Daniel 12:8
I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Daniel's honest confusion here is key: he heard the angel's words, but the profound mystery of "a time, times, and half a time" left him utterly baffled. This reveals that even prophetic understanding doesn't always bring instant clarity; sometimes, faith means asking for the outcome when you can't yet grasp the details.
After receiving a complex prophecy involving times of suffering and divine intervention, Daniel hears the angel's answer about "a time, times, and half a time" but cannot grasp its meaning. He then directly asks the glorious figure who revealed these visions, not for the duration, but for the ultimate outcome and resolution of these momentous events.
Even when God reveals His plans, understanding doesn't always come easily. Daniel's response shows us it's okay not to grasp everything immediately.
Daniel has just heard a cryptic answer about 'a time, times, and half a time' concerning the 'end' of the holy covenant and the abomination of desolation. Yet, he admits, 'I heard, but I did not understand.' This isn't a failure on his part; it highlights that divine revelations can be layered and mysterious. His confusion isn't about if God is speaking, but about the meaning of what was spoken. He doesn't pretend to know; he honestly expresses his lack of comprehension, which is a powerful act of humility before God.
Daniel doesn't stop at confusion. He takes his unanswered questions directly to the divine messenger, seeking more.
After admitting his lack of understanding, Daniel immediately follows up with a plea: 'Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?”' This shows a profound desire to know God's ultimate purposes. He's not just confused; he's driven to seek the end result. This isn't about satisfying curiosity but about understanding the culmination of God's redemptive plan. His question shifts from the duration ('a time, times, and half a time') to the conclusion ('what shall be the end'). He’s asking for the big picture, the final victory.
Daniel's confusion and questions in this verse echo the bewilderment of early Christians grappling with the complex prophecies concerning end times and the nature of God's ultimate victory amid ongoing persecution and uncertainty.
c. 167 BC
Antiochus IV Epiphanes' Persecution
King Antiochus IV Epiphanes of the Seleucid Empire desecrated the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and outlawed Jewish religious practices, initiating a period of intense persecution.
c. 164 BC
Maccabean Revolt Victory
The Maccabean Revolt, led by Judas Maccabeus, successfully recaptured and rededicated the Jerusalem Temple, bringing a temporary end to Antiochus' persecution.
c. 160 BC
Publication of Daniel's Visions
The Book of Daniel, containing visions of future kingdoms and divine judgment, was likely compiled and circulated among Jewish communities during or shortly after the Maccabean period.
c. AD 60
Paul's Letter to the Colossians
The Apostle Paul, imprisoned in Rome, writes to the church in Colossae, addressing early challenges to Christian faith and urging believers to focus on Christ.
This passage reflects on how the Old Testament prophets, including Daniel, diligently sought to understand the profound revelations they received, mirroring Daniel's own earnest desire for clarity in this moment.
John 16:13Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit guiding believers into all truth; this connects to Daniel's struggle to grasp the full meaning of the angelic message, highlighting the need for divine guidance in understanding God's plans.
Habakkuk 2:2-3Habakkuk also receives a vision and is told to write it down, with the promise that though it may delay, it will surely come; this echoes Daniel's impatience and longing to understand the 'end' of the prophetic events.
2 Peter 3:3-4Peter warns about scoffers in the last days who deny Christ's return, referencing the 'promise of his coming' and the long wait, which resonates with the confusion and anticipation Daniel expresses about the culmination of these prophecies.
ellicottDaniel 12:8: "And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?"
(8) I understood not.— He did not understand the answer given in Daniel 12:7 . The question did not seem to have had any reply. It had been asked how long the end should continue, and the answer had been only the obscure words, “time, times, and an half.” What shall be the end?—Daniel refers to the “wonderful things” mentioned in Daniel 12:6, and using a different word for “end,” ask…
jfbDaniel 12:8: "And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?"
- understood not—Daniel "understood" the main features of the vision as to Antiochus (Da 10:1, 14), but not as to the times. 1Pe 1:10-12 refers mainly to Daniel: for it is he who foretells "the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow"; it is he who prophesies "not unto himself, but unto us"; it is he who "searched what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in hi…
Daniel's honest confusion here is key: he heard the angel's words, but the profound mystery of "a time, times, and half a time" left him utterly baffled. This reveals that even prophetic understanding doesn't always bring instant clarity; sometimes, faith means asking for the outcome when you can't yet grasp the details.
After receiving a complex prophecy involving times of suffering and divine intervention, Daniel hears the angel's answer about "a time, times, and half a time" but cannot grasp its meaning. He then directly asks the glorious figure who revealed these visions, not for the duration, but for the ultimate outcome and resolution of these momentous events.
After receiving a complex prophecy involving times of suffering and divine intervention, Daniel hears the angel's answer about "a time, times, and half a time" but cannot grasp its meaning. He then directly asks the glorious figure who revealed these visions, not for the duration, but for the ultimate outcome and resolution of these momentous events.
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c. AD 62— this verse
Paul's Letter to the Ephesians
Paul's letter to the Ephesians, likely written during his Roman imprisonment, explores themes of spiritual unity, cosmic conflict, and God's eternal plan.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to blame and persecute Christians, intensifying the pressures faced by the early Church.
"I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?”" — Daniel's honest confusion here is key: he heard the angel's words, but the profound mystery of "a time, times, and half a time" left him utterly baffled. This reveals that even prophetic understandin…
