundred, and ninety.
12O the blessedness of him who is waiting earnestly, and doth come to the days, a thousand, three hundred, thirty and five.
13And thou, go on to the end, then thou dost rest, and dost stand in thy lot at the end of the days.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
5And I Daniel looked, and behold, there stood other two, the one on this side, on the bank of the river, and the other on that side, on the bank of the river.
6And he said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, How long [is it to] the end of these wonders?
7And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river; and he held up his right hand and his left hand unto the heavens, and swore by him that liveth for ever that it is for a time, times, and a half; and when the scattering of the power of the holy people shall be accomplished, all these things shall be finished.
8And I heard, but I understood not. And I said, My lord, what shall be the end of these things?
9And he said, Go thy way, Daniel; for these words are closed and sealed till the time of the end.
10Many shall be purified, and be made white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
11And from the time that the continual [sacrifice] is taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, [there shall be] a thousand, two hundred, and ninety days.
12Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and thirty-five days!
13But do thou go thy way until the end; and thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
5And I, Daniel, looked, and behold as it were two others stood: one on this side upon the bank of the river, and another on that side, on the other bank of the river.
6And I said to the man that was clothed in linen, that stood upon the waters of the river: How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
7And I heard the man that was clothed in linen, that stood upon the waters of the river, when he had lifted up his right hand, and his left hand to heaven, and had sworn by him that liveth for ever, that it should be unto a time, and times, and half a time. And when the scattering of the band of the holy people shall be accomplished, all these things shall be finished.
8And I heard, and understood not. And I said: O my lord, what shall be after these things?
9And he said: Go, Daniel, because the words are shut up, and sealed until the appointed time.
10Many shall be chosen, and made white, and shall be tried as fire: and the wicked shall deal wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the learned shall understand.
11And from the time when the continual sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination unto desolation shall be set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred ninety days.
12Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh unto a thousand three hundred thirty-five days.
13But go thou thy ways until the time appointed: and thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot unto the end of the days.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Daniel 12:5
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators broadly agree that this scene closes the book of Daniel with a dramatic tableau. Two additional angels appear, standing on opposite banks of the river (likely the Tigris, from Daniel 10:4). They function as witnesses to the oath that follows, a practice rooted in Deuteronomy 19:15, where two witnesses confirm a matter (Lange, Cambridge). The central figure, the “man clothed in linen” from chapter 10 (often seen as a divine or high-angelic being), raises both hands to heaven and swears by the living God that the period of persecution will last “a time, times, and a half.” This phrase matches Daniel 7:25 and is widely understood as a symbolic period (three and a half years, or its prophetic equivalent). Daniel confesses he does not understand, and the angel tells him the words are “shut up and sealed until the time of the end.” The passage then gives two additional numbers (1,290 and 1,335 days) and closes with a personal promise to Daniel: he will rest and then “stand in your inheritance at the end of the days.”
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: High
Main views:
- Antiochan (preterist): Connects the prophecy to the Maccabean crisis (167-164 BC) and interprets the numbers as literal days for the temple desecration.
- Futurist (dispensational): Places the abomination of desolation in a future tribulation, often linking to a three-and-a-half-year period and identifying the numbers as literal days in the end times.
- Historicist (Reformation-era): Sees the time periods as long prophetic years (e.g., 1260 years) spanning the age of the church, with the extra days (45 more for 1335) marking the final deliverance.
- Idealist (spiritual): Reads the passage as a symbolic pattern of persecution and deliverance applicable to the church in every age, without insisting on a single historical referent.
What is clear: The passage teaches that God has set a limited time for tribulation, that suffering refines the righteous, and that Daniel (and all the faithful) will be resurrected to their inheritance at the end of days.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Identity of the man clothed in linen | He is the same glorious figure from Daniel 10, a being of high rank and possibly divine status. | Some (e.g. Gill, Wesley) identify him as Christ, noting parallels with priestly linen. Others (e.g. Calvin, Cambridge) see him as a high angel, perhaps Gabriel. |
| Meaning of 'time, times, and a half' | All agree it designates a limited period of persecution, often symbolically three and a half years. | Interpreters differ on whether this is literal years (Antiochus), prophetic years (1260 days), or an indefinite period representing the entire age of tribulation. |
| The numbers 1290 and 1335 days | They extend beyond the basic 1260 days, showing that the full end is delayed beyond the immediate persecution. | Views range from a precise historical calendar (Maccabean plus 45/75 days) to symbolic numbers pointing to the final consummation. Some see them as prophetic years. |
| The sealing of the book | The prophecy is intentionally hidden from Daniel’s generation and meant for future readers. | Some say the seal was broken with Christ’s coming; others hold it remains until the final tribulation. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The river setting recalls Daniel 10:4, where the prophet is by the “great river, which is Hiddekel” (the Tigris). This was the region of Daniel’s later visions, likely near Babylon. The appearance of “two others”, angels who had not been part of the earlier scene, creates a courtroom-like atmosphere. In Hebrew legal tradition, two witnesses were required to establish a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15); their presence here underscores the solemnity of the oath.
The gesture of raising both hands to heaven was an ancient form of swearing, seen in Genesis 14:22 and elsewhere. By raising both the right and left hands, the angel emphasizes the total certainty of the promise. The phrase “time, times, and a half” echoes Daniel 7:25 and appears also in Revelation 12:14. It likely refers to a limited period of persecution, often understood as three and a half years in symbolic terms.
The “continual burnt offering” and “abomination that makes desolate” point directly to events under Antiochus IV Epiphanes (Daniel 8:11-13; 9:27; 11:31). In 167 BC, Antiochus halted the daily sacrifice and set up an idol on the altar. Yet the passage also reaches beyond that crisis to an ultimate eschatological fulfillment, as Jesus himself references the “abomination of desolation” in Matthew 24:15. The numbers 1,290 and 1,335 days extend beyond the typical Maccabean timeline, suggesting a wider horizon.
Culturally, the idea of a sealed book indicated a message for a future generation. Daniel is told to “go your way”, to accept that not all mysteries would be resolved in his lifetime. The promise of rest and standing in his inheritance anticipates the resurrection mentioned in Daniel 12:2-3.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Daniel 12:5-13 in the Hebrew tradition. Some minor differences appear in the Greek versions (Theodotion, LXX) regarding the numbers, but the Masoretic Text is stable. The key terms, “time, times, and a half” and the specific day counts, are consistent across all major witnesses.
Reception History
Early Jewish interpreters (e.g., Josephus) read the passage as referring to the persecution under Antiochus IV, with the numbers pointing to the Maccabean victories. The early church, following Jesus’ use of “abomination of desolation” in Matthew 24, saw an eschatological fulfillment, linking the numbers to the end of the age. Augustine applied the passage spiritually to the purification of the church. During the Reformation, the numbers were often interpreted as prophetic years pointing to the rise of the papacy (historicist view). In the 19th and 20th centuries, futurist interpreters (e.g., Scofield) placed them in a future tribulation period. The personal promise to Daniel has been a source of comfort to believers facing persecution and death, affirming that they will share in the resurrection.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Sovereign Timeline. God has set appointed times for persecution and deliverance. The oath with raised hands affirms that history moves according to His schedule, not ours.
- The Purifying Purpose. Trials are not pointless. The angel declares that in the midst of suffering, “many will purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined.” Suffering reveals character and deepens faith.
- The Personal Promise. Daniel himself is told he will rest and then stand in his inheritance. The resurrection hope is not vague; it is personal. Each believer who endures has a promised lot in God’s kingdom.
Five-point outline
- Witnesses to God’s Word, the two angels on the riverbanks confirm that the prophecy is true and certain.
- The Oath of the End, the man in linen swears by the Eternal One that the period of suffering is limited.
- Sealed Until the Time of the End, some parts of prophecy remain hidden until the moment when they are needed.
- The Refinement of the Righteous, the same trials that harden the wicked purify the faithful.
- The Rest and Resurrection of the Faithful, Daniel’s personal assurance that he will rest and then rise to his inheritance.
Illustration hooks
- A courtroom with two witnesses confirming a will: the two angels stand as witnesses that God’s plan is legally and eternally binding.
- A student waiting for exam results: the sealed scroll represents knowledge that only becomes clear when the time is right.
- A long-distance runner who knows the exact distance: the numbers (1290, 1335) give hope that the race has a finish line.
Questions your congregation is asking
- “Why does God allow persecution to last so long? When will it end?”
- “How can I know whether I am being purified or simply suffering?”
- “What does it mean to ‘wait’ for the end? Is it passive or active?”
Leading a Discussion
This passage closes the visions of Daniel with a scene of witness, oath, and personal promise. As you discuss it as a group, notice how the angels’ question and Daniel’s confusion point to the larger truth: God’s timetable is trustworthy, even when we don’t fully understand it.
Discussion questions
- What is the significance of two angels appearing on opposite banks of the river? How does that connect to the idea of witnesses?
- Why does the angel raise both hands to heaven to swear the oath? What does that tell us about the certainty of what he says?
- Daniel says, “I heard, but I didn’t understand.” Have you ever felt that way about a passage of Scripture or a season of life? How did or can you respond?
- The angel says the words are “shut up and sealed until the time of the end.” What does this imply about human curiosity and God’s timing?
- Verse 10 says the wicked will not understand, but the wise will. What kind of understanding is the angel talking about?
- The numbers (1290, 1335) have been interpreted many ways. What is the point of giving precise numbers if they aren’t meant to be decoded easily?
- Daniel is told he will “rest, and will stand in your inheritance at the end of the days.” How does this promise of resurrection and inheritance speak to your own hope?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Daniel 10:4 | In the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel, |
| Daniel 10:6 | His body also was like beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches. His arms and his feet were like burnished bronze. The voice of his words was like the voice of a multitude. |
| Daniel 10:10 | Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands. |
| Daniel 10:16 | Behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to him who stood before me, “My lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows have overtaken me, and I retain no strength. |
| Psalms 74:9 | We see no miraculous signs. There is no longer any prophet, neither is there among us anyone who knows how long. |
| Ezekiel 9:2 | Behold, six men came from the way of the upper gate, which lies toward the north, every man with his slaughter weapon in his hand. One man in the middle of them was clothed in linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side. They went in, and stood beside the bronze altar. |
| Daniel 8:13 | Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who spoke, “How long will the vision about the continual burnt offering, and the disobedience that makes desolate, to give both the sanctuary and the army to be trodden under foot be?” |
| Daniel 8:16 | I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, which called and said, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
6 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke assigns specific prophetic years to Daniel's mysterious numbers, calculating that the 1290 days point to AD 1902 and the 1335 days to AD 1947, when
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes argues that the angel's solemn oath with both hands raised signals that the "time, times, and half" has a double meaning. It refers primarily to the end of Antiochus's persecutions, but ultimately to the downfall of a far greater Anti-christian power and the worldwide triumph of true religion.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin argues that "time, times, and half a time" does not mean three and a half years but an indefinite, extended period to encourage patient waiting. The angel raises both hands in an oath to stress the certainty of the prophecy, even though its full meaning remains hidden until God's appointed end.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible focuses on the historical detail behind the angel's oath: the river mentioned is the Tigris, called by an Egyptian word for the Nile, showing the term had become generic. The angel raises both hands to guarantee the oath, swearing by God who lives forever. The commentator then identifies the 1290 days as running from December 168 BC to Antiochus's death in 164 BC, with the extra 45 days (1335 total) representing a short interval before complete blessedness begins.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange argues forcefully that the resurrection in Daniel 12:2 is the universal resurrection of all humanity, not a partial raising of Israelites only. He points to the general language, the mention of eternal punishment for the wicked, and New Testament usage to show that "many" here means all.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley highlights the two angels attending Christ, who raises both hands to swear the unchangeable decree. He interprets the time, times, and half as exactly three and a half years, matching Revelation's 42 months or 1260 days. For Wesley, this seals future events until fulfilled and readies the church through suffering for a glorious rest at resurrection.