King James Version

What Does Daniel 12:1 Mean?

Daniel 12:1 in the King James Version says “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Daniel 12:1 · KJV


Context

1

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

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.

3

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. wise: or, teachers


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase "at that time" connects this prophecy to preceding visions of conflict and persecution (chapter 11). "Shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people" identifies Michael as Israel's protector, an archangel specially assigned to defend God's covenant people. The verb amad (עָמַד, "stand up") suggests rising to action, intervening decisively on Israel's behalf during crisis. Michael's titles—"the great prince" and protector of "thy people"—emphasize his unique role concerning Israel.

"And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation" describes unprecedented tribulation. Jesus directly referenced this verse in Matthew 24:21, applying it to both Jerusalem's destruction (AD 70) and final eschatological crisis. The phrase "such as never was" indicates unparalleled intensity and scope of suffering. However, the promise "thy people shall be delivered" assures that faithful believers will be preserved through judgment. The qualification "every one that shall be found written in the book" introduces the Book of Life concept (Revelation 20:12, 15), indicating that salvation depends on divine election and inscription in God's record.

This verse teaches God's sovereign protection of His elect through history's darkest periods. Though tribulation will be severe, believers won't be abandoned—Michael's intervention ensures their preservation. This doesn't guarantee physical survival but eternal salvation. The reference to the Book emphasizes that salvation is God's work, not human achievement. This points to Christ, whose intercession ensures believers' names remain in the Book of Life, secured by His atoning death.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Daniel 12:1 was received during Cyrus's third year (536 BC) as part of the final vision (chapters 10-12), describing conflicts through the intertestamental period, Roman occupation, and ultimate eschatological consummation. "The time of trouble" had near fulfillment during persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes (167-164 BC), who desecrated the temple, outlawed Jewish practice, and martyred thousands. Jesus applied it to Jerusalem's destruction by Rome (AD 70), when over one million Jews died. Many also see ultimate fulfillment in final tribulation preceding Christ's return.

The promise of Michael's intervention encouraged persecuted Jews that angelic protection accompanied them through suffering. Early Christians facing Roman persecution found hope in this assurance—God hadn't abandoned them despite apparent triumph of evil. The Book of Life concept assured believers that those predestined to salvation would be preserved, even if physically martyred, because eternal life transcends physical death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding Michael's role as Israel's protector inform your prayers for Israel and interpretation of Middle Eastern events?
  2. What comfort does the promise of deliverance for "every one that shall be found written in the book" provide during times of intense persecution or suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וּבָעֵ֤ת1 of 29

And at that time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִיא֩2 of 29
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הָעֹמֵד֮3 of 29

stand up

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

מִֽיכָאֵ֜ל4 of 29

shall Michael

H4317

mikael, the name of an archangel and of nine israelites

הַשַּׂ֣ר5 of 29

prince

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַגָּד֗וֹל6 of 29

the great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

הָעֹמֵד֮7 of 29

stand up

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַל8 of 29
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּנֵ֣י9 of 29

for the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמְּךָ֔10 of 29

of thy people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מִֽהְי֣וֹת11 of 29

and there shall be

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וּבָעֵ֤ת12 of 29

And at that time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

צָרָ֔ה13 of 29

of trouble

H6869

transitively, a female rival

אֲשֶׁ֤ר14 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא15 of 29
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מִֽהְי֣וֹת16 of 29

and there shall be

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִֽהְי֣וֹת17 of 29

and there shall be

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

גּ֔וֹי18 of 29

such as never was since there was a nation

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

עַ֖ד19 of 29
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

וּבָעֵ֤ת20 of 29

And at that time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֑יא21 of 29
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וּבָעֵ֤ת22 of 29

And at that time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִיא֙23 of 29
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִמָּלֵ֣ט24 of 29

shall be delivered

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

עַמְּךָ֔25 of 29

of thy people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כָּל26 of 29
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַנִּמְצָ֖א27 of 29

every one that shall be found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

כָּת֥וּב28 of 29

written

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בַּסֵּֽפֶר׃29 of 29

in the book

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Daniel 12:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Daniel 12:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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