King James Version

What Does Daniel 12:13 Mean?

Daniel 12:13 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 12:13 · KJV


Context

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The book concludes with personal promise to Daniel: 'But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.' The command 'go thou thy way' releases Daniel from anxiety about unfulfilled prophecy—his responsibility is faithfulness, not comprehensive understanding. 'Thou shalt rest' promises death as rest, not annihilation. 'Stand in thy lot at the end of the days' promises resurrection and reward—Daniel will receive his inheritance when prophecy is fulfilled. This grounds resurrection hope in concrete promise to specific individual.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Daniel was approximately 85 years old when receiving this vision (circa 536 BC). He died without seeing prophecy's complete fulfillment—Medo-Persian dominance continued, Greece and Rome lay centuries future, Messiah's coming was 500+ years away. Yet God promises Daniel personal participation through resurrection. Early Jews and Christians saw this as clear Old Testament resurrection teaching. The 'lot' (Hebrew: goral) refers to inheritance portion—Daniel will receive his appointed reward at resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the command to 'go thy way' free us from anxiety about understanding all prophetic details, focusing instead on present faithfulness?
  2. What does the promise 'thou shalt rest, and stand' teach about death as temporary rest before resurrection to receive eternal inheritance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאַתָּ֖ה1 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לֵ֣ךְ2 of 8
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְקֵ֥ץ3 of 8

at the end

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

וְתָנ֛וּחַ4 of 8

be for thou shalt rest

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

וְתַעֲמֹ֥ד5 of 8

and stand

H5975

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

לְגֹרָלְךָ֖6 of 8

in thy lot

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

לְקֵ֥ץ7 of 8

at the end

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

הַיָּמִֽין׃8 of 8

of the 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


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 12:13 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 12:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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