ScriptureDepth's study of Daniel 12
“Those who are wise will shine as the brightness of the expanse. Those who turn many to righteousness will shine as the stars forever and ever.”
Daniel 12:3
Daniel writes this about those who are wise, confirming that their righteousness will lead to eternal glory, as they will 'shine as the stars forever and ever'.
What Daniel 12 is about
Michael will stand up to deliver the children of your people during a time of trouble, unmatched in history (v. 1). Many who have died will awaken, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt (v. 2). Those who are wise will shine brightly, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like stars forever (v. 3). Daniel is instructed to seal the words of the prophecy until the end times since many will seek knowledge in that period (v. 4). Daniel sees two others questioning the man in linen about the timing of these wonders (vv. 5-6). The man responds that it will be for a limited time and he swears by God (vv. 7-8). Daniel is told the words are sealed but that the wise will understand (vv. 9-10). There will be significant future events, including the taking away of offerings and blessings for those who wait (vv. 11-13).
Readers are left holding the promise of future deliverance and the resurrection at the end of the days.
Daniel 12 at a glance
- Daniel 12:1Michael's Role in Deliverance
- Daniel 12:2Resurrection and Judgment
- Daniel 12:3Wisdom and Righteousness
- Daniel 12:4Sealing the Prophecies
- Daniel 12:5–7Inquiry About Timing
- Daniel 12:8–10Understanding the Vision
- Daniel 12:11–13Future Blessings and Daniel’s Rest
Key verse: Daniel 12:3
One thing to notice
In v. 10, it states that 'the wicked will do wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand; but those who are wise will understand.' This verse presents a contrast between the responses of the wise and the wicked.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Daniel 12 (WEB)
Michael's Role in Deliverance Daniel 12:1
1Verse 1. “At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there will be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time. At that time your people will be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.
Resurrection and Judgment Daniel 12:2
2Verse 2. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Wisdom and Righteousness Daniel 12:3
3Verse 3. Those who are wise will shine as the brightness of the expanse. Those who turn many to righteousness will shine as the stars forever and ever.
Sealing the Prophecies Daniel 12:4
4Verse 4. But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end. Many will run back and forth, and knowledge will be increased.”
Inquiry About Timing Daniel 12:5–7
5Verse 5. Then 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. 6Verse 6. One 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?” 7Verse 7. 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 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.
Understanding the Vision Daniel 12:8–10
8Verse 8. I heard, but I didn’t understand. Then I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?” 9Verse 9. He said, “Go your way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. 10Verse 10. Many 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.
Future Blessings and Daniel’s Rest Daniel 12:11–13
11Verse 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. 12Verse 12. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred thirty-five days. 13Verse 13. “But go you your way until the end; for you will rest, and will stand in your inheritance at the end of the days.”
World English Bible (public domain)
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Daniel 12
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture. Ask unlimited questions and keep study notes on every chapter. 7 days free, no card.
Main themes in Daniel 12
End times prophecy
This chapter addresses end times prophecy through the figure of Michael, who will 'stand up' for God's people in a time of unprecedented trouble (v. 1). Daniel is instructed to seal the words of the prophecy until the 'time of the end' (v. 4), indicating a future period when knowledge will increase and many will seek understanding. The focus is on the ultimate fulfillment of God's plans in the days to come.
Resurrection and judgment
Resurrection and judgment are central in this chapter, specifically in verse 2 where it states, 'Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.' This division indicates a final judgment where the outcomes for the righteous and wicked are distinctly outlined. The text sets a clear expectation of reward and consequence following resurrection.
Faithfulness and perseverance
Verse 12 declares, 'Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred thirty-five days.' This statement calls for steadfastness during a specific time of trial, marking the expectation for endurance. Daniel is instructed to continue on his path until the end, indicating that perseverance is essential for those who are faithful (v. 13).
Hope of eternal life
Hope of eternal life is presented in verse 3, which states, 'Those who are wise will shine as the brightness of the expanse.' The promise of a glorious existence after resurrection is tied to wisdom and righteousness. This hope is assured for those turning many to righteousness, indicating that eternal life is linked to one's actions and faithfulness in this life.
Chapter outline
How Daniel 12 unfolds
Daniel 12:1 Michael's Role in Deliverance
Michael, described as 'the great prince,' will stand up for the people during a time of unprecedented trouble, leading to the deliverance of those whose names are 'written in the book' (v. 1).
Daniel 12:2 Resurrection and Judgment
Many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, with some rising to 'everlasting life' and others to 'shame and everlasting contempt' (v. 2).
Daniel 12:3 Wisdom and Righteousness
Those known for their wisdom and efforts to turn others to righteousness will shine brightly, akin to the stars that endure forever (v. 3).
Daniel 12:4 Sealing the Prophecies
Daniel is instructed to 'shut up the words' and 'seal the book' until the time of the end, as many will run back and forth and 'knowledge will be increased' (v. 4).
Daniel 12:5–7 Inquiry About Timing
Two figures inquire about the duration until the culmination of the events, leading to a response from a man in linen who gives a cryptic timeframe (vv. 5-7).
Daniel 12:8–10 Understanding the Vision
Daniel expresses confusion about the vision's meaning, receiving reassurance that the sealed words will remain so until the end, with a distinction made between the wise and the wicked (vv. 8-10).
Daniel 12:11–13 Future Blessings and Daniel’s Rest
The prophecy specifies a timeline involving 'one thousand two hundred ninety days' after a significant event, promising blessings to those who endure until 'one thousand three hundred thirty-five days' (vv. 11-12).
Key verses
Daniel 12:3Daniel writes this about those who are wise, confirming that their righteousness will lead to eternal glory, as they will 'shine as the stars forever and ever'.
Get a short devotional by email, one passage and one question a day.
One short email each morning, with the free study guide. Unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. We use your address only to send this email.
Study questions
Questions for studying Daniel 12
- observeIn v1, who is described as the 'great prince' standing for God's people?
- observeWhat will happen to many who sleep in the dust according to v2?
- interpretThe phrase 'time, times, and a half' in v7: what might this suggest about the duration of trouble?
- interpretIn v9, why does the man clothed in linen tell Daniel that the words are sealed?
- applyWhen have you experienced a time of trouble that tested your faith as described in v1?
For Bible groups
Study Daniel 12 with your group
A free one-page handout with the overview, key verse, outline and discussion questions, ready to print for everyone at the table.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Daniel 12
- Daniel 8Daniel 12:4 and Daniel 8:26Both seal up the vision: Daniel 12:4 says to seal the book, while Daniel 8:26 says to seal up the vision.
- Daniel 11Daniel 12:3 and Daniel 11:33Both instruct many: Daniel 12:3 notes those who turn many to righteousness, while Daniel 11:33 speaks of wise ones instructing many.
- Matthew 24Daniel 12:11 and Matthew 24:15Both mention the abomination: Daniel 12:11 indicates its setting up, while Matthew 24:15 describes recognizing it.
- Proverbs 4Daniel 12:3 and Proverbs 4:18Both shine more: Daniel 12:3 states the wise will shine, while Proverbs 4:18 describes the righteous path shining until the perfect day.
- Revelation 22Daniel 12:10 and Revelation 22:11Both contrast the wicked and the wise: Daniel 12:10 says the wicked will not understand, while Revelation 22:11 states the filthy remain filthy.
- Daniel 10Daniel 12:1 and Daniel 10:13Both mention Michael: Daniel 12:1 describes him standing up for God's people, while Daniel 10:13 speaks of Michael aiding in conflict.
Related chapters
Chapters that connect with Daniel 12
Elsewhere on ScriptureDepth
Where to go from here
- Daniel: the whole bookDaniel opens in 605 BC with young Judean nobles deported to Babylon and pressed into Nebuchadnezzar's service.
- Full Year Chronological Bible, day 269Day 269 of 365: Daniel 10–12.
- FaithWhat the Bible says about faith, with verses.
- Common Bible questionsThe questions people bring to Bible study, each answered from the text.
- Today's devotionalOne verse and a short reflection, new every morning.
Daniel 12: frequently asked questions
What is Daniel 12 about?+
What is the key verse in Daniel 12?+
What are the main themes of Daniel 12?+
Studying Daniel with a print Bible beside you? See our study Bible guides.