And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word "many" here isn't a hint that only some will be resurrected, but rather emphasizes the sheer multitude – so vast that the full scope of humanity is implied. This verse is powerfully announcing a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked, something previously not so clearly revealed, setting the stage for eternal outcomes.
And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage follows Daniel's vision of intense tribulation and miraculous deliverance, hinting at a future resurrection. The verse specifically describes the awakening from death, distinguishing between two ultimate fates: eternal life and eternal shame. This profound statement anticipates a universal judgment, a concept that would have offered immense hope and perspective to those facing intense persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes.
Why does Daniel describe death as 'sleeping in the dust'? This imagery holds profound meaning about our physical end and the hope of what comes next.
The verse uses powerful metaphors to describe death and the resurrection:
The Peaceful Sleep
'Sleep' is a gentle metaphor for death. It speaks of a temporary state, a rest before an awakening. It's not an annihilation but a pause. This imagery was common, offering a comforting perspective on death as a natural part of life's cycle.
The Humble Dust
'The dust of the earth' points to our physical bodies returning to the ground. It's a reminder of our mortality and where we came from – 'dust you are and to dust you shall return' (Genesis 3:19). Yet, even in this state of dust, the promise of awakening is present.
The verse doesn't just speak of death, but of an 'awakening.' What does this mean for everyone, and why is the word 'many' so significant?
Daniel 12:2 presents a striking certainty: a resurrection is coming. It's not a hope for a select few, but a widespread awakening.
A Universal Resurrection
The word 'many' here doesn't limit the resurrection to a small group; rather, it emphasizes the vast number of people who will be raised. It signifies a multitude, an overwhelming host coming forth from the dust. This points to a comprehensive event that will involve a significant portion, if not all, of humanity.
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Two Distinct Fates
The pivotal aspect is the outcome of this awakening. It leads to two radically different destinations: 'some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.' This isn't a neutral event; it's a judgment that reveals the eternal destiny of every soul.
What does it truly mean to awaken to 'everlasting life' versus 'shame and everlasting contempt'? This verse draws a stark, eternal contrast.
The destiny described in Daniel 12:2 is not temporary. It is eternal, dividing all humanity into two irreconcilable states.
The Reward of Life
'Everlasting life' signifies more than just endless existence. It is life in its fullest, most complete sense, in the presence of God, free from sin, suffering, and death. It is the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, a state of joy and communion.
The Consequence of Contempt
'Shame and everlasting contempt' describes the irreversible outcome for those who reject God. It's a state of profound disgrace, dishonor, and alienation from God's presence. This contempt is not merely human judgment but God's righteous verdict on sin and rebellion, a state of eternal separation and loss.
Understand the original words
aphar · Hebrew Noun
A common biblical metaphor for death, emphasizing the physical decay of the body and its return to the ground, awaiting future resurrection.
chayim 'olam · Hebrew Noun Phrase
The ultimate gift of God characterized by unending communion with Him, victory over death, and the restoration of humanity to its intended purpose.
cherpah · Hebrew Noun
A state of divine rejection and exposure, signifying the consequence of turning away from God and His truth, resulting in deep humiliation.
dera'on · Hebrew Noun
Deep-seated, perpetual aversion or abhorrence; in a theological context, it is the eternal state of those who reject God’s grace.
This verse speaks directly to the intense persecution faced by Jews under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, offering them the profound hope of a future resurrection where faithfulness would be rewarded with eternal life and rebellion against God met with eternal shame and contempt.
c. 167-164 BC— this verse
Antiochus IV Epiphanes' Persecution
The Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes violently suppressed Jewish religious practices, leading to widespread suffering and martyrdom among the Jewish people.
c. 165 BC
Maccabean Revolt Intensifies
The Maccabean family led a rebellion against Antiochus. Many Jews faced torture and death for their faithfulness to God's law, finding encouragement in the hope of a future resurrection.
c. 164 BC
Rededication of the Temple
Judas Maccabeus and his followers recaptured and purified the Jerusalem Temple, a pivotal moment of religious and national resurgence for the Jewish people.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus taught about the resurrection, often alluding to future judgment and the concepts of eternal life and eternal condemnation.
c. AD 30-60
Early Church Ministry and Writings
Apostles like Paul taught extensively on the resurrection of the dead, both the just and the unjust, building upon Old Testament prophecies.
c. AD 64-67
New Testament Letters
Writings like 1 Thessalonians and 1 Corinthians clearly articulate the doctrine of the resurrection and the final judgment.
Jesus directly references this passage when speaking about the resurrection of both the just and the unjust, confirming the dual outcome of awakening.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52Paul describes a transformation at the last trumpet, where the dead will be raised incorruptible, echoing Daniel's 'awakening' from the dust.
Isaiah 26:19This prophetic passage speaks of the dead reviving and rising, similar to Daniel's vision, and connects it to life and the land waking from sleep.
This passage directly echoes Daniel's prophecy, with a martyr speaking of receiving back their body to gain eternal life, showing how Daniel's words animated faith during persecution.
Paul uses the concept of 'many' resulting in justification or condemnation, drawing a parallel to Daniel's 'many' waking to either life or shame, suggesting a corporate solidarity in both sin and salvation.
ellicottDaniel 12:2: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
(2) Many . . . that sleep in the dust.— Literally, Many sleepers in the land of dust. The word “sleep” is applied to death ( Jeremiah 51:39 ; comp. 1Thessalonians 4:14 ); while “dust” is used for the grave ( Psalm 22:29 ). Some difficulty is presented by the use of the word “many” where “all” would have been expected. Theodoret explains it from R…
clarkeDaniel 12:2: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth - This prophecy has been referred to the future restoration of the Jews. It will be also true of the state of mankind at the general judgment.
The word "many" here isn't a hint that only some will be resurrected, but rather emphasizes the sheer multitude – so vast that the full scope of humanity is implied. This verse is powerfully announcing a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked, something previously not so clearly revealed, setting the stage for eternal outcomes.
This passage follows Daniel's vision of intense tribulation and miraculous deliverance, hinting at a future resurrection. The verse specifically describes the awakening from death, distinguishing between two ultimate fates: eternal life and eternal shame. This profound statement anticipates a universal judgment, a concept that would have offered immense hope and perspective to those facing intense persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes.
This passage follows Daniel's vision of intense tribulation and miraculous deliverance, hinting at a future resurrection. The verse specifically describes the awakening from death, distinguishing between two ultimate fates: eternal life and eternal shame. This profound statement anticipates a universal judgment, a concept that would have offered immense hope and perspective to those facing intense persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes.
"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." — The word "many" here isn't a hint that only some will be resurrected, but rather emphasizes the sheer multitude – so vast that the full scope of humanity is implied. This verse is powerfully announ…
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Last reviewed October 2026