King James Version

What Does Daniel 12:8 Mean?

Daniel 12:8 in the King James Version says “And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Daniel 12:8 · KJV

Context

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?

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.

Read Daniel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse captures Daniel's honest response to apocalyptic revelation. The Hebrew shamati ("I heard") indicates he clearly received the message, but lo avin ("I understood not") reveals his inability to comprehend its full meaning. Daniel models intellectual humility—even after receiving direct divine revelation, he acknowledges the limits of his understanding. His question "what shall be the end of these things?" seeks clarification about the final outcome.

This verse teaches several crucial truths about divine revelation: (1) hearing God's word doesn't guarantee immediate understanding, (2) godly response to confusion is humble inquiry rather than presumptuous interpretation, (3) some mysteries remain partially veiled even to the most faithful, and (4) the appropriate posture before incomprehensible revelation is reverent persistence in seeking understanding.

The response Daniel receives (verses 9-13) indicates that full understanding must await "the time of the end." Some truths are sealed until their appointed time of fulfillment. This teaches that God reveals what we need when we need it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Daniel 12 concludes the final vision (chapters 10-12), received during Cyrus's third year (10:1), around 536 BC. Daniel was approximately 85 years old. This vision concerned the future suffering and ultimate triumph of God's people, spanning from Daniel's day through the intertestamental period, Greek rule, Roman occupation, and beyond to final resurrection.

The detailed prophecies about future kingdoms would have staggered Daniel. He foresaw persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the abomination of desolation, and patterns extending to the end of the age. Daniel's confusion mirrors our own when faced with prophecy's complexity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you maintain humble submission to God's word while honestly acknowledging aspects you don't fully understand?
  2. How does Daniel's example of persistent inquiry balanced with patient trust guide your approach to difficult theological questions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַאֲנִ֥י1 of 9
H589

i

שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי2 of 9

“And I heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וְלֹ֣א3 of 9
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָבִ֑ין4 of 9

“but I understood”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

וָאֹ֣מְרָ֔ה5 of 9

“not then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנִ֕י6 of 9

“I O my Lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

מָ֥ה7 of 9
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אַחֲרִ֖ית8 of 9

“what shall be the end”

H319

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

אֵֽלֶּה׃9 of 9
H428

these or those

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 12:8 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 12:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 1:7Luke 18:34Daniel 10:14Daniel 12:61 Peter 1:11John 12:16

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