Daniel 12:5-13 meaning

Daniel 12:5-13 begins by describing what Daniel sees at the river.

Daniel, who was exiled to Babylon around 605 BC, served under multiple rulers, including Nebuchadnezzar and Darius the Mede. By this point in his book, Daniel is an old man, having lived through the historical shifts from the Babylonian Empire to the new Persian Empires, though he has received multiple revelations from God informing him that eventually Greece will rise to power, and then another empire (which we know to be Rome).

In Daniel 10, an angel approached Daniel and began speaking with him. The entirety of Daniel 11 was the angel giving Daniel a prophecy, while Daniel listened. Now here, Daniel explains how he reacts to this message. With the angel’s prophecy concluded, Daniel switches perspectives back to himself: Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river and the other on that bank of the river (v. 5)

This is a reference to Daniel 10:4, where he sets the scene for when and where this angel visited him. Daniel was “by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris, [when he] lifted [his] eyes” and saw the angel. Now, Daniel looked, and writes behold (“Pay special attention! Something new has happened”), he sees two more angels, who were standing on either bank of the river, one on Daniel’s side and one on the opposite side.

Throughout Daniel’s book, angels have consistently served as messengers and protectors, such as Michael, who is “one of the chief princes” of the angels and “stands guard over the sons of your people” (Daniel 10:13, 12:1). There is also Gabriel, who has explained two other visions to Daniel (Daniel 8:16, 9:21).

The veil between the material and spiritual worlds is lifted a little further here, where Daniel can see there are two more angels present, suddenly visible to him, not in a dream but on Planet Earth, positioned at the Tigris River. We are surrounded by this spiritual world, though we cannot see it unless it is specially revealed, as it was to Daniel (Ephesians 6:11-12). Yet God’s angelic hosts remain active and present to carry out His will.

One of the angels speaks: And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, ‘How long will it be until the end of these wonders?’ (v. 6). This question, “How long…?” is common in apocalyptic literature. It mirrors a universal longing for clarity about God’s plans and the completion of His judgments (Revelation 6:10). Creation itself anticipates when everything will be redeemed and restored (Romans 8:22).

The man dressed in linen appears several times in Daniel’s visions (Daniel 10:5). Linen garments in Scripture can signify priestly purity or a heavenly messenger (Exodus 28:39, Revelation 15:6). The fact that he is above the waters of the river (v. 6) suggests that this angel was hovering beyond earthly constraints. This sets the stage for a decisive, heaven—sent answer concerning the culmination of the remarkable prophecies Daniel has received.

Daniel’s earlier prophecies have proven astonishingly accurate—for instance, the precise rise and fall of the Persian kings, the ascendance of Greek rule under Alexander the Great, and the immediate loss of that kingdom as Alexander dies and his four generals divide the conquest into four territories. The details of the wars between the Seleucids and the Ptolemies, as well as Antiochus IV Epiphanes’ wicked treatment of the Jewish people, all are foretold by God’s messenger.

That track record of fulfilled prophecy gives weight to what is unfolding here. Even though Daniel receives details about a far future time, the question “How long?” reminds us that God’s plan has a definite end point. While we may not fully grasp every detail, we should trust that the same God who orchestrated past events so meticulously will do the same for these future wonders.

Daniel observes: I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, 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 shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed (v. 7). Lifting both hands to heaven and swearing by the eternal God emphasize the absolute certainty of this answer.

The phrase a time, times, and half a time (v. 7) also appears in Daniel 7:25, and many connect it to the equivalent duration of “forty—two months” or “1,260 days,” famously detailed in Revelation 11:2-3 and 12:6. This period is often associated with the latter half of the seventieth week described in Daniel 9:27. It signifies an intense phase of tribulation, closely tied to future events involving the “abomination of desolation” (Daniel 11:31, Matthew 24:15).

The text concludes that these wonders occur as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people (v. 7), suggesting that Israel (and by extension, faithful believers) will experience severe trials. This tribulation is unlike anything before, yet it remains under God’s sovereign hand. The repeated emphasis on “time, times, and half a time” teaches us that God’s timeline, though mysterious, is exact. When that period ends, the Antichrist/beast and all opposing powers will find themselves at the end of their dominion (Revelation 19:19-20).

Daniel, in his typical honest and humble way, confesses his confusion: As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, ‘My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?’ (v. 8). Though Daniel is one of the most prominent prophets of the Old Testament, he did not necessarily know what these messages meant. He did not seek them out, and often when angels or visions came to him, it left him feeling troubled or afraid (Daniel 7:28, 8:27, 10:8-9, 15-17). But he was faithful to record all that God spoke to him.

When we ponder end—times details today, we should share in Daniel’s humility, recognizing that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). God’s ultimate point in telling us the future is to show that He is on the throne, above all, knowing what will happen, and will bring about everlasting goodness and peace in the end.

Sometimes prophecy jumps forward by centuries or millennia in the space of a single phrase. Indeed, Daniel sees the sequence of “time, times, and half a time,” but his pressing question remains: how exactly will these wonders unfold? He has already witnessed part of God’s plan—such as Babylon’s fall and the subsequent rise of Medo—Persia, then Greece,—yet the future portion surpasses his immediate grasp.

Daniel’s question—What will be the outcome? (v. 8) is understandably human.

The angelic response is clear: He said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time.’ (v. 9). This instruction to seal the prophecy does not mean to hide it away from all readers. Instead, it is a command to preserve it carefully, because its fullest meaning will become apparent only as events unfold closer to the end time (v. 9).

We are reminded that the increase in knowledge—both technological and prophetic—positions future generations to recognize these events when they happen. Daniel’s book remains a vital record, but certain details will only make complete sense to those who live through the climactic circumstances. This echoes Jesus’s words about prophecy, where He instructs believers to watch for signs and remain vigilant (Matthew 24:42-44).

For Daniel himself, however, the angel essentially says, “You have done your part; now rest in confidence.” It can be an encouragement to us as well. We might desire precise knowledge of every end—time detail, but God calls us to faithfulness in the responsibilities He has given us. We can rest, as Daniel was told to do, in the assurance that God’s plan will come to pass at the appointed time.

The angel then describes a refining process: Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand (v. 10). This highlights a recurring biblical theme: tribulation tests the hearts of humanity, bringing the righteous to greater purity while revealing the entrenched rebellion of the wicked.

This refining or purifying is analogous to the fiery trials that can grow believers (1 Peter 1:6-7). Daniel himself experienced such refinement through exile, service to the government which destroyed his homeland, and life—threatening hostility (Daniel 2:13, 6). Those who cling to God amidst adversity display the wisdom that Scripture so often exalts.

Meanwhile, the wicked will act wickedly (v. 10) underscores the principle that those who choose rebellion against God often become more hardened over time (Romans 1:18-28). The text declares, none of the wicked will understand (v. 10)—an apt description of how sin blinds the heart to spiritual truth. But for the wise, the lens of faith clarifies events, and they “will understand.” In the final tribulation, as in all eras, the dividing line between wisdom and folly becomes more defined when tested by crisis.

A specific time frame is given: From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days (v. 11). This abomination of desolation was referenced earlier in Daniel 11:31 and is spoken of by Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 24:15). Historically, an abomination was built by Antiochus Epiphanes around 167 BC, mocking the temple and God, but Jesus makes it clear that a future fulfillment awaits—a yet—unrealized final abomination of desolation.

The verse adds a curious detail: 1,290 days is 30 days longer than the 1,260 days (or 42 months) frequently mentioned in Revelation. Many have speculated about this discrepancy. Some suggest a transitional period after the main tribulation, others a cleansing period for the Temple—Scripture does not explicitly clarify.

Nevertheless, the presence of this extra 30 days points us to a humble realization: while God provides broad outlines, we are not always granted every detail. Like Daniel, we can acknowledge that parts of prophecy remain obscure until God’s timing. Far from undermining the reliability of Scripture, these mysteries invite faith in the One who holds the exact timeline in His hands.

The angel continues with another blessing: How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days! (v. 12). This adds an additional 45 days beyond the 1,290, for a total of 75 days beyond the standard 1,260. Again, the text does not specify precisely what occurs during this interval.

Prophecy often provides enough information to recognize events when they happen, without fully disclosing how they will happen. The exhortation to keep waiting calls God’s people to endurance, a key theme in end—times passages (Revelation 14:12). The blessing promised here indicates that those who persist—remaining faithful even under severe persecution—will witness the triumphant aftermath of God’s work. This probably a reference in part to the overcomers to whom Jesus Christ promises to reward in Revelation 3:21. For more on overcomers and heavenly rewards, see our article, “Overcomers.”

This emphasis on waiting resonates throughout Scripture, where patience and perseverance under trial are esteemed (James 1:12). Regardless of how we interpret the exact function of these extra days, the underlying principle is clear: God honors steadfast faith. Just as Daniel remained faithful under Babylonian and Persian rule, so believers in the end times (and in every age) can take heart that endurance in tribulation leads to blessing beyond measure.

In the final verse of his book, Daniel receives a personal promise: But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age (v. 13). The instruction, go your way, echoes the angel’s earlier directive to seal the vision and continue living in trust. Even though Daniel’s questions were not fully answered, his role was complete.

God assures Daniel that he will enter into rest (v. 13), a comforting phrase denoting death with the promise of resurrection. Daniel is told that he will rise again for his allotted portion (v. 13). This indicates a personal inheritance in God’s future kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

Daniel’s earthly service was temporary, but his reward is eternal.

This is a fitting conclusion to a life of extraordinary faithfulness. Daniel was taken as a slave from the ruins of Jerusalem when Babylon crushed Israel. From his teenage years in Babylon through the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Cyrus, Darius, and beyond, Daniel showed devotion to God alone.

Now, at the close of his record, God confirms that he will share in the ultimate hope of resurrection—an assurance that also belongs to all who trust in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, as their savior from sin and death. For more on how to receive the gift of eternal life, read our article “What is Eternal Life? How to Gain the Gift of Eternal Life.”

Daniel’s story challenges us to remain steadfast, choose righteousness, and trust that God’s plan, though often beyond our immediate comprehension, leads to a glorious inheritance.

The overall point of Daniel’s visions is not to know the details of when these things will happen, but that they will happen. Daniel lived his life as a stranger in a strange land. He was surrounded by cultures that worshipped idols and schemed for power. Yet Daniel stayed faithful to God. God showed Daniel in multiple visions that though many atrocious empires will rise and fall, even the most wicked of them all will be destroyed, and God will put an eternal king worthy of glory and power to rule the earth, and the matter will be complete.

One of the great themes in the book of Daniel is God's sovereignty over the earth, "that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes" (Daniel 5:21).