King James Version

What Does Daniel 12:11 Mean?

Daniel 12:11 in the King James Version says “And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there s...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. the abomination: Heb. to set up the abomination maketh: or, astonisheth”

Daniel 12:11 · KJV

Context

9

And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

10

Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

11

And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. the abomination: Heb. to set up the abomination maketh: or, astonisheth

12

Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.

13

But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. for thou: or, and thou, etc

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse provides specific timing: "from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days" (1,290 days). The "daily sacrifice" (tamid, תָּמִיד) refers to the continual burnt offering in the temple, and its removal signals covenant worship's cessation. The "abomination that maketh desolate" refers to idolatrous desecration of the temple, fulfilled partially under Antiochus Epiphanes (167 BC) and prophetically under future antichrist (Matthew 24:15).

The 1,290 days (approximately 3.5 years plus 30 days) exceeds the "time, times, and a half" (1,260 days) mentioned in verse 7 by 30 days. This additional period likely represents time for cleansing and restoration after tribulation ends. The specific numbers demonstrate that God precisely times historical events—persecution doesn't extend one day beyond divine decree. This precision provides comfort: suffering has exact limits known to God even when hidden from sufferers.

The connection to "abomination of desolation" links Daniel's prophecy to Christ's Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:15-21) and John's Revelation (Revelation 11:2-3, 13:5). Multiple fulfillments occur: Antiochus's desecration, Rome's temple destruction, and future antichrist's activities. This pattern demonstrates prophetic prophecy often has "near" and "far" fulfillments, with historical events foreshadowing eschatological completion. Christ's instruction to understand Daniel (Matthew 24:15) emphasizes this prophecy's continuing relevance for discerning end-times events.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Antiochus IV Epiphanes fulfilled this prophecy initially when he stopped Jewish sacrifices, erected a pagan altar in Jerusalem's temple, and sacrificed pigs (167 BC). The Maccabean revolt followed, leading to temple rededication in 164 BC (commemorated in Hanukkah). The period from desecration to rededication approximated 1,290 days, providing initial fulfillment.

However, Christ's reference to future fulfillment (Matthew 24:15) and John's use of similar timeframes (Revelation) indicate ongoing prophetic relevance. Rome's destruction of the temple (AD 70) provided secondary fulfillment, while future desecration under antichrist awaits final fulfillment. This layered fulfillment pattern characterizes biblical prophecy, with events foreshadowing greater future realities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's precise timing of persecution's duration provide comfort that suffering doesn't extend one moment beyond divine decree?
  2. What does multiple fulfillment (Antiochus, Rome, future antichrist) teach about how biblical prophecy often has both near and far applications?
  3. How does Christ's command to "understand" Daniel's prophecy (Matthew 24:15) shape our approach to studying eschatological texts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וּמֵעֵת֙1 of 10

“And from the time”

H6256

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

הוּסַ֣ר2 of 10

“sacrifice shall be taken away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

הַתָּמִ֔יד3 of 10

“that the daily”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

וְלָתֵ֖ת4 of 10

“set up”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

שִׁקּ֣וּץ5 of 10

“and the abomination”

H8251

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

שֹׁמֵ֑ם6 of 10

“that maketh desolate”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

יָמִ֕ים7 of 10

“days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֶ֖לֶף8 of 10

“there shall be a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

מָאתַ֥יִם9 of 10

“two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְתִשְׁעִֽים׃10 of 10

“and ninety”

H8673

ninety

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 12:11 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 12:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 11:31Matthew 24:15Mark 13:14Revelation 11:2Revelation 13:5Daniel 9:27

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