Daniel 8:19

KJV

And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end [shall be].

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Behold, I will make thee know {H3045} what shall be in the last end {H319} of the indignation {H2195}: for at the time appointed {H4150} the end {H7093} shall be.

Complete Jewish Bible

and said, "I am going to explain to you what will happen at the end of the period of fury, because [the vision] has to do with the time at the end.

Berean Standard Bible

and said, “Behold, I will make known to you what will happen in the latter time of wrath, because it concerns the appointed time of the end.

American Standard Version

And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the latter time of the indignation; for it belongeth to the appointed time of the end.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:19 introduces the pivotal moment in Daniel's vision where the angel Gabriel begins to explain the profound meaning of the preceding prophetic imagery. This verse assures Daniel, and by extension the reader, that God will reveal the precise nature and timing of future events, particularly those pertaining to "the last end of the indignation," a period of intense divine judgment and tribulation. It emphasizes that these events are not random but occur at a divinely "appointed time," signaling a predetermined conclusion to historical conflicts and suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 8:19 marks a crucial turning point in the eighth chapter of Daniel, shifting from the presentation of a complex, disturbing vision to its divine interpretation. In the preceding verses [Daniel 8:1-14](/daniel/8-1-14 "Daniel 8:1-14 - The Vision of the Ram and Goat"), Daniel witnesses a vivid symbolic drama featuring a ram (Medo-Persia) and a goat (Greece) that dominates and then fragments, giving rise to a "little horn" (Antiochus IV Epiphanes, foreshadowing a greater anti-Christ figure) that commits great atrocities. Daniel's reaction to this vision is one of profound distress and incomprehension, leading him to faint and become ill [Daniel 8:27](/daniel/8-27 "Daniel 8:27 - Daniel's Distress"). The appearance of Gabriel in [Daniel 8:15-18](/daniel/8-15-18 "Daniel 8:15-18 - Gabriel Appears to Daniel") and his subsequent declaration in verse 19 initiate the much-needed clarification, promising to unveil the future events and their ultimate conclusion, thereby providing the interpretive key to the preceding prophetic imagery.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Daniel is set during the Babylonian exile and the subsequent Persian rule, a period of significant upheaval for the Jewish people. They were living under foreign dominion, grappling with questions of God's faithfulness, their future, and the nature of Gentile world powers. Prophetic visions, especially those involving symbolic beasts and future empires, served to provide hope, understanding, and a framework for interpreting their present suffering and future destiny. The concept of a "time appointed" (Hebrew: _mo'ed_) was deeply ingrained in Jewish culture, referring to fixed festivals or seasons ordained by God, extending metaphorically to divinely set times in history. The "indignation" (Hebrew: _za'am_) would have resonated with their experience of divine discipline and the oppression they faced, but the promise of its "end" offered profound comfort in a world where empires seemed to rise and fall without divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Daniel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Interpretation**, emphasizing God's initiative in unveiling future events to His chosen servants, not for mere curiosity, but for understanding and faithfulness. Gabriel's explicit statement, "[I will make thee know](/daniel/8-19 "Daniel 8:19 - Gabriel Promises Understanding")," highlights God's desire to clarify His purposes. Secondly, it reinforces **God's Sovereignty Over History**, asserting that even the most chaotic and oppressive periods, including "the indignation," are under God's precise control and unfold according to His "appointed time." This theme is prevalent throughout Daniel, seen in the rise and fall of kingdoms detailed in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream") and [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Prophetic Certainty and Consummation**, promising a definite "end" to suffering and divine judgment, a concept that provides hope and assurance of God's ultimate triumph and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, as foreshadowed in [Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Saints Receive the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this primitive root signifies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it implies a deep, experiential knowledge, to ascertain by seeing, to comprehend, discern, or be made aware. In this context, Gabriel is not just imparting information but granting Daniel a profound, divinely-given understanding of complex future events, moving him from confusion to clarity. It highlights God's active role in revealing truth.
* **indignation (Hebrew, _zaʻam'_):** From H2195, this term refers to a strong, often frothing, divine fury or wrath, particularly God's displeasure with sin. In prophetic literature, it frequently denotes a specific period of intense divine judgment or tribulation, often directed against God's enemies or as a consequence of His people's unfaithfulness. Its presence here indicates that the suffering and oppression described in the vision are not random but are part of a divinely ordained period of judgment.
* **time appointed (Hebrew, _môwʻêd'_):** From H4150, this word denotes a fixed time, a set season, or a divinely appointed occasion. It emphasizes precision, intentionality, and a predetermined schedule. This is not a vague future but a specific moment in God's sovereign plan, reinforcing the idea that all events, even periods of "indignation," are part of God's meticulously orchestrated timeline and will reach their conclusion at His perfect timing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Behold, I will make thee know":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and purpose of the subsequent revelation. "He" refers to the angel Gabriel, who is commissioned by God to provide understanding. The emphatic "Behold" (often translated "Look!" or "Pay attention!") draws Daniel's, and the reader's, focus to the critical information about to be imparted. The promise "I will make thee know" signifies a divine act of unveiling, moving Daniel from his state of distress and lack of comprehension to a clear understanding of God's future plans.
* **"what shall be in the last end of the indignation":** This clause specifies the subject of the revelation. Gabriel will explain the events that occur at the ultimate conclusion ("last end") of a period characterized by "indignation." This "indignation" refers to a time of divine wrath, judgment, or intense tribulation, often understood as a period of God's permitted suffering upon His people or judgment upon their oppressors. The phrase "last end" suggests a final, decisive culmination of this period, not merely an intermediate phase.
* **"for at the time appointed the end [shall be].":** This explanatory clause provides the reason and assurance for the revelation. The "indignation" and its associated events will not continue indefinitely; they are bound by a "time appointed." This "time appointed" (Hebrew: _mo'ed_) signifies a fixed, predetermined, and divinely ordained moment. The repetition of "the end" (Hebrew: _qets_) underscores the certainty of a definitive conclusion to this period of judgment and tribulation, emphasizing God's ultimate control over the timeline of history and the fulfillment of His prophetic word.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 8:19 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Speech**, as the angel Gabriel, acting as God's messenger, directly addresses Daniel, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the prophecy. This is further highlighted by the imperative "Behold," which serves as an **Attention-Getter**, signaling the profound importance of the forthcoming revelation. The phrase "I will make thee know" functions as a form of **Prophetic Unveiling**, indicating that what follows is not human speculation but a divinely granted understanding of future events. The repetition of "end" (once as "last end" and again as "the end") creates **Emphasis** and **Foreshadowing**, powerfully underscoring the certainty of a definitive conclusion to the period of "indignation" and hinting at the ultimate consummation of God's plan. This repetition provides both a sense of finality and a promise of resolution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:19 powerfully articulates God's meticulous sovereignty over history and His commitment to revealing His plans to His servants. It reassures us that even periods of intense suffering and divine judgment ("indignation") have a predetermined "appointed time" and a definite "end." This truth cultivates profound trust in God's ultimate control, reminding believers that no chaos or evil is outside His sovereign will and timetable. It underscores that God is not merely reacting to history but is actively orchestrating its unfolding towards a divinely ordained conclusion, offering hope amidst tribulation and a firm foundation for faith in His prophetic word.

* [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision Awaits its Appointed Time")
* [Isaiah 26:20](/isaiah/26-20 "Isaiah 26:20 - God's Indignation and Protection")
* [Revelation 1:19](/revelation/1-19 "Revelation 1:19 - John Commanded to Write What Is, Was, and Will Be")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 8:19 offers profound encouragement and a call to faithful endurance for believers navigating uncertain times. Understanding that God has an "appointed time" for every event, including periods of "indignation," fosters deep trust in His unfailing providence. This truth liberates us from anxiety about the future, knowing that even when evil seems to prevail, it operates within divine boundaries and will ultimately reach its predetermined "end." We are called not to speculative prediction but to patient waiting and active obedience, discerning the times through the lens of God's revealed word. Just as Daniel sought and received understanding, we too should diligently engage with Scripture, allowing its prophetic truths to shape our perspective, strengthen our resolve, and fuel our hope in God's ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and suffering. This verse reminds us that our present trials are temporary, and God's ultimate justice and peace are assured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance that God has an "appointed time" for all events, even periods of "indignation," impact your trust in His sovereignty during times of personal or global turmoil?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to seek deeper understanding of God's prophetic word, not just for knowledge, but for spiritual preparedness and hope?**
* **Considering the "end" of the indignation, how does this truth motivate you to persevere through present difficulties, knowing that suffering is not eternal but has a divinely ordained conclusion?**

### FAQ
**What does "the last end of the indignation" refer to in Daniel 8:19?**

Answer: "The last end of the indignation" refers to the ultimate conclusion of a specific period of divine wrath or judgment. In the immediate context of Daniel 8, it primarily points to the severe persecution and desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a historical figure who foreshadowed a greater "little horn" or anti-Christ figure. Theologically, it signifies a divinely permitted season of intense tribulation and suffering that God allows, often as a form of judgment on wicked nations or as a refining process for His people. The phrase emphasizes that this period, however severe, is finite and will reach a definite, divinely appointed conclusion, as stated by Gabriel in [Daniel 8:19](/daniel/8-19 "Daniel 8:19 - The End of the Indignation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 8:19, with its emphasis on a divinely "appointed time" for the "end of the indignation," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "indignation" that humanity faces due to sin, and the historical periods of tribulation and judgment, are all ultimately resolved in Christ. His first coming, precisely "when the fullness of the time had come" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")), initiated the decisive phase of God's redemptive plan, dealing with the root cause of all indignation: sin. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God's wrath, becoming the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His resurrection and ascension marked the triumph over death and evil, guaranteeing the ultimate "end" of all suffering and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Furthermore, the "last end" of the indignation points forward to Christ's glorious second coming, when He will return at a divinely "appointed time" ([Acts 1:7](/acts/1-7 "Acts 1:7 - The Father's Appointed Times")) to execute final judgment, put an end to all rebellion, and usher in the new heavens and new earth where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")). Thus, Christ is the sovereign orchestrator and ultimate fulfiller of all prophetic "ends" and "appointed times," bringing God's righteous indignation to its just conclusion and His redemptive purposes to their glorious consummation.

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

Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Daniel 11:27

And both these kings' hearts [shall be] to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end [shall be] at the time appointed.

Revelation 17:17

For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

Daniel 8:15

¶ And it came to pass, when I, [even] I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.

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.

Daniel 8:23

And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

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.