King James Version

What Does Daniel 12:3 Mean?

Daniel 12:3 in the King James Version says “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the st...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Daniel 12:3 · 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

4

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

5

Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. bank: Heb. lip bank: Heb. lip

Read Daniel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase "they that be wise" comes from the Hebrew root sakal meaning "to understand" or "to have insight." This refers not merely to intellectual knowledge but to spiritual understanding—those who comprehend God's truth and live accordingly. "Shall shine as the brightness of the firmament" uses astronomical imagery—they will radiate glory like the heavenly expanse. This echoes Matthew 13:43: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father."

"And they that turn many to righteousness" describes those who lead others to righteousness—evangelists, teachers, disciplers who point people to God. The causative form emphasizes active agency in others' salvation and sanctification. "As the stars for ever and ever" promises eternal glory proportional to faithfulness in leading others to God. This parallels Jesus' teaching about heavenly rewards and Paul's joy in converts as his "crown of rejoicing."

This verse teaches: (1) resurrection bodies will possess glorious, radiant qualities; (2) faithful teaching and evangelism result in eternal reward; (3) present suffering will be replaced by eternal glory; (4) there are degrees of glory in resurrection—those who led others to righteousness receive special honor. This points to Christ, the ultimate "Wise One" who turned "many to righteousness" through His atoning death.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Daniel 12:3 appears in the book's final chapter, concluding the apocalyptic vision received during Cyrus's third year (536 BC). The context is resurrection and final judgment. This is the Old Testament's clearest resurrection prophecy, anticipating New Testament fuller revelation. The promise that faithful teachers would "shine as stars forever" especially encouraged believers during persecution. Many Jews and Christians faced martyrdom for maintaining faithfulness and teaching others.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of eternal reward for leading others to righteousness motivate your evangelistic and discipleship efforts?
  2. In what ways does understanding resurrection glory provide perspective on present suffering for Christ's sake?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְהַ֨מַּשְׂכִּלִ֔ים1 of 9

“And they that be wise”

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

יַזְהִ֖רוּ2 of 9

“shall shine”

H2094

figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)

כְּזֹ֣הַר3 of 9

“as the brightness”

H2096

brilliancy

הָרָקִ֑יעַ4 of 9

“of the firmament”

H7549

properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky

וּמַצְדִּיקֵי֙5 of 9

“to righteousness”

H6663

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

הָֽרַבִּ֔ים6 of 9

“and they that turn many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

כַּכּוֹכָבִ֖ים7 of 9

“as the stars”

H3556

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

לְעוֹלָ֥ם8 of 9

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וָעֶֽד׃9 of 9

“and ever”

H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

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 12:3 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 12:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 13:43Proverbs 4:18James 5:19-20Daniel 11:33Daniel 11:35Proverbs 11:30

Test Your Knowledge

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