Daniel 12:8

KJV

And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what [shall be] the end of these [things]?

KJV (with Strong's)

And I heard {H8085}, but I understood {H995} not: then said {H559} I, O my Lord {H113}, what shall be the end {H319} of these things?

Complete Jewish Bible

I heard this, but I couldn't understand what it meant; so I asked, "Lord, what will be the outcome of all this?"

Berean Standard Bible

I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?”

American Standard Version

And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my lord, what shall be the issue of these things?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 12:8 captures the prophet Daniel's profound bewilderment following an extensive series of complex apocalyptic visions concerning the end times. Despite having received and recorded these divine revelations, Daniel admits his inability to fully comprehend their meaning and ultimate resolution, prompting him to earnestly inquire of the angelic messenger, "O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?" This verse highlights the inherent human limitation in grasping divine mysteries and the deep longing for clarity regarding God's sovereign plan for the future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 12:8 immediately follows a climactic angelic dialogue in [Daniel 12:5-7](/daniel/12-5-7 "Daniel 12:5-7 - Angelic Dialogue and Prophetic Timing"). Two angelic beings question a third, clothed in linen, about the duration of the "wonders" Daniel has just witnessed. The answer given, "a time, times, and an half," refers to a period of intense tribulation for God's people. This specific, yet still enigmatic, temporal declaration serves as the immediate trigger for Daniel's frustrated confession and subsequent plea for a clearer understanding. The verse is the culmination of the final, most detailed prophetic vision given to Daniel, spanning [Daniel 10-12](/daniel/10-12 "Daniel 10-12 - Daniel's Final Vision of the End Times"), which describes future conflicts, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the ultimate resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel received these visions during his advanced age, likely in the early Persian period, after the Babylonian exile. Living in a foreign land and witnessing the rise and fall of empires, Daniel's prophecies provided hope and understanding for a people under foreign domination, assuring them of God's ultimate sovereignty. The apocalyptic genre, characterized by symbolic language, visions, and a focus on the end of history, often emerged during times of distress, offering a divine perspective on suffering and a promise of ultimate vindication. Daniel's experience reflects the common human desire, especially within a covenantal framework, to understand God's plan for history and the destiny of His people, particularly regarding the "end of days" (Hebrew: _'acharit ha-yamim_), a concept deeply rooted in Israelite prophetic tradition.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout the book of Daniel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the **mystery and partial revelation of God's plan**, particularly concerning the eschatological future. Even a highly favored prophet like Daniel does not receive full comprehension of all divine truth. Secondly, it emphasizes **human limitation and humility in the face of divine wisdom**. Daniel's admission, "I heard, but I understood not," serves as a profound reminder that ultimate wisdom and understanding belong to God alone, and humanity's grasp of His intricate designs is inherently finite. Finally, Daniel's earnest question, "what shall be the end of these things?", reveals a deep **longing for eschatological clarity and resolution**. This yearning for the ultimate conclusion of history, the vindication of the righteous, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, as seen in passages like [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision Awaits its Appointed Time") and [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, this primitive root means "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." In Daniel 12:8, Daniel clearly received the auditory input of the angelic conversation and the prophetic pronouncements. However, the subsequent clause "but I understood not" indicates that while the sound registered, the deeper cognitive processing leading to full comprehension and insight was lacking. It implies a reception of information without a complete grasp of its intricate meaning or implications.
* **understood (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** From H995, this primitive root means "to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e. (generally) understand." Daniel's use of the negative ("understood not") with _bîyn_ signifies more than just a lack of information; it points to an inability to discern, perceive, or mentally separate the complex threads of the prophecy into a coherent, meaningful whole. It's a confession of intellectual and spiritual bewilderment, an admission that the divine message, though heard, remained largely opaque in its full significance.
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** From H113, this word signifies "sovereign, i.e. controller (human or divine); lord, master, owner." Daniel addresses the angelic messenger as "my Lord," acknowledging his superior authority and divine commission. This address underscores Daniel's posture of humility and submission, recognizing the messenger's role as a representative of God's sovereign will and knowledge. It is to this authoritative figure that Daniel directs his desperate plea for clarity.
* **end (Hebrew, _ʼachărîyth'_):** From H319, this term refers to "the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity." Daniel's question, "what shall be the end of these things?", is a profound inquiry into the ultimate outcome, the final resolution, or the ultimate destiny of the complex and often terrifying events described in the vision. He seeks not just a chronological end, but a teleological one—the purpose, the culmination, and the ultimate meaning of the unfolding prophetic timeline.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I heard, but I understood not:"** This opening clause is a poignant confession from Daniel. Despite being a prophet chosen to receive profound revelations, he admits his human limitation. He clearly heard the words spoken by the angelic beings, including the timeline of "a time, times, and an half" (Daniel 12:7), but the full import, the intricate connections, and the precise unfolding of these future events remained beyond his intellectual and spiritual grasp. It highlights the often-veiled nature of divine prophecy, not always intended for immediate, exhaustive comprehension.
* **"then said I, O my Lord,"** Daniel's response is one of immediate and earnest inquiry. He turns to the angelic figure, whom he addresses with reverence as "my Lord," acknowledging the messenger's authority and proximity to divine knowledge. This address underscores the prophet's humility and his recognition that the answers to his profound questions reside with a higher authority.
* **"what [shall be] the end of these [things]?"** This is the core of Daniel's plea. He is not merely asking for a chronological conclusion but for the ultimate outcome, the final resolution, the ultimate purpose, and the full meaning of the complex prophetic visions he has received. He longs for clarity regarding the destiny of God's people, the end of suffering, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, seeking a comprehensive understanding of the divine plan for history.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 12:8 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Confession/Admission**, as Daniel openly declares, "I heard, but I understood not." This honest admission of human intellectual and spiritual limitation, even from a highly favored prophet, serves to humble the reader and underscore the transcendent nature of God's revelation. Following this, the verse utilizes a direct **Interrogative/Question** ("O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?"). This question is not merely informational but deeply existential, reflecting a universal human longing for clarity and resolution in the face of uncertainty and suffering. The use of a rhetorical question here emphasizes the profound mystery surrounding God's eschatological plan, even for His most devoted servants. Furthermore, the entire context of Daniel 10-12, leading up to this verse, is steeped in **Apocalyptic Imagery**, with its vivid, often symbolic descriptions of future events, which naturally contribute to the prophet's bewilderment and his subsequent plea for understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 12:8 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of divine revelation and human understanding. It teaches us that God's ways and His future plans are often veiled in mystery, not fully comprehensible to human minds, even those specially chosen to receive prophecy. This partial revelation serves to cultivate humility, foster faith, and remind humanity of God's absolute sovereignty. While God reveals what is necessary for His people to live faithfully and hope confidently, He reserves the full understanding of His intricate plan for His own timing. Daniel's experience reminds us that our primary call is to trust God's character and His ultimate purposes, even when the details remain obscure.

* [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Belong to the Lord"): "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."
* [1 Corinthians 13:9-12](/1_corinthians/13-9-12 "1 Corinthians 13:9-12 - Knowing in Part"): "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away... For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."
* [Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour"): "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's honest confession in Daniel 12:8—"I heard, but I understood not"—resonates deeply with the human experience of encountering divine mystery. In an age often characterized by a demand for immediate and complete answers, Daniel's humility provides a powerful counter-narrative. It calls us to embrace a posture of faith and trust, recognizing that not all of God's intricate plans are meant for our full comprehension in the present. Rather than becoming fixated on speculative interpretations of future events or frustrated by unanswered questions, we are encouraged to focus on what God *has* clearly revealed: His character, His redemptive purposes, and His call to live faithfully in the present moment. Our task is not to fully decode every prophetic detail, but to remain steadfast in obedience and hope, confident that God is sovereign over history and will bring all things to their perfect conclusion in His time. This verse invites us to rest in the wisdom of God, which far surpasses our own, and to find peace in the knowledge that He holds the "end of these things" securely in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of God's plan or future events do I find myself struggling to understand, and how does Daniel's confession challenge my desire for complete clarity?**
* **How can I cultivate greater humility and trust in God's sovereignty when faced with mysteries in Scripture or in my own life?**
* **Am I more focused on understanding prophetic details or on living out the clear commands and principles of God's Word in my daily life?**
* **In what ways can Daniel's longing for the "end of these things" inspire me to hope in God's ultimate victory and the coming of His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why did Daniel not understand, even after hearing the prophecy?**

Answer: Daniel's inability to fully understand, despite hearing the detailed prophecy, highlights the nature of divine revelation. God often reveals truth in layers, with some aspects remaining veiled until their appointed time or until further revelation is given. The prophecy given to Daniel was complex, spanning vast periods of history and involving highly symbolic language. His confession underscores that full comprehension of God's intricate plans, especially concerning the distant future and the "end of these things," is often beyond human capacity. This serves to remind us that God's wisdom is infinite, and He reveals what He wills, when He wills, to achieve His purposes, as further clarified in [Daniel 12:9](/daniel/12-9 "Daniel 12:9 - The Words are Sealed").

**Does this mean we shouldn't try to understand biblical prophecy?**

Answer: Not at all. Daniel's experience encourages humility and caution in prophetic interpretation, but not disengagement. We are called to diligently study God's Word, including prophecy, to discern His character and purposes. However, Daniel's example teaches us that some aspects may remain mysterious, and our focus should be on what is clearly revealed and applicable to our lives. The purpose of prophecy is often to inspire hope, call to repentance, and assure us of God's sovereign control over history, rather than to provide a precise timetable for future events. We are to be faithful stewards of the truth we *do* understand, trusting God with what remains veiled, as Jesus Himself indicated about the timing of His return in [Acts 1:7](/acts/1-7 "Acts 1:7 - It is Not for You to Know").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's profound question, "O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?", finds its ultimate and glorious answer in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets, including Daniel, spoke of a future "end" or "latter days," they often did so "searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify" ([1 Peter 1:10-11](/1_peter/1-10-11 "1 Peter 1:10-11 - Prophets Inquired About Christ's Sufferings")). Jesus Christ is the culmination of all prophecy, the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). He is the true "end" of the Law for righteousness ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")), the one who inaugurated the "last days" through His first coming ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")), and the one who will bring all things to their final, perfect consummation at His return ([Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - I Am the Alpha and the Omega")). Daniel's visions, though perplexing to him, ultimately point to the sovereign reign of the Son of Man, who receives an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion")). Thus, the "end of these things" is not merely a chronological conclusion, but the glorious establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, where all mysteries will be unveiled, and God's perfect will fully realized in Him ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, the Creator and Sustainer")).

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

Acts 1:7

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Daniel 12:6

And [one] said to the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, How long [shall it be to] the end of these wonders?

Luke 18:34

And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

1 Peter 1:11

Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

John 12:16

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and [that] they had done these things unto him.

Daniel 10:14

Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision [is] for [many] days.