Daniel 12:11

KJV

And from the time [that] the daily [sacrifice] shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, [there shall be] a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

KJV (with Strong's)

And from the time {H6256} that the daily {H8548} sacrifice shall be taken away {H5493}, and the abomination {H8251} that maketh desolate {H8074} set up {H5414}, there shall be a thousand {H505} two hundred {H3967} and ninety {H8673} days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From the time the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.

Berean Standard Bible

And from the time the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation set up, there will be 1,290 days.

American Standard Version

And from the time that the continual burnt-offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 12:11 is a pivotal verse within the prophet's final apocalyptic vision, providing a specific temporal marker for the culmination of end-time events. It details a precise period of "a thousand two hundred and ninety days," which commences with two significant occurrences: the cessation of the daily temple sacrifice and the establishment of the "abomination that maketh desolate." This verse underscores God's meticulous control over history and His predetermined plan for the ages, even amidst profound tribulation and sacrilege.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 12:11 is situated at the climax of Daniel's final and most extensive vision, spanning chapters 10-12. This vision, delivered by an angelic messenger, provides a sweeping panorama of future events, moving from the conflicts of earthly kingdoms (Persia, Greece, the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires in Daniel 11) to the ultimate "time of trouble" (Daniel 12:1) preceding the end. Chapter 12 specifically focuses on the deliverance of God's people, the resurrection of the dead, and the final consummation of history. The angel's words in Daniel 12:11 serve as a direct response to Daniel's bewildered question in [Daniel 12:8](/daniel/12-8 "Daniel 12:8 - Daniel's Question About the End"), seeking clarification on the timing and nature of these momentous events. It builds upon earlier references to a desecrating act in [Daniel 9:27](/daniel/9-27 "Daniel 9:27 - The Seventy Weeks and the Covenant") and [Daniel 11:31](/daniel/11-31 "Daniel 11:31 - The Desecration of the Sanctuary"), providing a specific duration for a period initiated by such an act.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "daily sacrifice" (Hebrew: *tâmîyd*) was a central and perpetual feature of Israelite worship, prescribed in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering"), [Numbers 28:3-8](/numbers/28-3-8 "Numbers 28:3-8 - The Daily Offerings")). Its cessation would signify a profound disruption of the divinely ordained covenantal relationship and a severe blow to the nation's religious life. The phrase "abomination that maketh desolate" (Hebrew: *shiqqûts shômêm*) carries significant historical weight. Its primary historical fulfillment occurred in 167 BC when the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Jerusalem Temple by sacrificing a pig on its altar and erecting an idol to Zeus Olympios, an event vividly recounted in [1 Maccabees 1:54](/1_maccabees/1-54 "1 Maccabees 1:54 - Antiochus' Desecration"). This act was the ultimate sacrilege in Jewish culture, as "abomination" refers to something ritually unclean, detestable, and often idolatrous, while "desolate" implies destruction, ruin, and spiritual barrenness. The Temple was the symbolic dwelling place of God's presence, and its defilement represented a direct assault on God Himself and His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Daniel and biblical prophecy. First, it highlights **Prophetic Timelines**, emphasizing God's precise and predetermined control over history. The specific duration of "a thousand two hundred and ninety days," alongside the "time, times, and a half" (1,260 days) in [Daniel 12:7](/daniel/12-7 "Daniel 12:7 - The Duration of Tribulation") and the 1,335 days in [Daniel 12:12](/daniel/12-12 "Daniel 12:12 - Blessing for the Enduring"), underscores that even the most chaotic periods are part of a divinely orchestrated plan, even if their exact interpretation remains complex. Second, the **Abomination of Desolation** serves as a critical prophetic marker. While partially fulfilled by Antiochus IV, Jesus explicitly pointed to a future, eschatological fulfillment in [Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - Jesus' Prophecy of the Abomination"), indicating a more significant event tied to the end-time tribulation and the Antichrist, as further described in [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness"). Third, the **Cessation of Worship** through the removal of the "daily sacrifice" signifies a forceful interruption of true religious practice, indicative of extreme spiritual and physical tribulation for God's people. Yet, despite these grim prophecies, the overarching message of Daniel consistently affirms God's ultimate **Sovereignty and Deliverance**, assuring His faithful people of ultimate triumph and resurrection (as seen in [Daniel 12:2-3](/daniel/12-2-3 "Daniel 12:2-3 - Resurrection to Life or Contempt")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **taken away (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** This primitive root signifies to "turn off," "remove," or "withdraw." In the context of the daily sacrifice, it denotes a forceful cessation or interruption, implying an external power actively causing the discontinuance of the prescribed temple worship. It suggests not a natural fading, but an intentional act of suppression or abolition.
* **abomination (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be disgusting," this term refers to something detestable, filthy, or loathsome, particularly in a religious or moral sense. It is frequently associated with idolatry, pagan practices, and things ritually unclean that are an affront to God's holiness. Its presence signifies profound spiritual defilement and rebellion against divine law.
* **maketh desolate (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** This primitive root means "to stun," "grow numb," "devastate," or "stupefy." When used in conjunction with "abomination," it describes an act that brings about ruin, destruction, and spiritual emptiness. It conveys the idea of laying waste or causing utter devastation, not merely physical destruction but also a profound spiritual and moral desolation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away":** This clause establishes the initial point of the prophetic timeline. The "daily sacrifice" refers to the regular burnt offerings made in the Jerusalem Temple, a central act of worship symbolizing Israel's covenant relationship with God. Its "taking away" signifies a forceful cessation, indicating a period when true worship is suppressed or made impossible, likely by an oppressive power hostile to God and His people. This event marks the beginning of a significant period of tribulation and spiritual disruption.
* **"and the abomination that maketh desolate set up":** This phrase describes the second, concurrent event that triggers the specified timeline. The "abomination that maketh desolate" refers to an act of profound sacrilege and idolatry, an offensive act that brings about spiritual and physical ruin. Historically, it points to Antiochus IV Epiphanes' desecration of the Temple. Prophetically, it points to an ultimate act of defilement by an end-time figure, establishing a false worship system or idolatrous object within a sacred space, thereby bringing desolation. The "setting up" implies an intentional, public, and authoritative establishment of this detestable act.
* **"there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days":** This final clause provides a precise duration for the period following the two preceding events. The specificity of "one thousand two hundred and ninety days" (approximately 3.5 years plus an additional 30 days) highlights God's meticulous control over the unfolding of His prophetic plan. This numerical value is distinct from other timelines in Daniel (e.g., 1,260 days, 1,335 days), suggesting a unique phase or extension of the tribulation period, whose exact interpretation remains a subject of ongoing theological discussion but points to a divinely appointed end.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 12:11 employs several significant literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "daily sacrifice" symbolizing the established covenant relationship between God and Israel and the purity of true worship. Its removal symbolizes the forceful suppression of this relationship. The "abomination that maketh desolate" is a potent symbol of ultimate spiritual defilement, idolatry, and rebellion against God, leading to profound ruin. The verse also utilizes **Apocalyptic Language**, characteristic of Daniel's later chapters, which involves visions, symbolic numbers, and a focus on cosmic conflict and future events. This genre often uses specific numbers to convey a sense of divine precision and pre-ordained destiny, even if their exact literal interpretation is debated. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing** or **Typology**, where the historical actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes serve as a type or precursor to a greater, ultimate "abomination" that will occur in the end times. This dual fulfillment adds layers of meaning and interpretive depth to the prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 12:11 profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of God's sovereignty over history, the persistent reality of spiritual warfare, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. The cessation of the daily sacrifice and the setting up of the abomination highlight the depths of human rebellion and the lengths to which forces hostile to God will go to suppress truth and defile what is sacred. Yet, the precise numerical timeline embedded in the prophecy underscores that even in periods of intense tribulation and apparent chaos, God remains in absolute control, orchestrating events according to His divine purpose. This passage reminds believers that suffering and desecration are not random but are part of a larger divine plan that ultimately leads to the vindication of the righteous and the establishment of God's eternal reign. It calls for unwavering faith and endurance, knowing that God has set the boundaries of evil and will bring about His ultimate deliverance.

* [Daniel 9:27](/daniel/9-27 "Daniel 9:27 - The Covenant and the Abomination")
* [Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - Jesus on the Abomination of Desolation")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the precise timing and identity of future prophetic fulfillments remain subjects of ongoing theological discussion, Daniel 12:11 offers profound insights for believers today, calling us to a posture of spiritual vigilance and steadfastness. Understanding that God has meticulously planned even the most challenging periods of history should instill a deep trust in His sovereignty, dispelling fear and fostering hope. This prophecy compels us to discern the spiritual currents of our own age, recognizing that attempts to suppress true worship or introduce "abominations" (things detestable to God) can manifest in various forms, from overt persecution to subtle cultural pressures that seek to undermine biblical truth and ethical standards. It encourages us to guard our hearts and communities against spiritual compromise and to stand firm in our faith, knowing that faithfulness during times of trial is a testament to God's sustaining grace. Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that despite the temporary triumphs of evil, God's plan will prevail, and those who endure to the end will inherit His eternal blessings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's precise prophetic timelines encourage your trust in His sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic?**
* **In what ways might we, even unintentionally, allow "abominations" (things detestable to God) to be "set up" in our own lives or communities, hindering true worship?**
* **How can the prospect of future tribulation strengthen our resolve to live faithfully and share the Gospel now?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "daily sacrifice" being taken away?**

Answer: The "daily sacrifice" (Hebrew: *tâmîyd*) was a perpetual offering in the Jerusalem Temple, central to Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God. Its cessation signifies a profound disruption of true worship, often by an oppressive power hostile to God. Historically, it was stopped by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Prophetically, it points to a future period when the Antichrist will suppress religious freedom and true worship, replacing it with his own blasphemous system, as part of the "time of trouble" preceding Christ's return.

**Has the "abomination that maketh desolate" already occurred, or is it still future?**

Answer: The "abomination that maketh desolate" has a dual fulfillment. Its primary historical fulfillment occurred in 167 BC when Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Jerusalem Temple. However, Jesus explicitly referred to a future, ultimate fulfillment of the "abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet" in [Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - Jesus on the Abomination of Desolation"), indicating an eschatological event yet to come, likely at the hands of the Antichrist during the tribulation period. This future event will involve a profound act of sacrilege and self-exaltation within a sacred space, leading to widespread spiritual and physical desolation.

**How do the "thousand two hundred and ninety days" relate to other timelines in Daniel?**

Answer: Daniel 12:11 specifies "a thousand two hundred and ninety days," which is distinct from the "time, times, and a half" (1,260 days) mentioned in [Daniel 12:7](/daniel/12-7 "Daniel 12:7 - The Duration of Tribulation") and the 1,335 days in [Daniel 12:12](/daniel/12-12 "Daniel 12:12 - Blessing for the Enduring"). The 1,260 days often refer to the main period of tribulation or the Antichrist's reign. The 1,290 days may represent an extension of this period, perhaps including a time of judgment or transition immediately following the main tribulation. The 1,335 days, which results in a blessing for those who wait, suggests an even further extension, possibly encompassing a period of purification or preparation for the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. While interpretations vary, these precise numbers underscore God's meticulous timing and control over all end-time events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 12:11, with its foreboding prophecy of the daily sacrifice being taken away and the abomination of desolation being set up, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The "daily sacrifice" of the Old Covenant, which pointed forward to the perfect atonement, was ultimately "taken away" not by an enemy, but by the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. His body was the true Temple, destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")), and His blood established a new covenant, rendering all previous animal sacrifices obsolete and eternally effective ([Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the "abomination that maketh desolate" represents the ultimate rebellion against God, culminating in the Antichrist's self-exaltation and desecration of what is holy. However, Christ is the One who will decisively defeat this "man of lawlessness" at His glorious return ([2 Thessalonians 2:8](/2_thessalonians/2-8 "2 Thessalonians 2:8 - The Lord Will Destroy the Lawless One")). He is the true King who will establish an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed, replacing all earthly powers and their abominations ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")). The suffering and tribulation described in Daniel 12:11, leading to the resurrection, are ultimately overcome by Christ's victory over sin and death, guaranteeing eternal life and deliverance for all who are found in Him ([Daniel 12:2-3](/daniel/12-2-3 "Daniel 12:2-3 - Resurrection to Life or Contempt"); [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Thus, even in the darkest prophecies, Christ stands as the ultimate hope, the fulfillment of all redemptive history, and the victor over every desolating power.

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

Daniel 11:31

And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily [sacrifice], and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

Matthew 24:15

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Daniel 9:27

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.

Mark 13:14

¶ But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Revelation 13:5

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months.

Revelation 11:2

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months.

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.