Daniel 12:12

KJV

Blessed [is] he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H835} is he that waiteth {H2442}, and cometh {H5060} to the thousand {H505} three {H7969} hundred {H3967} and five {H2568} and thirty {H7970} days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

How blessed will be anyone who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days.

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed is he who waits and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.

American Standard Version

Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 12:12 concludes a series of complex prophetic declarations concerning the end times, offering a profound blessing to those who not only endure but actively persevere through a specific, divinely appointed period of tribulation. This verse highlights God's favor upon the faithful who maintain hope and steadfastness until the culmination of these challenging days, emphasizing the ultimate reward for patient endurance in the face of unprecedented global distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 12:12 stands as the final chronological statement in a series of highly symbolic and apocalyptic revelations given to Daniel. Chapter 12 itself serves as the climactic conclusion to the visions presented from chapter 10 onwards, detailing a period of unparalleled distress [Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - A Time of Trouble") for God's people, followed by resurrection and final judgment. Verse 11 introduces a period of 1,290 days, linked to the cessation of the daily sacrifice and the setting up of the "abomination that makes desolate." Verse 12 then extends this timeline by an additional 45 days, culminating in the 1,335 days, and pronounces a special blessing on those who reach this latter threshold. This progression of numbers suggests a refining process and a specific endpoint to the tribulation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Daniel was written during a period of significant upheaval for the Jewish people, first under Babylonian exile and then under Persian rule, with prophetic glimpses into the Hellenistic period and beyond. The "time of trouble" described in Daniel 12:1 has historical parallels in the persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes (c. 167 BC), who desecrated the Jerusalem Temple. However, the scope of Daniel's prophecy extends far beyond this, pointing to an ultimate, eschatological tribulation. The concept of "waiting" (H2442, _châkâh_) was deeply ingrained in Jewish piety, reflecting a long history of anticipating God's deliverance and the fulfillment of His promises, particularly the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom. The detailed numerical prophecies, while enigmatic, reflect an ancient Near Eastern and biblical pattern of God revealing His sovereign control over history through precise, though often symbolic, temporal markers.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Daniel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Control over History**, demonstrating that even in times of extreme chaos and suffering, God has a precise timetable and a predetermined end for all things. Secondly, the emphasis on "waiting" and "coming to" highlights the theme of **Faithful Endurance and Perseverance**. The blessing is not for those who merely survive, but for those who actively maintain their faith and hope through the crucible of tribulation. This aligns with the broader biblical message that perseverance under trial produces character and leads to a blessed outcome, as seen in passages like [James 1:12](/james/1-12 "James 1:12 - Blessed is the one who perseveres"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Ultimate Vindication and Reward for the Righteous**. Despite the unprecedented suffering described in [Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - The Great Tribulation"), God promises a blessed state for those who remain faithful to the very end, foreshadowing the resurrection and eternal life for the wise and righteous mentioned in [Daniel 12:2-3](/daniel/12-2-3 "Daniel 12:2-3 - Resurrection and Eternal Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _ʼesher'_):** This word (H835) signifies a state of happiness, well-being, or fortunate condition. It is often used in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man")) and carries the connotation of divine favor and flourishing. Here, it explicitly links this state of blessedness to the act of waiting and reaching a specific prophetic milestone, implying that true blessedness is found in faithful alignment with God's timing and plan, especially during difficult periods.
* **Waiteth (Hebrew, _châkâh'_):** From the primitive root (H2442), this word implies more than passive waiting; it suggests active adherence, longing, and tarrying with expectation. It conveys a sense of patient endurance and hopeful anticipation, not merely idleness. In the context of Daniel 12:12, it describes one who steadfastly maintains faith and hope through a prolonged period of tribulation, actively trusting in God's ultimate deliverance and the fulfillment of His promises.
* **Cometh (Hebrew, _nâgaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H5060) means "to touch," "to reach," or "to arrive." It implies successfully reaching a destination or a specific point in time. In this verse, it signifies the successful completion of the waiting period, indicating that the individual has persevered through the entire duration of the 1,335 days. The blessing is specifically for those who not only wait but *arrive* at the appointed end, having endured the full measure of the prophetic period.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [is] he that waiteth":** This clause pronounces a divine favor and a state of profound well-being upon the individual who actively and patiently endures. The "waiting" is not a passive state but an active, hopeful, and persevering trust in God's timing and ultimate plan, particularly during a period of intense tribulation. It speaks to the spiritual discipline of maintaining faith and hope when circumstances are dire.
* **"and cometh":** This phrase emphasizes the successful completion of the period of waiting. It signifies that the blessed individual not only begins the waiting process but perseveres through it to its very end, reaching the designated prophetic milestone. This implies steadfastness, faithfulness, and resilience in the face of prolonged difficulty, highlighting that the blessing is for those who finish the race.
* **"to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days":** This specifies the exact duration of the period that must be endured. Following the 1,290 days mentioned in Daniel 12:11, this extended period of 1,335 days marks a distinct prophetic endpoint. While the precise historical or eschatological fulfillment of these numbers remains a subject of ongoing scholarly debate, their presence underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over time and history, assuring the faithful that the tribulation has a defined limit and a blessed conclusion.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 12:12 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Prophetic Numerology**, where specific numbers (1,290 days in verse 11, and 1,335 days here) are used to denote precise, divinely ordained periods within the eschatological timeline. While their exact interpretation is debated, these numbers function to assure the reader of God's absolute control over history and the finite nature of tribulation. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis** through repetition of the theme of endurance, building on the call to "wait" and "come to" a specific end, thereby underscoring the importance of perseverance. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Conditional Blessing**, where the promise of "blessedness" is contingent upon the active and faithful waiting and reaching of the appointed time, serving as an encouragement and a challenge to the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 12:12 offers a powerful theological statement on the nature of divine blessing and human perseverance. It teaches that God's favor is not merely for those who avoid hardship, but profoundly for those who endure through it with steadfast faith. This verse connects the concept of blessedness directly to active waiting and successful completion of a divinely appointed period, implying that the journey through tribulation, when undertaken in faith, is itself a path to deeper spiritual flourishing and ultimate reward. It reinforces the biblical truth that God is sovereign over all time and events, and that His ultimate plan for His people includes both purification through suffering and glorious vindication.

* [Matthew 24:13](/matthew/24-13 "Matthew 24:13 - Perseverance to the End")
* [Revelation 14:12](/revelation/14-12 "Revelation 14:12 - Perseverance of the Saints")
* [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - Need for Endurance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 12:12, while rooted in specific end-time prophecy, offers timeless principles for all believers. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of patient endurance, recognizing that God's plans unfold according to His perfect timing, not ours. In a world often characterized by instant gratification and a desire to escape discomfort, this verse reminds us that true blessedness can be found in the crucible of waiting and perseverance. It encourages us to view trials not as insurmountable obstacles, but as divinely appointed periods that, when navigated with faith, lead to a deeper experience of God's favor and the fulfillment of His promises. Our "waiting" should not be passive idleness, but an active, hopeful, and prayerful posture, trusting that God will bring His purposes to pass and that our faithfulness will be richly rewarded.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently called to "wait" on God, and how can you cultivate active, hopeful perseverance in those seasons?**
* **How does the promise of "blessedness" for those who endure challenge your perspective on suffering and delay?**
* **What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith and resolve to "come to the end" of a difficult period, trusting in God's ultimate timing?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "thousand three hundred and five and thirty days"?**

Answer: The "thousand three hundred and five and thirty days" (1,335 days) in Daniel 12:12 represents a specific prophetic period, extending 45 days beyond the 1,290 days mentioned in Daniel 12:11. While the precise interpretation and fulfillment of these numbers have been debated by scholars for centuries, they are generally understood to refer to a distinct duration of time within the end-time tribulation. Many interpreters see them as literal days, while others view them symbolically. Regardless of the exact interpretation, their significance lies in demonstrating God's meticulous sovereignty over the timeline of history and prophecy. They assure believers that even the most intense periods of suffering have a divinely appointed end, and that God has a precise culmination point for His plans, leading to a blessed outcome for the faithful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 12:12 speaks of a blessing for those who endure to a specific prophetic endpoint in the Old Testament context, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual depth are found in Christ. Jesus Himself is the supreme example of one who "waited" and "came to" the appointed time, enduring the cross for the joy set before Him [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith"). His resurrection and ascension marked the ultimate "coming to" the Father, securing the blessing of salvation for all who believe. For the New Testament believer, the "blessing" promised in Daniel 12:12 is realized through union with Christ. We are called to persevere in our faith, knowing that our ultimate blessedness is not merely reaching an earthly prophetic milestone, but participating in Christ's victory over sin and death [1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Christ"). The "waiting" for us is the patient endurance until Christ's return [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - Waiting for Our Blessed Hope") and the full establishment of His kingdom, a waiting that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and sustained by the promise of eternal life in Him [John 14:1-3](/john/14-1-3 "John 14:1-3 - Jesus Promises His Return"). Thus, the blessing of Daniel 12:12 foreshadows the profound and eternal blessedness found in Christ for those who faithfully endure until His glorious appearing.

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

Isaiah 30:18

¶ And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him.

Daniel 8:14

And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

Romans 11:15

For if the casting away of them [be] the reconciling of the world, what [shall] the receiving [of them be], but life from the dead?

Revelation 20:4

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.