Daniel 12:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Many {H7227} shall be purified {H1305}, and made white {H3835}, and tried {H6884}; but the wicked {H7563} shall do wickedly {H7561}: and none of the wicked {H7563} shall understand {H995}; but the wise {H7919} shall understand {H995}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Many will purify, cleanse and refine themselves; but the wicked will keep on acting wickedly, and none of the wicked will understand. But those with discernment will understand.

Berean Standard Bible

Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.

American Standard Version

Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but they that are wise shall understand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 12:10 stands as a profound prophetic declaration within Daniel's final vision, delineating a stark and eternal division between humanity at the culmination of history. It reveals that during a period of intense tribulation, God will orchestrate a divine process of purification and testing for His faithful, leading them to spiritual clarity and discernment, while simultaneously allowing the wicked to persist in their depravity, remaining spiritually blind and unable to comprehend divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 12:10 is situated at the climax of Daniel's longest and most detailed prophecy, spanning chapters 10-12. This final vision, delivered to Daniel by an angelic messenger, describes events leading up to "the time of the end" [Daniel 12:4](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - The Time of the End"). The preceding verses in chapter 12 speak of an unprecedented time of distress, the resurrection of the dead to everlasting life or everlasting contempt, and the sealing of the book until the appointed time. Verse 10 directly follows the angel's instruction to Daniel to seal up the words, indicating that the understanding of these prophecies is reserved for a specific time and for specific individuals. It functions as a concluding summary of the spiritual state of humanity amidst these eschatological events, emphasizing the moral and spiritual bifurcation that will occur.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Daniel's prophecies often have immediate historical fulfillments (e.g., Antiochus IV Epiphanes in [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - The King of the North and South")), Daniel 12:10 clearly points to an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment. The concept of purification through suffering was not new in ancient Israel; the nation had experienced exile and oppression, often understood as God's refining process. The imagery of refining metals (as seen in the "tried" aspect) was a common ancient practice, universally understood as a method to remove impurities and produce something of greater value. The cultural understanding of "wisdom" in the ancient Near East, particularly in Israel, was not merely intellectual acumen but a practical, moral, and spiritual discernment rooted in the fear of God, contrasting sharply with the folly of the wicked.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Daniel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Control**, asserting that even amidst chaos and wickedness, God remains in absolute control, orchestrating events to achieve His purposes of judgment and redemption. Secondly, the theme of **Judgment and Separation** is prominent, as the verse explicitly divides humanity into two distinct categories—the purified wise and the uncomprehending wicked—foreshaMalachi 3:18 [Malachi 3:18](/malachi/3-18 "Malachi 3:18 - Distinguishing the Righteous and the Wicked")dowing the final judgment where a clear distinction will be made between those who serve God and those who do not. Lastly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Discernment and Revelation**, emphasizing that true understanding of God's plan and the signs of the times is a gift bestowed upon the righteous, contrasting with the spiritual blindness that afflicts those who reject divine truth, a concept echoed in the New Testament regarding those who have "eyes to see but do not see" [Matthew 13:13](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13 - Parables and Understanding").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purified (Hebrew, _bârar'_):** H1305. This primitive root means "to clarify (i.e. brighten), examine, select." It conveys a process of cleansing, sifting, or choosing out the best. In this context, it implies a divine sifting or refining process that removes impurities and makes individuals spiritually pure, akin to a selection or purification for a specific purpose.
* **Tried (Hebrew, _tsâraph'_):** H6884. This root signifies "to fuse (metal), i.e. refine (literally or figuratively)." It refers to the process of a refiner using fire to melt down ore, separating the precious metal from the dross. This powerfully illustrates the intense, often painful, testing and trials believers will endure, which serve to remove spiritual impurities and produce a purer, more resilient faith.
* **Understand (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** H995. This primitive root means "to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e. (generally) understand." It denotes not merely intellectual comprehension but a deep spiritual insight, discernment, and the ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood. It implies a profound grasp of divine truth and the unfolding of God's purposes, which is contrasted with the spiritual ignorance of the wicked.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried;":** This opening clause describes the transformative experience of a significant portion of humanity during the "time of the end." "Many" (H7227, _rab_) indicates a large, abundant number, suggesting that God's refining work will encompass a substantial group. The three verbs—purified, made white, and tried—form a powerful progression. "Purified" (H1305, _bârar_) implies a cleansing or sifting; "made white" (H3835, _lâban_) signifies the outcome of this cleansing, a state of purity, righteousness, or innocence; and "tried" (H6884, _tsâraph_) denotes the intense process of testing, akin to a refiner's fire, through which these individuals achieve their purified and whitened state. This speaks to a divine, active process of sanctification through tribulation.
* **"but the wicked shall do wickedly:":** This clause introduces a stark contrast. While the righteous undergo purification, the "wicked" (H7563, _râshâʻ_)—those morally wrong and actively bad—will continue in their inherent nature. The phrase "shall do wickedly" (H7561, _râshaʻ_) emphasizes their persistent, active engagement in evil. This is not a passive state but a determined continuation of their ungodly ways, indicating a hardening of heart that resists any divine call to repentance or change, even amidst the unfolding of God's judgment.
* **"and none of the wicked shall understand;":** Following their continued wickedness, this clause highlights the spiritual consequence: a complete lack of understanding for the wicked. Their moral depravity leads to intellectual and spiritual blindness. They are unable to discern the true meaning of the events unfolding around them, nor can they grasp God's purposes or the significance of the prophetic revelations. This lack of understanding is a direct result of their refusal to acknowledge God and their commitment to evil.
* **"but the wise shall understand.":** This final clause provides the ultimate contrast and hope. The "wise" (H7919, _sâkal_)—those who are circumspect, intelligent, and prudent—will possess the spiritual insight (H995, _bîyn_) that eludes the wicked. Their wisdom is not merely human intellect but a divine gift, enabling them to comprehend the profound spiritual truths and the unfolding of God's plan, particularly during times of great tribulation. This understanding is a reward for their faithfulness and their willingness to be purified and tried by God.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 12:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, or sharp contrast, which is evident in the clear dichotomy drawn between "many" who are purified, made white, and tried, and "the wicked" who persist in their wickedness and lack understanding. This stark opposition highlights the ultimate spiritual separation that will occur. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, particularly in the contrasting statements about understanding: "none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." This structural repetition with opposing ideas emphasizes the divergent spiritual paths and outcomes. The verbs "purified," "made white," and "tried" function as powerful **Metaphors** and **Symbolism**. "Purified" and "made white" symbolize spiritual cleansing, righteousness, and moral purity, often associated with being washed clean from sin. "Tried" employs the **Metaphor** of refining precious metals by fire, symbolizing intense suffering and testing that serves to remove impurities and strengthen character, rather than destroy it. These devices collectively amplify the verse's message of divine judgment, spiritual discernment, and the ultimate destiny of humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 12:10 encapsulates a central biblical truth: God's active involvement in purifying His people through trials, while simultaneously allowing the unrighteous to harden their hearts in rebellion. This divine process of refinement is not punitive but transformative, designed to deepen faith, expose true character, and prepare believers for His presence. The spiritual discernment granted to the wise underscores that understanding God's ways is a matter of the heart and a gift of divine grace, not merely intellectual capacity. Conversely, the spiritual blindness of the wicked is a consequence of their persistent sin and rejection of truth, leading them further into darkness. This verse powerfully reiterates the ultimate separation between those who belong to God and those who do not, a theme that culminates in the final judgment.

* [Malachi 3:2-3](/malachi/3-2-3 "Malachi 3:2-3 - The Refiner's Fire")
* [1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - Faith Tested by Fire")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 12:10 offers profound encouragement and a sobering warning, particularly relevant for believers navigating a world increasingly marked by moral confusion and spiritual darkness. For the faithful, this verse transforms our perspective on suffering and trials, inviting us to see them not as arbitrary misfortunes or divine abandonment, but as purposeful instruments in God's hands to purify our faith, refine our character, and draw us closer to Him. Embracing this refining process allows us to grow in resilience and spiritual maturity, becoming more like Christ. In an age of information overload, the emphasis on "understanding" for the wise highlights the critical need for spiritual discernment—a wisdom that transcends mere intellectual knowledge and comes from a humble, prayerful engagement with God's Word and His Spirit. This discernment enables us to interpret current events through a biblical lens, recognizing God's hand at work. Finally, the stark contrast between the wise and the wicked serves as a powerful call to evangelism, reminding us of the urgent necessity to share the light of the Gospel with those who remain in spiritual blindness, offering them the opportunity to turn from wickedness and gain true understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react to trials and difficulties in my life? Do I view them as opportunities for purification and growth, or as obstacles?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need greater spiritual discernment? How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's will and purposes?**
* **Considering the spiritual blindness of the wicked, what is my role in sharing the truth of the Gospel with those who do not understand?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for "many" to be "purified, and made white, and tried"?**

Answer: This phrase describes a divine process of spiritual refinement that God's people will undergo, especially during times of intense tribulation. "Purified" (Hebrew _bârar_) implies a cleansing or sifting, removing spiritual impurities. "Made white" (Hebrew _lâban_) signifies the outcome of this purification—a state of purity, righteousness, and blamelessness, often associated with being cleansed from sin. "Tried" (Hebrew _tsâraph_) uses the metaphor of refining precious metals by fire, indicating that this purification will involve intense testing, suffering, and trials. These experiences are not meant to destroy but to strengthen faith, remove dross, and produce a more resilient and pure character, preparing believers for God's ultimate purposes. This process is a common theme throughout Scripture, where God uses difficulties to sanctify His people, as seen in [Zechariah 13:9](/zechariah/13-9 "Zechariah 13:9 - Refined as Silver").

**Why do the wicked not understand, while the wise do?**

Answer: The distinction between the wicked and the wise in their ability to understand is fundamentally spiritual. The wicked, by choosing to "do wickedly" (Hebrew _râshaʻ_), harden their hearts against God and His truth. Their persistent rebellion and moral depravity lead to spiritual blindness, making them incapable of discerning God's purposes or the true meaning of unfolding events, even when faced with clear prophetic signs. This is a consequence of their rejection of divine wisdom [Proverbs 1:29-31](/proverbs/1-29-31 "Proverbs 1:29-31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom"). In contrast, the "wise" (Hebrew _sâkal_) are those who fear the Lord, seek His wisdom, and submit to His refining process. Their wisdom is not merely intellectual but a spiritual gift of discernment (Hebrew _bîyn_) that allows them to perceive and grasp divine truths, even in complex and confusing times. This wisdom comes from God and is given to those with a receptive heart, as promised in [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 12:10, though rooted in Old Testament prophecy, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate purifier, whose sacrificial death on the cross makes it possible for "many" to be cleansed from sin and "made white" in the righteousness of God [Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Washed White by the Lamb's Blood"). Through His atoning blood, believers are not merely outwardly purified but inwardly transformed, becoming new creations [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). Furthermore, Christ Himself endured the ultimate "trying" and suffering, becoming the perfect example for His followers [Hebrews 5:8](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8 - Jesus Learned Obedience Through Suffering"). His suffering was redemptive, and through union with Him, believers participate in His sufferings, which serve as a refining fire, shaping them into His image [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings"). Crucially, Jesus is also the embodiment of divine wisdom, the one through whom all truth is revealed. He declared that those who follow Him would "not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), directly contrasting with the spiritual blindness of the wicked. His parables often illustrated this very principle, where spiritual truths were hidden from those with hardened hearts but revealed to those with ears to hear and eyes to see [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables"). Thus, the wise who understand are those who have received the Spirit of Christ, who illuminates their minds to grasp the mysteries of God's kingdom, ultimately pointing to Christ as the source of all purification, wisdom, and eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 22:11

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

Daniel 11:35

And [some] of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make [them] white, [even] to the time of the end: because [it is] yet for a time appointed.

Hosea 14:9

Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Revelation 9:20

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

Revelation 9:21

Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

John 8:47

He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God.

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.