Breakdown of Daniel 12:6-7

"And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right h…" — The most striking thing here is that even the angels themselves are asking a question driven by deep curiosity and a desire to understand God's timing. Their question, "How long?" highlights that thi…

Daniel 12:6-7 Meaning Explained

All verses

Daniel 12:6-7

And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The most striking thing here is that even the angels themselves are asking a question driven by deep curiosity and a desire to understand God's timing. Their question, "How long?" highlights that this future unfolding is not fully known even to heavenly beings, underscoring the mystery and divine sovereignty at play in God's plan.

What Daniel 12:6-7 means

In the vision, Daniel sees two other angelic beings, one on each side of the river, observing the glorious figure in linen who stands above the water. One of these newly appeared angels then asks the man in linen how much longer these extraordinary events will continue. This question arises immediately after the angel in linen has described a complex and tumultuous future for God's people, a future filled with conflict and tribulation.

Angels' Astonishment at God's Timing

We often think of angels as knowing everything, but this verse reveals their deep curiosity about God's plans. They're not just passive observers; they're invested!

The angel's question, 'How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?' highlights a profound truth: even heavenly beings are in awe of God's unfolding purposes.

Inquisitive Beings: The text suggests that angels, though possessing great knowledge, do not know God's exact timetable. This isn't a flaw, but a reflection of God's sovereignty – His plans are ultimately His own.
Shared Concern: This question reveals the deep interest angels have in God's redemptive work and the history of His people. They are part of the heavenly court that witnesses and participates in God's grand design.
Wonders and Waiting: The 'wonders' refer to the dramatic, often difficult events Daniel has been shown. The question isn't just about curiosity; it's about understanding when God's justice and deliverance will fully manifest.

The Majestic Figure Above the Waters

Who is this radiant figure standing over the river? His position and attire speak volumes about his authority and divine connection.

The description of the 'man clothed in linen' who is 'upon the waters of the river' is rich with symbolism.

Divine Authority: His stance 'upon the waters' signifies supreme authority and control. In Scripture, waters often represent nations or tumultuous peoples. This figure is above them all, demonstrating God's dominion over all earthly powers.
Priestly Purity: The 'linen garments' are reminiscent of the attire of the high priest, suggesting a priestly or mediatorial role. This points to someone who bridges the gap between God and humanity, involved in God's covenantal dealings.
Celestial Messenger: While interpretations vary, many scholars identify this figure with an archangel like Gabriel, or even a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, given the heavenly radiance and the priestly significance of the linen clothing. Regardless, he is a key divine messenger.

Understand the original words

Original language

clothed in linenבַּד

bad · Hebrew Noun

A term used to describe divine messengers or, in this context, a heavenly being possessing priestly or holy characteristics. In the Old Testament, such beings often serve as intermediaries of revelation from God.

endקֵץ

qets · Hebrew Noun

A Hebrew prophetic term referring to the final period of human history, often associated with the culmination of God's redemptive plan, the judgment of the wicked, and the establishment of His kingdom.

time, times, and half a timeעִדָּן, מוֹעֵד

iddan, moed · Aramaic/Hebrew Noun Phrase

Referring to the period of one year, two years, and half a year (3.5 years). Symbolically, it often represents a period of intense trial, testing, or tribulation for God's people before the final deliverance.

holy peopleעַם קֹדֶשׁ

am qodesh · Hebrew Noun Phrase

Historical context

Written: Likely between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC.
Author: Traditionally understood to be the prophet Daniel. However, some scholars suggest a later date and a different author.
Location: Babylonia, likely near the Tigris River where Daniel experienced visions.
Genre: Apocalyptic literature, characterized by symbolic visions, divine revelation, and prophetic discourse.

Historical background

This passage unfolds during a pivotal moment in Daniel's life, following a profound vision and amidst spiritual conflict. The angel's question about 'how long' reveals that even heavenly beings are subject to God's sovereign timing and are deeply invested in His redemptive plan.

c. 553 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of a Great Statue
King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of a statue made of different metals, which Daniel interprets as a prophecy of successive kingdoms that will follow Babylon.
c. 549 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, overthrows the Neo-Babylonian Empire, ushering in the Persian period under which Daniel lives.
c. 539 BC— this verse
Daniel's Vision by the Tigris River
Daniel receives a complex vision from an angelic messenger by the Ulai Canal (a branch of the Tigris River), detailing future conflicts and rulers.
c. 539 BC
The Angelic Messenger's Delay
The angelic messenger reveals he was delayed in reaching Daniel due to conflict with the 'prince of Persia,' highlighting celestial spiritual warfare.

Key themes

01Angelic inquiry about time
02Divine control over nations
03Mystery of future events
04Ultimate end of wonders

Cross-references

Zechariah 1:12

This passage shows angels inquiring about God's timing and expressing concern for His people's welfare, mirroring the angel's question in Daniel 12:6 about the duration of 'these wonders'.

Matthew 24:3

Similar to Daniel's disciples asking about the end of the age, this passage shows the disciples asking Jesus about the timing of future events and the signs of the end.

1 Peter 1:12

This verse highlights the deep interest even angels have in understanding the unfolding of God's plan of salvation, which resonates with the angels' questions and inquiries about future events in Daniel.

Revelation 10:5-6

The angel in Revelation, similar to the 'man clothed in linen' in Daniel, lifts his hand to heaven and swears by God, indicating a divine oath regarding the timing of future events.

Scholarly commentary

Daniel 12:6: "And 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?"

(6) And one said.— The speaker is evidently one of the persons just mentioned, but the LXX. and St. Jerome suppose Daniel to address the man clothed in white linen, who is obviously the same person who has already spoken ( Daniel 10:5 , &c.). The position which he occupies is striking. He appears “upon” or (see margin) from above, i.e., hovering over…
ellicott

Daniel 12:6: "And 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?"

The man clothed in linen - Gabriel in a human form. Thus he is represented, Daniel 10:5 .
clarke

Frequently asked questions

What does Daniel 12:6-7 mean?

Explain the meaning of Daniel 12:6-7

What is the context of Daniel 12:6-7?

Study this verse in Sola

Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.

Open in Sola app Get the app

Ask a follow-up

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "clothed in linen" mean in the original Hebrew?”
“Why did Traditionally understood to be the prophet Daniel. However, some scholars suggest a later date and a different author. write Daniel 12:6-7?”
“How does angelic inquiry about time show up in Daniel 12:6-7?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Daniel 12:6-7 is available in the Sola app.

This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.

What Daniel 12:6-7 means

Original language

clothed in linenבַּד

bad · Hebrew Noun

endקֵץ

qets · Hebrew Noun

time, times, and half a timeעִדָּן, מוֹעֵד

iddan, moed · Aramaic/Hebrew Noun Phrase

holy peopleעַם קֹדֶשׁ

am qodesh · Hebrew Noun Phrase

Historical context

Written: Likely between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC.
Author: Traditionally understood to be the prophet Daniel. However, some scholars suggest a later date and a different author.
Location: Babylonia, likely near the Tigris River where Daniel experienced visions.
Genre: Apocalyptic literature, characterized by symbolic visions, divine revelation, and prophetic discourse.

Historical background

c. 553 BC

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of a Great Statue

King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of a statue made of different metals, which Daniel interprets as a prophecy of successive kingdoms that will follow Babylon.

c. 549 BC

Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon

Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, overthrows the Neo-Babylonian Empire, ushering in the Persian period under which Daniel lives.

c. 539 BC— this verse

Daniel's Vision by the Tigris River

Daniel receives a complex vision from an angelic messenger by the Ulai Canal (a branch of the Tigris River), detailing future conflicts and rulers.

c. 539 BC

The Angelic Messenger's Delay

The angelic messenger reveals he was delayed in reaching Daniel due to conflict with the 'prince of Persia,' highlighting celestial spiritual warfare.