Daniel 12:3

KJV

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they that be wise {H7919} shall shine {H2094} as the brightness {H2096} of the firmament {H7549}; and they that turn many {H7227} to righteousness {H6663} as the stars {H3556} for ever {H5769} and ever {H5703}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But those who can discern will shine like the brightness of heaven's dome, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.

American Standard Version

And they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 12:3 offers a profound promise of eternal glory and recognition to two distinct groups: those who possess spiritual wisdom and understanding, and those who actively lead others to a righteous relationship with God. Set against the backdrop of end-time tribulation and resurrection, this verse serves as a powerful beacon of hope, emphasizing that faithful discernment and impactful spiritual service will be eternally rewarded with a brilliance likened to the celestial bodies, signifying lasting honor and divine vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic final vision given to Daniel, specifically in the twelfth chapter, which details events leading up to the end times. Preceding [Daniel 12:3](/daniel/12-3 "Daniel 12:3 - The Wise and the Righteous") are prophecies concerning a time of unprecedented global distress, a "time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation" ([Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - Michael and the Time of Trouble")), followed by a clear declaration of a universal resurrection, where some will awaken to "everlasting life" and others to "shame and everlasting contempt" ([Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Life or Contempt")). Immediately following this stark contrast, [Daniel 12:3](/daniel/12-3 "Daniel 12:3 - The Wise and the Righteous") provides a specific promise of eternal reward for those who demonstrate spiritual insight and engage in evangelistic efforts, offering a hopeful counterpoint to the preceding grim predictions and providing motivation for faithfulness amidst the anticipated turmoil.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's prophecies, though looking far into the future, are rooted in the historical and cultural milieu of the Babylonian and Persian empires. The concept of wisdom (חָכְמָה, _chokmah_) was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with divine insight, practical skill, and moral uprightness. The imagery of shining celestial bodies (firmament, stars) was a common motif in ancient cosmology, representing divine power, permanence, and glory. In Jewish thought, stars could symbolize leaders, righteous individuals, or even angels (cf. [Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star of Jacob"); [Revelation 1:20](/revelation/1-20 "Revelation 1:20 - The Mystery of the Seven Stars")). The "firmament" (רָקִיעַ, _raqia'_) was understood as the expanse of the sky, a visible, glorious dome, often associated with God's creative power as seen in [Genesis 1:6-8](/genesis/1-6-8 "Genesis 1:6-8 - The Expanse of the Heavens"). The promise of eternal reward for righteousness and for turning others to it would have resonated deeply within a culture that understood divine judgment and the importance of covenant faithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Daniel and biblical prophecy. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Future Hope**, assuring believers that even in times of intense tribulation, God's ultimate plan includes vindication and glory for His faithful servants. It highlights the theme of **Spiritual Wisdom and Discernment**, emphasizing that true wisdom is not merely intellectual but involves understanding God's prophetic word and living in accordance with His will, particularly in challenging times. Crucially, it amplifies the theme of **Evangelism and Discipleship**, placing immense value on the work of leading others to righteousness, suggesting that impacting lives for God's kingdom has eternal, radiant consequences. This theme is foundational to the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for all people to come to repentance and knowledge of Him, as seen in passages like [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise (Hebrew, _sâkal'_):** From H7919 (שָׂכַל, _sâkal_), meaning "to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent; consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly." In this context, "wise" refers to those who possess spiritual discernment, understanding God's ways, His prophetic plan, and His will, particularly in the face of tribulation. It implies not just intellectual knowledge but practical, righteous living guided by divine insight.
* **Shine (Hebrew, _zâhar'_):** From H2094 (זָהַר, _zâhar_), a primitive root meaning "to gleam; figuratively, to enlighten (by caution); admonish, shine, teach, (give) warn(-ing)." This word conveys the idea of radiating light, brilliance, and glory. It suggests a visible manifestation of honor and divine approval, reflecting the glory of God Himself. The shining is a reward and a recognition of their spiritual wisdom and impact.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsâdaq'_):** From H6663 (צָדַק, _tsâdaq_), a primitive root meaning "to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense); cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness)." This term refers to moral rectitude, conformity to God's standards, and a right standing with Him. "Turning many to righteousness" means leading them to a state of moral and spiritual uprightness, often implying conversion, repentance, and living in obedience to God's commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament;":** This clause promises a glorious eternal reward for those who possess spiritual wisdom. The "wise" are those who understand God's truth, especially His prophetic plan, and live accordingly. Their reward is to "shine," indicating a radiant, visible glory, likened to the "brightness of the firmament" (the expanse of the sky). This imagery suggests a vast, enduring, and divinely ordained brilliance, signifying their eternal honor and participation in God's glory.
* **"and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.":** This second clause extends the promise of eternal glory to those who actively engage in leading others to a right relationship with God. "Turning many to righteousness" refers to evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual leadership that results in people embracing God's moral and spiritual standards. Their reward is to shine "as the stars," an image conveying permanence, multitude, and celestial honor. The phrase "for ever and ever" emphasizes the eternal, unending nature of this glory, far surpassing any earthly achievement or recognition.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 12:3 is rich in **Imagery** and **Simile**, creating vivid pictures of eternal reward. The comparison of the wise to the "brightness of the firmament" employs a **Simile** to convey a sense of vast, encompassing, and enduring brilliance. Similarly, the **Simile** "as the stars" for those who lead others to righteousness evokes the imagery of countless, eternally radiant points of light, suggesting both their multitude and their lasting glory. The use of "firmament" and "stars" are powerful **Metaphors** for divine order, permanence, and celestial honor. The phrase "for ever and ever" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute and unending nature of the promised reward, transcending all temporal limitations and underscoring the infinite value of spiritual wisdom and soul-winning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 12:3 stands as a powerful testament to the eternal value of spiritual wisdom and evangelistic labor. It reveals God's profound appreciation for those who not only understand His truth but also actively participate in His redemptive plan by guiding others toward righteousness. This promise of an eternal, radiant glory underscores the eschatological hope for the faithful, assuring them that their efforts in a fallen world are not in vain but are eternally significant in God's eyes. It connects the pursuit of divine wisdom with active service, suggesting that true spiritual insight naturally leads to a desire to see others brought into a right relationship with God.

* [Proverbs 11:30](/proverbs/11-30 "Proverbs 11:30 - The Fruit of the Righteous")
* [Matthew 13:43](/matthew/13-43 "Matthew 13:43 - The Righteous Shine")
* [1 Corinthians 15:41-42](/1_corinthians/15-41-42 "1 Corinthians 15:41-42 - Glories of the Resurrection Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 12:3 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a deep, spiritual wisdom that transcends mere intellectual knowledge, urging us to seek understanding of God's Word and His purposes, especially concerning the times we live in. This wisdom is not for personal hoarding but for guiding righteous living and equipping us to navigate challenges and discern truth from error. Furthermore, the verse places immense value on the work of leading others to Christ. The promise of shining "as the stars for ever and ever" serves as a powerful motivator for evangelism and discipleship, reminding us that there is no greater eternal investment than helping someone come to righteousness and grow in faith. Our faithfulness in seeking wisdom and our efforts to share the Gospel have eternal consequences, assuring us that our labor in the Lord is never in vain and will be honored with an unparalleled, lasting glory in eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean to be "wise" in the context of Daniel 12:3, and how can I cultivate such wisdom in my daily life?**
* **In what practical ways can I "turn many to righteousness" in my sphere of influence, and what motivates me to do so?**
* **How does the promise of shining "as the brightness of the firmament" and "as the stars for ever and ever" impact my perspective on earthly struggles and eternal priorities?**

### FAQ

**What does "the wise" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Daniel 12:3, "the wise" (Hebrew: _maskilim_, from _sâkal_) refers to those who possess spiritual discernment and understanding, particularly concerning God's prophetic plan and His will, especially in times of tribulation. It's not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep spiritual insight that leads to righteous action and faithfulness to God's truth. These are individuals who understand the times and know what God's people ought to do, as seen in [1 Chronicles 12:32](/1_chronicles/12-32 "1 Chronicles 12:32 - Men of Issachar").

**What is the significance of "turning many to righteousness"?**

Answer: "Turning many to righteousness" signifies the crucial work of evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual leadership. It means actively influencing others to embrace God's moral and spiritual standards, leading them to repentance, faith, and a right standing with God. This involves sharing the Gospel, teaching God's Word, and modeling a righteous life, ultimately guiding individuals into a saving relationship with the Lord. This aligns with the Great Commission given by Jesus in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 12:3 speaks of the eternal reward for the wise and those who turn many to righteousness, its ultimate fulfillment and the very possibility of such righteousness are found in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine wisdom, "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")), who perfectly understood and fulfilled the will of God. It is through His atoning sacrifice that humanity can be "turned to righteousness," for He "made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Those who are "wise" in Daniel's context are those who recognize God's truth, and in the New Testament, this wisdom culminates in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah and Savior. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the ultimate "star," the "bright and morning star" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - The Bright and Morning Star")), whose glory surpasses all others. The shining of the saints is a reflection of His glory, a participation in His resurrection life, and a testament to His redemptive work. Thus, the promise of eternal brilliance for the wise and soul-winners is ultimately a promise of sharing in the radiant glory of Christ, who is the source and sustainer of all true wisdom and righteousness, and the One who turns countless multitudes to God ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")).

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

Matthew 13:43

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Daniel 11:33

And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, [many] days.

James 5:19

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

James 5:20

Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

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.

Proverbs 11:30

¶ The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise.