Daniel 12:4

KJV

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

KJV (with Strong's)

But thou, O Daniel {H1840}, shut up {H5640} the words {H1697}, and seal {H2856} the book {H5612}, even to the time {H6256} of the end {H7093}: many {H7227} shall run to and fro {H7751}, and knowledge {H1847} shall be increased {H7235}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But you, Dani'el, keep these words secret, and seal up the book until the time of the end. Many will rush here and there as knowledge increases."

Berean Standard Bible

But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.”

American Standard Version

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 12:4 is a pivotal prophetic command given to the prophet Daniel, instructing him to preserve and obscure the profound visions he received until a designated future period, referred to as "the time of the end." This verse highlights the divine timing of revelation, indicating that a comprehensive understanding of these prophecies would not be fully accessible in Daniel's era but would become increasingly clear as humanity approached the culmination of history, marked by an unprecedented surge in global movement and an exponential increase in knowledge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 12:4 serves as the concluding instruction within Daniel's final and most extensive prophetic vision, which spans chapters 10-12. This vision, initiated by a divine messenger, delves into intricate details concerning the future, encompassing the rise and fall of various kingdoms, periods of intense tribulation, and culminating in the resurrection of the dead and the ultimate judgment. The command to "shut up the words, and seal the book" acts as a divine closure to this particular revelation, emphasizing that its full import and clarity are not for immediate comprehension but are reserved for a specific eschatological epoch. It underscores the profound nature of these prophecies, indicating their significance is such that they require a divinely appointed time for their unveiling.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel received these visions during the Babylonian exile and the subsequent Persian period, a time of significant political upheaval and cultural flux for the Jewish people. The concept of "sealing" a document was a common practice in the ancient Near East, signifying authenticity, security, and often, restricted access until a specific time or event. Royal decrees, legal documents, and important records were frequently sealed to ensure their preservation and to prevent unauthorized alteration or premature disclosure. In this context, the divine command to seal Daniel's book implies that the prophecies contained within it are authentic and divinely preserved, yet their full meaning is to remain inaccessible or obscure until God's appointed time. This reflects a broader biblical pattern of progressive revelation, where God unveils truths in accordance with His sovereign timetable, as seen in the gradual unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical prophecy. The primary theme is **Divine Sovereignty over Revelation and Time**. The instruction to "seal the book" underscores that God alone controls the timing and understanding of His prophetic word, revealing it when and how He deems fit. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God reveals His secrets to His servants at His appointed time, as mentioned in [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret"). Another crucial theme is **Eschatology and the "Time of the End."** The phrase "time of the end" is a recurring motif in Daniel, pointing to a distinct period leading up to the culmination of human history and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This period is characterized by specific global developments, including the increase in "running to and fro" and "knowledge," which are hallmarks of the modern era, suggesting that we may be living in, or approaching, this prophesied epoch. Finally, the theme of **Progressive Understanding** is evident. While Daniel was commanded to seal the words, the implication is that they *will* be understood later, suggesting that diligent study and divine illumination will lead to greater clarity as the "time of the end" approaches, allowing believers to [discern the signs of the times](/matthew/16-3 "Matthew 16:3 - Discerning the Signs of the Times").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shut up (Hebrew, _çâtham'_):** From H5640, this primitive root means "to stop up" or "to keep secret." In the context of Daniel 12:4, it conveys the idea of divine concealment or preservation, ensuring that the words are not fully grasped or widely disseminated until the appointed time. It implies a deliberate act of withholding complete understanding.
* **seal (Hebrew, _châtham'_):** From H2856, this primitive root means "to close up" or "especially to seal." Similar to "shut up," sealing a document in the ancient world indicated authenticity, security, and often, restricted access. Here, it reinforces the divine decree that the prophecies are to be securely preserved, their full meaning locked away until the "time of the end."
* **knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** From H1847, this noun signifies "knowledge" or "cunning." In this verse, its increase refers to a significant expansion in understanding, information, and intellectual capacity. This can encompass scientific, technological, and informational advancements, but also, crucially, a deeper comprehension of biblical prophecy itself as the "time of the end" draws near.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book":** This is a direct imperative from the divine messenger to Daniel. It instructs him not to widely disseminate or fully explain the intricate prophecies he has received. The "words" refer to the specific prophetic utterances, and "the book" refers to the written compilation of these visions. The dual command to "shut up" and "seal" emphasizes the security and divine restriction placed upon the full understanding of these revelations.
* **"[even] to the time of the end":** This phrase specifies the duration of the sealing and obscurity. It indicates that the full comprehension and widespread understanding of these prophecies are not meant for Daniel's immediate context but are reserved for a future, divinely appointed period. This "time of the end" is a significant eschatological epoch in biblical prophecy, pointing to the culmination of God's redemptive plan.
* **"many shall run to and fro":** This clause describes a characteristic activity of "the time of the end." The Hebrew verb (_shûwṭ_) can imply physical movement, such as extensive travel or exploration, or it can metaphorically refer to a diligent searching for understanding, a rapid dissemination of information, or even a restless, unsettled state of humanity. In the context of increasing knowledge, it often suggests a widespread pursuit and exchange of information.
* **"and knowledge shall be increased":** This final clause describes a profound intellectual and informational explosion that will be a hallmark of "the time of the end." This increase in "knowledge" (Hebrew, _daʻath_) is broadly understood to encompass advancements in science, technology, communication, and information processing. Crucially, within a prophetic context, it also implies an increase in the understanding and interpretation of biblical prophecy itself, as the previously "sealed" words become clearer.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 12:4 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, seen in the direct commands "shut up" and "seal," which underscore the divine authority behind the instruction and the prophet's obedience. **Symbolism** is also central, with "the book" symbolizing the entirety of Daniel's prophecies, and "the seal" representing divine preservation, restricted access, and the pre-determined timing of revelation. The phrase "time of the end" functions as a **Theological Marker**, signaling a specific eschatological period. Furthermore, the verse presents a stark **Juxtaposition** between the initial obscurity and sealing of the prophecies ("shut up the words, and seal the book") and the later clarity and widespread understanding ("many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased"). This contrast highlights God's sovereign control over the unfolding of His prophetic word, unveiling it precisely when His purposes are to be fulfilled.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 12:4 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over history and revelation. The command to "seal the book" signifies that God's prophetic timetable is precise and that certain truths are reserved for specific epochs. This concept of progressive revelation assures us that while some aspects of God's plan may remain obscure for a time, they will be unveiled when His purposes deem it necessary. The "time of the end" is not merely a chronological marker but a period of intensified divine activity and human experience, where the increase in movement and knowledge serves as a signpost, prompting believers to discern the times and prepare for the culmination of God's plan. This verse encourages both patient trust in God's timing and diligent pursuit of understanding as His word becomes increasingly illuminated.

* [Isaiah 29:11](/isaiah/29-11 "Isaiah 29:11 - The Sealed Book")
* [Revelation 5:1-5](/revelation/5-1-5 "Revelation 5:1-5 - The Sealed Scroll")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:4](/1_thessalonians/5-4 "1 Thessalonians 5:4 - Not in Darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 12:4 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, living in an era that undeniably exhibits the characteristics of increased global movement and an explosion of knowledge. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's prophetic word is unfolding according to His perfect plan, and we are called to be attentive observers and diligent students. The very fact that we can now access vast amounts of information, including biblical commentaries and scholarly resources, and travel globally with unprecedented ease, suggests that we are indeed living in a time when the "sealed" words of Daniel are becoming more accessible and understandable. This should not lead to speculative date-setting but to a sober and hopeful awareness of God's imminent work. It compels us to engage with prophecy not out of curiosity alone, but out of a desire to understand God's heart and prepare for the future He has ordained. Our response should be one of spiritual discernment, using the abundance of information to confirm biblical truth and to live with greater intentionality, anticipating the Lord's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you observe "many running to and fro" and "knowledge increasing" in the world today, and how does this impact your understanding of biblical prophecy?**
* **How does the idea of God sealing prophecies for a specific time affect your approach to studying His Word? Does it encourage patience or more diligent study?**
* **What is your responsibility as a believer to discern the "time of the end" and apply its implications to your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "shut up the words and seal the book" mean in Daniel 12:4?**

Answer: This command signifies that the detailed prophecies Daniel received were to be preserved securely but their full understanding would remain obscure or inaccessible until a specific, divinely appointed future time. It implies that the clarity and widespread comprehension of these profound visions were not intended for Daniel's immediate historical context. The act of "sealing" was a common ancient practice to authenticate a document and restrict its contents until a designated moment or by an authorized person, emphasizing God's sovereign control over the timing of His revelation. This ensures that the prophecies would not be fully understood until the "time of the end," when God's plan would begin to unfold more clearly.

**What is "the time of the end" as mentioned in Daniel 12:4?**

Answer: "The time of the end" is an eschatological phrase that appears multiple times in the book of Daniel (e.g., [Daniel 8:17](/daniel/8-17 "Daniel 8:17 - Time of the End Vision"), [Daniel 11:35](/daniel/11-35 "Daniel 11:35 - End Time Persecution")). It refers to a distinct period leading up to the culmination of human history, the final judgment, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. While its precise commencement is debated, the characteristics described in Daniel 12:4—namely, increased global movement and an explosion of knowledge—suggest a period that bears striking resemblance to the modern era. It is a time when God's purposes are brought to a climax, and His previously "sealed" prophetic word becomes increasingly discernible.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 12:4 speaks of a "sealed book" to be understood in the "time of the end," the ultimate unveiling and fulfillment of all prophecy find their apex in Jesus Christ. The very concept of a sealed book that no one is worthy to open until the appointed time powerfully foreshadows the scene in [Revelation 5](/revelation/5 "Revelation 5 - The Lamb Who Opens the Scroll"), where only the [Lamb who was slain](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb, Jesus Christ") is found worthy to break the seals and open the scroll of God's redemptive plan. Thus, the "knowledge" that is increased in the time of the end is not merely scientific or technological, but crucially, the knowledge of God's unfolding plan centered on Christ. The "running to and fro" can be seen as the global spread of the Gospel and the diligent searching of the Scriptures, leading to a deeper understanding of Christ's first and second comings. Ultimately, the "time of the end" culminates in the glorious return of [Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, Alpha and Omega"), when every prophecy will be perfectly fulfilled in His reign, and the knowledge of the Lord will [cover the earth as the waters cover the sea](/isaiah/11-9 "Isaiah 11:9 - Knowledge of the Lord").

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 12:9

And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

Daniel 8:26

And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told [is] true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it [shall be] for many days.

Revelation 22:10

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

Daniel 8:17

So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end [shall be] the vision.

Revelation 10:4

And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

Isaiah 29:18

And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.

Isaiah 29:19

The meek also shall increase [their] joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.