Daniel 12:2

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.

And many {H7227} of them that sleep {H3463} in the dust {H6083} of the earth {H127} shall awake {H6974}, some to everlasting {H5769} life {H2416}, and some to shame {H2781} and everlasting {H5769} contempt {H1860}.

Many of those sleeping in the dust of the earth will awaken, some to everlasting life and some to everlasting shame and abhorrence.

And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Daniel 12:2 presents a profound and foundational prophecy concerning the ultimate destiny of humanity: the resurrection of the dead and a clear distinction between two eternal outcomes. This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding the biblical concept of an afterlife and divine justice.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Book of Daniel is an apocalyptic work, written during a time of intense persecution and uncertainty for the Jewish people, likely during the Babylonian exile or Persian period. Chapter 12 concludes a long prophetic vision given to Daniel, which primarily details future events leading up to the end times. While earlier Old Testament passages hinted at a resurrection (e.g., Isaiah 26:19, Job 19:26), Daniel 12:2 offers one of the clearest and most explicit declarations in the Hebrew Scriptures regarding a universal resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. This prophecy would have offered immense hope to those suffering for their faith, assuring them of a future reward, and a stark warning to their oppressors.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Universal Resurrection: The phrase "many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake" indicates a general resurrection of the dead. This isn't limited to a select few but encompasses a broad awakening from death, picturing graves opening and bodies rising.
  • Dual Destinies: The verse clearly delineates two distinct and eternal outcomes for those who awaken: "some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt." This establishes the biblical principle of eternal rewards for the righteous and eternal consequences for the unrighteous.
  • Divine Justice: Daniel 12:2 underscores God's perfect justice. There will be a final reckoning where all deeds are brought into account, and each individual receives their just recompense, whether it be glorious eternal life or perpetual disgrace.
  • The Reality of Eternity: Both "everlasting life" and "everlasting contempt" emphasize the permanent, unending nature of these final states. There is no suggestion of annihilation or a temporary punishment, but rather an eternal destiny.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "sleep in the dust of the earth" is a common biblical metaphor for death, emphasizing the temporary state of the body in the grave before resurrection. The Hebrew for "everlasting life" is chayyei olam (חַיֵּי עוֹלָם), signifying an endless, eternal existence. Similarly, "everlasting contempt" translates the Hebrew dera'on olam (דֵּרָאוֹן עוֹלָם), which conveys a sense of perpetual abhorrence, repulsion, and disgrace. The word dera'on is also used in Isaiah 66:24, describing the corpses of rebels as an "abhorrence" to all mankind, reinforcing the severe and ignominious nature of this eternal outcome.

Related Scriptures

This prophecy in Daniel finds powerful echoes and further revelation in the New Testament. Jesus Himself affirmed the dual nature of the resurrection, stating that "all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" (John 5:28-29). The concept of everlasting life is central to the Gospel message, offered through faith in Jesus Christ. The New Testament also speaks of a final judgment where the righteous enter eternal life and the wicked go into everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46). The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the resurrection of believers, providing comfort and hope for those who have died in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Practical Application

Daniel 12:2 has profound implications for how we live today. It calls us to consider our eternal destiny, reminding us that life on earth is preparatory for what is to come. For believers, this verse offers immense encouragement, assuring them that their struggles and faithfulness will culminate in glorious everlasting life free from sorrow and pain. For those who have not yet committed their lives to God, it serves as a solemn warning about the reality of eternal judgment and the need to seek God's mercy and salvation now. It urges us to live with an eternal perspective, making choices that align with God's will and prepare us for the resurrection unto life rather than shame.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 5:28

    Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

  • John 5:29

    And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

  • Isaiah 26:19

    Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

  • Matthew 25:46

    And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

  • Ezekiel 37:12

    Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:51

    ¶ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

  • 1 Corinthians 15:54

    So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

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