King James Version

What Does Daniel 12:4 Mean?

Daniel 12:4 in the King James Version says “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 kn...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 12:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? upon: or, from above

Read Daniel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The divine command "shut up the words, and seal the book" uses legal terminology for preserving important documents. The Hebrew chatam (חָתַם, "seal") indicates authentication and protection from tampering, similar to sealing official decrees with wax and signet rings. This sealing doesn't mean hiding the prophecy but preserving it intact for future generations who will understand it more fully. The phrase "even to the time of the end" (ad et qets, עַד־עֵת קֵץ) indicates the vision concerns eschatological fulfillment requiring long-range preservation.

The statement "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased" has two primary interpretations: (1) increased travel and communication in the end times, making the gospel accessible globally; (2) diligent study of Scripture, particularly prophetic passages, resulting in increased understanding as fulfillment approaches. The Hebrew shuṭ (שׁוּט, "run to and fro") can mean physical movement or mental searching. "Knowledge shall be increased" (tirbeh daat, תִּרְבֶּה דָּעַת) suggests growth in understanding, particularly of prophetic truth as events clarify earlier predictions.

This verse teaches that some biblical truth becomes clearer through progressive revelation and historical fulfillment. Daniel didn't fully comprehend his visions (v. 8), but future generations, aided by fulfillment and New Testament revelation, understand more completely. This demonstrates Scripture's divine origin—prophecies written centuries earlier become comprehensible through subsequent fulfillment. The sealing ensures authentic preservation until appointed time when understanding increases. This points to Christ as the ultimate key unlocking prophetic meaning—He is the fulfillment toward which all prophecy points (Luke 24:27, 44).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The command to seal the book (circa 536 BC) ensured Daniel's prophecies would be preserved through centuries until their fulfillment made them fully comprehensible. The Dead Sea Scrolls (dating to 2nd century BC-1st century AD) include Daniel manuscripts, confirming the text's reliable preservation. As prophesied events occurred—Persian rule, Greek conquest, Roman occupation, Messiah's coming—earlier obscure prophecies became clearer, validating Scripture's divine inspiration and Daniel's prophetic authority.

The phrase about increased knowledge became particularly relevant with the Reformation's emphasis on biblical literacy and later technological advances (printing press, mass literacy, modern transportation and communication) enabling global gospel spread. Many interpreters see acceleration of travel and information exchange in modern times as fulfilling this prophecy, creating conditions for gospel to reach "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (Revelation 14:6) before Christ's return.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that prophetic comprehension increases through historical fulfillment affect your interpretation of unfulfilled prophecy?
  2. In what ways has increased knowledge and global connectivity accelerated gospel advancement in fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאַתָּ֣ה1 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

דָֽנִיֵּ֗אל2 of 13

“But thou O Daniel”

H1840

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

סְתֹ֧ם3 of 13

“shut up”

H5640

to stop up; by implication, to repair; figuratively, to keep secret

הַדְּבָרִ֛ים4 of 13

“the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וַחֲתֹ֥ם5 of 13

“and seal”

H2856

to close up; especially to seal

הַסֵּ֖פֶר6 of 13

“the book”

H5612

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

עַד7 of 13
H5704

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

עֵ֣ת8 of 13

“even to the time”

H6256

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

קֵ֑ץ9 of 13

“of the end”

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

יְשֹׁטְט֥וּ10 of 13

“shall run to and fro”

H7751

properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel

רַבִּ֖ים11 of 13

“many”

H7227

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

וְתִרְבֶּ֥ה12 of 13

“shall be increased”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

הַדָּֽעַת׃13 of 13

“and knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

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 12:4 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 12:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 12:9Revelation 22:10Daniel 8:26Daniel 8:17Revelation 10:4Isaiah 32:3

Test Your Knowledge

Daniel 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDaniel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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