Daniel 12:5

KJV

¶ Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then I Daniel {H1840} looked {H7200}, and, behold, there stood {H5975} other {H312} two {H8147}, the one {H259} on this side {H2008} of the bank {H8193} of the river {H2975}, and the other {H259} on that side of the bank {H8193} of the river {H2975}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I, Dani'el, looked; and I saw in front of me two others, one on this bank of the river and the other on its other bank.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing there, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank.

American Standard Version

Then I, Daniel, looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on the brink of the river on this side, and the other on the brink of the river on that side.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 12:5 describes a pivotal moment in Daniel's final prophetic vision, where the prophet observes the sudden appearance of two additional angelic figures. These figures strategically position themselves on opposite banks of a river, creating a solemn and formal setting that precedes a crucial dialogue concerning the timing and nature of the end-time events revealed to Daniel. This verse acts as a dramatic interlude, drawing attention to the divine orchestration and the gravity of the revelations about to unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 12:5 is situated within the climactic conclusion of Daniel's longest and most detailed prophetic vision, spanning chapters 10-12. This vision, which began with Daniel's encounter with a glorious "man clothed in linen" by the great river Hiddekel ([Daniel 10:4-5](/daniel/10-4-5 "Daniel 10:4-5 - Vision by the Tigris")), has just concluded a sweeping panorama of future history, culminating in the tribulation and the resurrection (Daniel 11:2-12:4). The appearance of these "other two" figures immediately follows the command to Daniel to "seal the words of the book, even to the time of the end" ([Daniel 12:4](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - Sealing the Book")). This verse serves as a dramatic transition, setting the stage for the critical question posed in the very next verse by one of these figures concerning "how long shall it be to the end of these wonders?" ([Daniel 12:6](/daniel/12-6 "Daniel 12:6 - The Question of the End")). It shifts the focus from the content of the prophecy to the timing and understanding of its fulfillment, emphasizing the solemnity and divine witness to these truths.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel, at this point, is an elderly Jewish exile living in Persia, likely near the Tigris River (Hiddekel, [Daniel 10:4](/daniel/10-4 "Daniel 10:4 - Daniel by the Tigris")). Rivers in ancient Near Eastern cultures and biblical narratives often held significant symbolic meaning, representing boundaries, sources of life, or places of divine encounter and judgment. The presence of multiple heavenly beings engaging in dialogue or witnessing divine pronouncements is consistent with the concept of a divine council, a common motif in ancient Near Eastern literature and reflected in various biblical passages (e.g., [1 Kings 22:19-22](/1_kings/22-19-22 "1 Kings 22:19-22 - The Heavenly Council")). The precise positioning of the two figures on opposite banks of the river would have conveyed a sense of formal deliberation, encompassing the scene, and underscoring the gravity and comprehensive nature of the revelation being imparted.
* **Key Themes:** The appearance of the "other two" figures in Daniel 12:5 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Spectacle and Witness** surrounding God's prophetic revelations; the presence of multiple heavenly beings underscores the solemnity and importance of the message, suggesting a formal attestation to its truth. Secondly, this verse serves as a crucial **Preparation for Crucial Information**, meticulously arranging the scene for the pivotal inquiry about the timing of the "end of these wonders" ([Daniel 12:6](/daniel/12-6 "Daniel 12:6 - The Timing of the End")). Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Angelic Involvement in Prophecy**, demonstrating that heavenly beings are active participants and messengers in God's unfolding redemptive and eschatological plan, a theme prevalent throughout prophetic literature, from the angel Gabriel's appearances to Daniel ([Daniel 8:16](/daniel/8-16 "Daniel 8:16 - Gabriel Appears to Daniel")) to the angelic revelations in [Revelation 1:1](/revelation/1-1 "Revelation 1:1 - Angelic Messenger"). The scene emphasizes the supernatural origin and ultimate authority behind Daniel's profound visions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **looked (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** H7200. This verb signifies not merely a casual glance but an active, attentive observation, often implying discernment or comprehension. Daniel is not passively receiving information but is actively engaged in perceiving the unfolding scene, highlighting his role as a witness to these profound divine manifestations.
* **stood (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** H5975. This primitive root denotes a state of standing, often implying a fixed, firm, or authoritative posture. When applied to the angelic figures, it suggests their readiness, presence, and perhaps their official capacity as participants or witnesses in the divine proceedings. It conveys a sense of permanence and intentionality in their placement.
* **other two (Hebrew, _shᵉnayim ʼachêr'_):** H8147 and H312. The combination of "two" (H8147) and "other" (H312) explicitly distinguishes these figures from the primary messenger, the "man clothed in linen," who has been the main revealer in Daniel 10-12. Their distinctness and specific number ("two") are emphasized, suggesting a particular function, perhaps as witnesses or as a pair designated for a specific role in the ensuing dialogue.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then I Daniel looked":** This phrase grounds the vision in Daniel's personal experience and perspective. It reiterates his role as the recipient and observer of these divine revelations, emphasizing his active engagement and the reality of the experience. The "Then" indicates a progression from the previous revelation.
* **"and, behold, there stood other two":** The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: `hinnēh`) serves to draw immediate attention to something new and significant. The appearance of "other two" figures introduces new participants into the scene, distinct from the glorious "man clothed in linen" who has been the primary revelatory figure. Their sudden appearance and static posture ("stood") suggest an intentional and authoritative presence.
* **"the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river":** This precise spatial description is crucial. The two figures are positioned symmetrically on opposite banks of the river, creating a formal, almost judicial, setting. This arrangement implies a comprehensive witnessing of the scene, a delineation of the space for the ensuing dialogue, and underscores the solemnity and importance of the prophetic exchange about to occur.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 12:5 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its significance. The use of **Imagery** is prominent, painting a vivid picture of the two angelic figures positioned symmetrically on the riverbanks, which immediately establishes a sense of solemnity and order. This visual arrangement also employs **Symbolism**, where the river itself can symbolize a boundary between realms, a place of transition, or a setting for divine encounter, making the riverbanks a significant stage for this heavenly interaction. The verse also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, meticulously setting the scene and building **Suspense** for the crucial dialogue that immediately follows in Daniel 12:6, where the question regarding the timing of the end of these wonders is finally posed. The sudden appearance of these "other two" figures, distinct from the primary revealer, adds an element of **Dramatic Irony** or anticipation, as their purpose is not immediately clear, compelling the reader to anticipate the next revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 12:5 underscores the meticulous and orderly nature of God's divine revelation. The presence of multiple angelic beings, strategically positioned, highlights the solemnity and importance of the eschatological truths being conveyed to Daniel. It suggests that God's prophetic plan is not a haphazard unfolding but a carefully orchestrated sequence of events, witnessed and participated in by heavenly hosts. This divine arrangement reinforces the reliability and authority of the prophecies, assuring Daniel—and subsequent readers—that these are not mere human conjectures but divinely attested truths. The scene emphasizes that even the setting for God's revelation is imbued with theological significance, preparing the recipient for profound understanding.

* [Revelation 1:1](/revelation/1-1 "Revelation 1:1 - Angelic Messenger")
* [Revelation 11:3-4](/revelation/11-3-4 "Revelation 11:3-4 - The Two Witnesses")
* [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Two or Three Witnesses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 12:5, though seemingly a simple descriptive verse, invites us to reflect on the profound seriousness and divine orchestration of God's prophetic word. The meticulous staging of the scene, with angelic beings positioned as witnesses, should impress upon us the immense value and reliability of the Scriptures, particularly those dealing with the end times. It reminds us that God's plans are not arbitrary but are carefully laid out and attested to by heavenly hosts. For believers today, this should cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereign control over history and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises, even when the details remain mysterious. It encourages us to approach prophetic texts not as mere intellectual exercises but as sacred revelations that demand our careful attention and reverent consideration. The scene also serves as a reminder that God's work in the world, including His final redemptive acts, involves a vast, unseen spiritual realm, reinforcing the majesty and complexity of His divine administration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the solemnity of this scene, with angelic witnesses, impact your understanding of the importance of biblical prophecy?**
* **What does the careful orchestration of this divine encounter reveal about God's character and His approach to revealing truth?**
* **How can we cultivate a greater sense of reverence and attentiveness when engaging with God's Word, particularly its prophetic sections?**

### FAQ
**Who are these "other two" figures, and why are they important?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly name these "other two" figures, but they are clearly angelic beings, distinct from the primary divine messenger, the "man clothed in linen," who has been speaking to Daniel (likely a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ or a high-ranking angel). Their importance lies in their presence as witnesses and participants in the divine revelation. Their appearance signals a new phase in the vision, setting the stage for the crucial question about the timing of the end of these wonders ([Daniel 12:6](/daniel/12-6 "Daniel 12:6 - The Question of the End")), emphasizing the solemnity and divine attestation of the truths being revealed.

**Why are the figures positioned on "this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side"?**

Answer: This specific spatial arrangement serves several purposes. It creates a formal and symmetrical setting, lending an air of solemnity and importance to the impending dialogue. The river, often a symbol of transition or boundary in biblical literature, becomes the focal point, with the two figures flanking it. This positioning could symbolize their comprehensive witness to the events and revelations on both "sides" of time or reality, or it could simply be a dramatic staging to draw attention to the central figure (the "man clothed in linen") who stands "upon the waters of the river" ([Daniel 12:6](/daniel/12-6 "Daniel 12:6 - The Man on the Waters")). It underscores the divine order and precision in God's unfolding plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 12:5 describes a scene involving angelic beings, it ultimately points to Christ as the central figure and ultimate fulfiller of all prophecy. The "man clothed in linen" from whom these "other two" are distinct is widely understood to be a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, who is the supreme revealer of God's will. The meticulous staging of this scene, with angelic witnesses flanking the river, foreshadows the absolute certainty and divine authority of God's eschatological plan, a plan that finds its ultimate culmination in Jesus Christ. He is the one who "stands" (Hebrew `ʻâmad`, mirroring the posture of the angels) as the authoritative interpreter and fulfiller of all prophecy, the one who reveals the "end of these wonders" ([Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Signs of the End of the Age")). The angelic host, seen here as witnesses, will ultimately accompany Christ in His glorious return, bearing witness to His final triumph and judgment ([Matthew 25:31](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31 - The Son of Man Comes in Glory")). Thus, Daniel 12:5, by setting the stage for profound eschatological revelation, implicitly directs our gaze to the Lamb of God, who alone holds the scroll of destiny and brings all of God's promises to their perfect, Christ-centered fulfillment ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lamb Who Opens the Scroll")).

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 10:10

¶ And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and [upon] the palms of my hands.

Daniel 10:4

And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which [is] Hiddekel;

Daniel 10:6

His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

Daniel 10:16

And, behold, [one] like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.