Daniel 12:7

KJV

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I heard {H8085} the man {H376} clothed {H3847} in linen {H906}, which was upon {H4605} the waters {H4325} of the river {H2975}, when he held up {H7311} his right hand {H3225} and his left hand {H8040} unto heaven {H8064}, and sware {H7650} by him that liveth {H2416} for ever {H5769} that it shall be for a time {H4150}, times {H4150}, and an half {H2677}; and when he shall have accomplished {H3615} to scatter {H5310} the power {H3027} of the holy {H6944} people {H5971}, all these things shall be finished {H3615}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The man dressed in linen who was above the water of the river raised his right and left hands toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times and a half, and that it will be when the the power of the holy people is no longer being shattered that all these things will end.

Berean Standard Bible

And the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by Him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, and times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has finally been shattered, all these things will be completed.”

American Standard Version

And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 12:7 presents a solemn divine oath from a majestic heavenly figure, revealing the precise duration of the climactic period preceding the end-time consummation. This pivotal verse declares that after a specific prophetic period of "a time, times, and an half," and following a severe scattering or breaking of the power of God's holy people, all the foretold events concerning the end of days will definitively conclude, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over history and prophecy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as the direct answer to Daniel's urgent question in [Daniel 12:6](/daniel/12-6 "Daniel 12:6 - Daniel's Question About the End of Wonders"): "How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?" It is the climax of Daniel's final, most detailed apocalyptic vision, spanning [Daniel 10](/daniel/10 "Daniel 10 - Daniel's Final Vision Begins") through [Daniel 12](/daniel/12 "Daniel 12 - The End of Days and Resurrection"). The "man clothed in linen" is the same glorious, divine figure introduced in [Daniel 10:5-6](/daniel/10-5-6 "Daniel 10:5-6 - Description of the Divine Figure"), whose appearance suggests a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ or a high-ranking angel. His position "upon the waters of the river" (likely the Tigris or Hiddekel, as mentioned in [Daniel 10:4](/daniel/10-4 "Daniel 10:4 - Daniel by the Great River")) adds to the scene's mystical and authoritative atmosphere, emphasizing the divine origin and certainty of the revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel received this vision during the Persian period, a time of significant transition and anticipation for the Jewish people in exile. The act of raising both hands to heaven and swearing "by him that liveth for ever" is a profound gesture of oath-taking, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying the utmost solemnity and binding nature of the declaration. In Jewish thought, an oath sworn by God, especially "the Living God" (a common divine epithet), was considered inviolable and eternally true. The concept of a fixed, divinely appointed "time" for the culmination of history was central to apocalyptic literature, providing hope and a framework for understanding suffering within God's sovereign plan.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 12:7 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Daniel. First, the **Sovereignty of God** is paramount; He is the one who "liveth for ever" and orchestrates all historical events, including periods of intense tribulation. Second, the **Certainty of Prophecy** is highlighted by the solemn oath, assuring Daniel and future readers that God's word will be fulfilled precisely as declared. Third, the theme of **Tribulation and Persecution** for God's people is central, as the verse speaks of the "scattering the power of the holy people" before the end. This resonates with earlier prophecies in Daniel concerning the oppression faced by the saints (e.g., [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - Persecution of the Saints")). Finally, the verse points to the **Consummation of God's Plan**, confirming that suffering is not endless but has a divinely appointed conclusion, leading to the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom and the [resurrection of the dead](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - The Resurrection of the Dead").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Liveth (Hebrew, _chay'_):** This word (H2416) derives from a root meaning "to live" or "be alive." When applied to God, as in "him that liveth for ever," it emphasizes His inherent, self-existent, and eternal vitality. It signifies that God is not a dead idol but the source of all life, perpetually active and unchanging. This attribute underpins the absolute certainty and immutability of the oath sworn by Him, as His existence is perpetual and His word unfailing.
* **For ever (Hebrew, _'ôwlâm'_):** This term (H5769) denotes a duration that is concealed or extends beyond the vanishing point, encompassing both past and future eternity. When combined with "liveth," it forms the powerful phrase "liveth for ever," emphasizing God's eternal nature. It signifies that the God by whom the oath is sworn is outside of time, His decrees are timeless, and His promises are eternally binding, guaranteeing the fulfillment of the prophecy without fail.
* **Finished (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** This word (H3615) means "to end," "to cease," "to be completed," or "to be consumed." In Daniel 12:7, it signifies a definitive conclusion and accomplishment of all the foretold events. It implies that once the specified period of "a time, times, and an half" has run its course, and the "scattering of the power of the holy people" has been fully accomplished, there will be a complete and final cessation of these tribulation-related events, ushering in the ultimate state of God's kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river":** Daniel hears the solemn declaration from the majestic divine figure previously introduced. His clothing of linen signifies purity, holiness, and priestly authority, while his position "upon the waters" might symbolize his transcendence over earthly affairs and his divine control, or simply describe his location during the vision.
* **"when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever":** This describes a profound and universally recognized gesture of oath-taking, signifying the utmost solemnity and the invocation of divine authority. Raising both hands to heaven indicates that the oath is directed to God Himself, and swearing "by him that liveth for ever" invokes the eternal, self-existent God as the ultimate guarantor of truth and fulfillment. This emphasizes the absolute certainty and unchangeable nature of the prophecy that follows.
* **"that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half":** This phrase is a crucial prophetic duration, widely interpreted as 3.5 years, 42 months, or 1260 days. "A time" typically refers to one year, "times" to two years, and "an half" to half a year. This specific period appears in other apocalyptic texts (e.g., [Revelation 12:14](/revelation/12-14 "Revelation 12:14 - Woman fleeing for 'a time, times, and half a time'")), often denoting a period of intense tribulation and persecution for God's people.
* **"and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people":** This clause describes the condition or event that must precede the final consummation. "To scatter the power" (literally, "to break the hand" or "strength") of the holy people refers to a period of severe affliction, persecution, and apparent weakness for God's chosen people. It suggests a time when their human strength, organization, and ability to resist are utterly shattered, leaving them vulnerable and seemingly defeated. This breaking is part of God's sovereign plan, perhaps to purify or humble them.
* **"all these [things] shall be finished.":** This declares the definitive and complete conclusion of the prophetic events. Once the specified period of tribulation and the breaking of the holy people's power have been fully accomplished, God's ultimate plan will be realized, and the suffering will cease. This signifies the ushering in of the promised kingdom, the resurrection, and the final judgment, bringing an end to the "wonders" Daniel inquired about.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 12:7 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, particularly in the figure of "the man clothed in linen," whose raiment symbolizes purity, holiness, and divine authority, often associated with priestly or heavenly beings. His position "upon the waters of the river" also carries symbolic weight, suggesting a transcendent, authoritative stance over earthly realities. The act of "held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven" is a symbolic gesture of a **Divine Oath**, emphasizing the absolute, unchangeable truth and certainty of the prophecy. Furthermore, the phrase "a time, times, and an half" is a form of **Symbolic Numerology** or **Prophetic Chronology**, a recurring apocalyptic motif that points to a specific, divinely appointed period of tribulation rather than a literal, indefinite duration. The "scattering the power of the holy people" is a vivid **Metaphor** for severe persecution and the breaking of human strength, highlighting the intensity of the suffering God's people will endure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 12:7 is a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over history, even amidst the most chaotic and distressing periods. The solemn oath sworn by the Eternal One underscores the unshakeable certainty of His prophetic word, assuring believers that every detail of His plan, including the duration of suffering and the timing of deliverance, is precisely appointed. This verse teaches that tribulation, though severe, is not without limit or purpose; it is a divinely permitted and measured process designed to purify and humble God's people, ultimately leading to the glorious consummation of His kingdom. It provides a framework for understanding the endurance of the saints, knowing that their suffering has a definitive end and that God's ultimate triumph is guaranteed.

* [Revelation 12:14](/revelation/12-14 "Revelation 12:14 - Woman fleeing for 'a time, times, and half a time'")
* [Matthew 24:21-22](/matthew/24-21-22 "Matthew 24:21-22 - Great Tribulation and its Shortening")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 12:7, while describing daunting future events, offers profound comfort and a call to steadfast faith for believers today. It reminds us that God is not merely an observer of history but its sovereign orchestrator, holding all times and seasons in His hands. Even when facing intense trials or periods of profound spiritual weakness, we are assured that our suffering is not meaningless or endless, but has a divinely appointed duration and purpose. This verse encourages perseverance, knowing that the "finished" state brings about God's just and eternal kingdom, where all sorrow and persecution will cease. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God's perfect timing and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when the path ahead seems shrouded in mystery. Our hope is not in our own strength, but in the God "who liveth for ever" and will bring all things to their appointed, glorious conclusion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the solemnity of the oath in Daniel 12:7 impact your understanding of God's faithfulness to His prophetic word?**
* **In what ways might the "scattering of the power of the holy people" manifest in our lives or in the church today, and how should believers respond?**
* **How does knowing there is a divinely appointed end to tribulation ("all these things shall be finished") provide comfort and strengthen your perseverance?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the importance of trusting God's timing, even when His plans and timelines are not fully clear?**

### FAQ
**What does "a time, times, and an half" mean in Daniel 12:7?**

Answer: This phrase is a crucial prophetic duration, widely interpreted as a period of 3.5 prophetic years. In apocalyptic literature, "a time" typically refers to one year, "times" to two years, and "an half" to half a year, totaling 3.5 years. This period is often equated with 42 months or 1,260 days, as seen in parallel passages like [Revelation 11:2-3](/revelation/11-2-3 "Revelation 11:2-3 - The Two Witnesses and the Holy City") and [Revelation 12:6](/revelation/12-6 "Revelation 12:6 - The Woman Fleeing into the Wilderness"). While its precise historical fulfillment remains a subject of ongoing debate among scholars (some see it as a literal future period, others as symbolic of a prolonged but finite time of tribulation), it consistently points to a divinely appointed, limited duration of intense suffering and persecution before God's ultimate intervention.

**Who is "the man clothed in linen" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "man clothed in linen" is a majestic, divine figure who appears to Daniel in his final vision (first introduced in [Daniel 10:5-6](/daniel/10-5-6 "Daniel 10:5-6 - Description of the Divine Figure")). While some scholars identify him as a powerful angel, his glorious description, his ability to swear by God, and his role in revealing ultimate prophetic truths lead many to believe he is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. His linen clothing symbolizes purity, holiness, and priestly authority, attributes often associated with divine messengers and, supremely, with Christ Himself. His presence underscores the divine authority and certainty of the revelation given to Daniel.

**What is meant by "when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to a period of intense persecution, affliction, and apparent defeat for God's chosen people. The Hebrew word for "scatter the power" (H3027, _yâd_, meaning "hand" or "power," combined with H5310, _nâphats_, meaning "to dash to pieces" or "scatter") conveys the idea of their strength, organization, or ability to resist being utterly broken or shattered. It signifies a time when their human resources and defenses are overwhelmed, leaving them vulnerable. Theologically, this "scattering" or "breaking" is not random but is part of God's sovereign plan, perhaps intended to purify His people, expose their reliance on Him alone, or allow prophetic events to unfold as ordained before the final consummation. It highlights a period of profound distress that precedes the ultimate deliverance and establishment of God's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 12:7, with its divine oath and declaration of a finite period of tribulation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. The "man clothed in linen," a figure of immense divine authority and purity, is widely understood to be a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ Himself, the very one who holds all time and prophecy in His hands. His solemn oath, sworn by "him that liveth for ever," points to Christ as the eternal God, whose words are truth and whose promises are immutable. The period of "a time, times, and an half" and the "scattering of the power of the holy people" foreshadow the intense tribulation that both Israel and the Church have endured and will yet face, culminating in the Great Tribulation. Yet, Christ Himself has overcome the world, assuring His followers, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ's Victory Over the World")). He is the one who, through His suffering, death, and resurrection, has "finished" the work of salvation, making an end to sin and securing the ultimate victory over all opposing powers ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). The "finished" state of Daniel 12:7 ultimately refers to the consummation of God's kingdom at Christ's return, when all tribulation will cease, and He, the Lamb of God described in [Revelation 1:13-16](/revelation/1-13-16 "Revelation 1:13-16 - Description of the Son of Man"), will reign forever, bringing an end to all suffering and establishing eternal righteousness.

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 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Revelation 12:14

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

Daniel 8:24

And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

Revelation 10:5

And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

Revelation 10:7

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

Revelation 13:5

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months.

Revelation 12:6

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.