King James Version

What Does Daniel 9:27 Mean?

Daniel 9:27 in the King James Version says “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and ...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. the covenant: or, a covenant for the: or, with the abominable armies the desolate: or, the desolator”

Daniel 9:27 · KJV

Context

25

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. be built: Heb. return and be built wall: or, breach, or, ditch troublous: Heb. strait of

26

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. but: or, and shall have nothing desolations: or, it shall be cut off by desolations

27

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. the covenant: or, a covenant for the: or, with the abominable armies the desolate: or, the desolator

Read Daniel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The final week contains disputed elements: 'And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.' Interpretation divides on 'he'—Messiah or Antichrist? Messianic view sees Christ confirming new covenant through His ministry (3.5 years) and apostles (3.5 years), with His death ending temple sacrifices' efficacy. Futurist view sees Antichrist making treaty with Israel, breaking it mid-week. Either way, the prophecy addresses covenant and sacrifice's end. Christ's death fulfilled and terminated old covenant sacrificial system (Hebrews 10:1-18).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Christ's ministry lasted approximately 3.5 years, ending with crucifixion that rent the temple veil (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing the old covenant's end. Temple sacrifices continued until AD 70 when Romans destroyed the temple, permanently ending the sacrificial system. The new covenant predicted in Jeremiah 31:31-34 was inaugurated through Christ's blood (Luke 22:20). Hebrews extensively argues that Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes and terminates the Levitical system. Whether this verse describes Christ's work or future Antichrist, it addresses the end of old covenant sacrifices.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's death ending the sacrificial system demonstrate His sacrifice's sufficiency to atone for all sin?
  2. What does the prophecy's focus on covenant and sacrifice teach about redemption's central concern—right relationship with God through atonement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְהִגְבִּ֥יר1 of 20

“And he shall confirm”

H1396

to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently

בְּרִ֛ית2 of 20

“the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

לָרַבִּ֖ים3 of 20

“with many”

H7227

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

הַשָּׁב֜וּעַ4 of 20

“of the week”

H7620

literally, sevened, i.e., a week (specifically, of years)

אֶחָ֑ד5 of 20

“for one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַחֲצִ֨י6 of 20

“and in the midst”

H2677

the half or middle

הַשָּׁב֜וּעַ7 of 20

“of the week”

H7620

literally, sevened, i.e., a week (specifically, of years)

יַשְׁבִּ֣ית׀8 of 20

“to cease”

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

זֶ֣בַח9 of 20

“he shall cause the sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

וּמִנְחָ֗ה10 of 20

“and the oblation”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וְעַ֨ל11 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כְּנַ֤ף12 of 20

“and for the overspreading”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

שִׁקּוּצִים֙13 of 20

“of abominations”

H8251

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

שֹׁמֵֽם׃14 of 20

“he shall make it desolate”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

וְעַד15 of 20
H5704

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

כָּלָה֙16 of 20

“even until the consummation”

H3617

a completion; adverb, completely; also destruction

וְנֶ֣חֱרָצָ֔ה17 of 20

“and that determined”

H2782

properly, to point sharply, i.e., (literally) to wound; figuratively, to be alert, to decide

תִּתַּ֖ךְ18 of 20

“shall be poured”

H5413

to flow forth (literally or figuratively); by implication, to liquify

עַל19 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שֹׁמֵֽם׃20 of 20

“he shall make it desolate”

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

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 9:27 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 9:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:15Daniel 12:11Mark 13:14Luke 21:20Daniel 11:36Daniel 8:13

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