King James Version

What Does Daniel 12:6 Mean?

Daniel 12:6 in the King James Version says “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 the...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Daniel 12:6 · KJV

Context

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

7

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. a time: or, part

8

And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One angel's question to "the man clothed in linen"—"How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?"—expresses both angelic curiosity and human longing. The phrase "these wonders" refers to the prophetic events described in chapters 10-12, particularly the persecution of God's people and the eventual triumph described in verses 1-4. Even angels desire to understand redemptive history's timeline (1 Peter 1:12), demonstrating that prophetic revelation transcends human interest.

The question "How long?" echoes throughout Scripture as the cry of suffering saints: martyrs under the altar (Revelation 6:10), the psalmist in distress (Psalm 13:1-2), and persecuted believers throughout history. This question expresses faith that trials have a divinely appointed end, not endless meaningless suffering. The angel's inquiry on behalf of suffering humanity demonstrates heaven's concern for persecuted saints and assurance that God has determined exact timeframes for tribulation's duration.

Addressing the question to "the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters" emphasizes Christ's unique authority to reveal divine timing. Neither Daniel nor angels know the appointed times—only the Father and the Son possess this knowledge (Matthew 24:36, Acts 1:7). This scene prefigures Christ's revelation of end-times events to John (Revelation 1:1), demonstrating that Jesus alone holds the keys to prophetic understanding and historical timing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The question reflects ancient Israel's exile experience and longing for deliverance. Daniel lived through Babylonian captivity and witnessed partial return under Cyrus, yet fuller restoration remained future. The question "How long?" captures exile's pain and hope—suffering people crying out for deliverance while trusting divine timing.

This angelic question parallels other biblical instances where heavenly beings inquire about human redemption's timing and nature. Angels don't possess exhaustive knowledge of divine purposes but learn alongside humans as redemptive history unfolds. Their curiosity demonstrates that salvation's mysteries transcend created intelligence, revealing God's wisdom to all creation through Christ's work (Ephesians 3:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the angelic question "How long?" validate believers' own cries for deliverance during suffering and persecution?
  2. What comfort comes from knowing that trials have divinely appointed durations and definite ends, not endless meaningless suffering?
  3. How does Christ's unique authority to reveal prophetic timing demonstrate His mediatorial role as the key to understanding God's purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 12

“And one said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָאִישׁ֙2 of 12

“to the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְב֣וּשׁ3 of 12

“clothed”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

הַבַּדִּ֔ים4 of 12

“in linen”

H906

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 12
H834

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

מִמַּ֖עַל6 of 12

“which was upon”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

לְמֵימֵ֣י7 of 12

“the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

הַיְאֹ֑ר8 of 12

“of the river”

H2975

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

עַד9 of 12
H5704

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

מָתַ֖י10 of 12
H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

קֵ֥ץ11 of 12

“How long shall it be to the end”

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

הַפְּלָאֽוֹת׃12 of 12

“of these wonders”

H6382

a miracle

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 12:6 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 12:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 8:13Zechariah 1:12-13Ezekiel 9:2Daniel 8:16Daniel 10:5-6Ephesians 3:10

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