Daniel 9:25

KJV

Know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

KJV (with Strong's)

Know {H3045} therefore and understand {H7919}, that from the going forth {H4161} of the commandment {H1697} to restore {H7725} and to build {H1129} Jerusalem {H3389} unto the Messiah {H4899} the Prince {H5057} shall be seven {H7651} weeks {H7620}, and threescore {H8346} and two {H8147} weeks {H7620}: the street {H7339} shall be built {H1129} again {H7725}, and the wall {H2742}, even in troublous {H6695} times {H6256}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Know, therefore, and discern that seven weeks [of years] will elapse between the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Yerushalayim until an anointed prince comes. It will remain built for sixty-two weeks [of years], with open spaces and moats; but these will be troubled times.

Berean Standard Bible

Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress.

American Standard Version

Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the anointed one, the prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troublous times.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 9:25 is a pivotal verse within the "seventy weeks" prophecy, a profound revelation given to the prophet Daniel by the angel Gabriel. It precisely outlines the divine timetable for the restoration of Jerusalem and the advent of the Messiah, identifying a specific period from a decree to rebuild the city until the appearance of "Messiah the Prince." This verse underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over human history, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenants and His ultimate plan for redemption, even amidst challenging circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 9:25 is situated within the broader context of Daniel's fervent prayer of confession and intercession for Israel, recorded in [Daniel 9:3-19](/daniel/9-3-19 "Daniel's Prayer of Confession"). Daniel, having discerned from Jeremiah's prophecy that the seventy years of Babylonian exile were nearing their end ([Daniel 9:2](/daniel/9-9 "Daniel's Understanding of Jeremiah's Prophecy")), sought God's mercy and the restoration of Jerusalem. In response to Daniel's earnest plea, the angel Gabriel is dispatched to provide a detailed prophetic revelation, beginning in [Daniel 9:24](/daniel/9-24 "The Seventy Weeks Prophecy Begins") and extending through [Daniel 9:27](/daniel/9-27 "The Culmination of the Seventy Weeks"). Verse 25 specifically details the initial segments of this grand prophetic timeline, setting the stage for the Messiah's arrival and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Daniel 9:25 is the period of the Babylonian exile, followed by the Persian Empire's rise. Daniel himself was a high-ranking official in both empires. The Jewish people had been in captivity for nearly seventy years, and Jerusalem lay in ruins, its temple destroyed. The prophecy anticipates the various decrees issued by Persian kings (e.g., Cyrus, Darius, Artaxerxes) that would permit the Jews to return and rebuild their city and temple. The phrase "troublous times" accurately reflects the historical reality faced by returnees like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, who encountered significant opposition from surrounding peoples and internal struggles during their efforts to rebuild the temple and the city walls, as vividly recounted in the books of [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra - The Return from Exile") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Messianic Prophecy**, providing a precise chronological marker for the Messiah's appearance, which points forward to Jesus Christ. It also highlights God's unwavering **Sovereignty and Divine Chronology**, demonstrating that God operates according to a meticulous plan and timetable, orchestrating history to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the specific "weeks" mentioned. The theme of **Restoration and Rebuilding** is central, emphasizing God's commitment to His covenant people and His holy city, even after judgment. Finally, the phrase "even in troublous times" introduces the theme of **Perseverance Amidst Adversity**, acknowledging that God's work often progresses in the face of significant opposition and difficulty, a reality exemplified by the historical accounts in [Nehemiah 4:6-8](/nehemiah/4-6-8 "Opposition to Rebuilding in Nehemiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This word (H3045) is a primitive root meaning "to know," encompassing a wide range of senses including to ascertain by seeing, to acknowledge, to be acquainted with, to discern, and to understand. In Daniel 9:25, it is an imperative, "Know therefore and understand," urging Daniel and subsequent readers to grasp the profound and certain nature of the revelation being given. It implies not just intellectual apprehension but a deep, experiential recognition of God's revealed truth.
* **Commandment (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** Derived from H1697, this term means "a word," but by implication, it can refer to a matter, thing, decree, or affair. Here, "the going forth of the commandment" refers to a definitive decree or word that initiates the prophetic timeline. This is not merely a suggestion but a binding and authoritative pronouncement, likely a royal decree from a Persian king, that would set in motion the physical restoration of Jerusalem, including its street and wall.
* **Messiah (Hebrew, _mâshîyach'_):** This term (H4899) means "anointed" and refers to a consecrated person, typically a king, priest, or prophet. Specifically, it points to "the Messiah," the long-awaited Anointed One of Israel. Its appearance here, linked to a precise timeline, underscores the central role of this figure in God's redemptive plan, establishing a direct prophetic link between the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the advent of God's chosen King.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem":** This opening clause serves as an urgent directive, calling for careful attention to the divine revelation. It establishes the starting point of the prophecy: a specific decree or command. This "commandment" is understood by scholars to refer to one of the Persian decrees that allowed the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild Jerusalem, specifically its civil and defensive structures, not just the temple. This sets the stage for a period of restoration.
* **"unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks":** This is the core chronological component. The phrase "seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks" totals 69 "weeks." In prophetic interpretation, a "week" often signifies a "week of years," meaning seven years. Thus, 69 weeks represent 483 years (69 x 7). This period is prophesied to span from the aforementioned decree until the arrival of "Messiah the Prince." The title "Messiah the Prince" (Hebrew: _Mashiach Nagid_) emphasizes both His anointing (Messiah) and His royal authority and leadership (Prince).
* **"the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times":** This final clause describes the nature of the rebuilding process that would occur during this prophetic period. It explicitly states that Jerusalem's "street" (meaning its public squares and thoroughfares) and "wall" (its fortifications) would be reconstructed. The crucial addition "even in troublous times" (Hebrew: _tsôwq ʻêth_) highlights that this restoration would not be easy but would occur amidst significant distress, anguish, and opposition, a historical reality documented in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 9:25 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the verse directly foretells future events with remarkable chronological precision, detailing the timing of Jerusalem's rebuilding and the Messiah's arrival. This specific type of prophecy is often categorized as **Apocalyptic Literature**, characterized by symbolic numbers (like the "weeks of years") and divine revelations concerning future events, often involving angels. The use of "seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks" is a form of **Symbolic Numerology**, where the number seven (and multiples thereof) carries theological significance, representing completeness or divine perfection, and here, a specific unit of time. There is also an element of **Antithesis** or **Contrast** in the final phrase, "the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times." This juxtaposition highlights the paradox of divine restoration occurring not in ideal conditions, but amidst significant adversity, emphasizing God's power to work through human struggle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 9:25 stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous sovereignty over history and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The precise chronological framework provided for the advent of "Messiah the Prince" underscores that God's plan is not random but divinely orchestrated, unfolding according to His perfect timing. This verse reveals that even the rebuilding of a physical city like Jerusalem is intrinsically linked to the grander redemptive purpose culminating in the Messiah. It affirms that God's foreknowledge is absolute and that His word is utterly reliable, providing a bedrock for faith in all His prophecies, both fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled. The mention of "troublous times" also reminds us that God's work often progresses in the midst of human difficulty, signaling that divine purposes are not thwarted by opposition but often realized through it.

* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Acts 1:7](/acts/1-7 "The Father's Appointed Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 9:25 offers profound encouragement and a robust foundation for our faith in God's unfailing word. The historical fulfillment of this prophecy in the first coming of Jesus Christ provides undeniable proof that God keeps His promises with astonishing precision. For believers today, this should instill deep confidence in God's control over all circumstances, even when our own lives feel chaotic or uncertain. Just as Jerusalem was rebuilt "in troublous times," we are reminded that God's purposes for us and for His kingdom can advance even amidst personal struggles, global crises, or societal opposition. This verse calls us to trust in God's perfect timing, to persevere in faith, and to actively participate in His work, knowing that He is meticulously bringing about His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. It challenges us to look beyond immediate difficulties and fix our gaze on the sovereign God who orchestrates history toward His glorious end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of Daniel 9:25's prophecy strengthen your faith in God's word and His control over history?**
* **What "troublous times" are you currently experiencing, and how can the truth that God works even through adversity encourage you?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in God's ongoing work of restoration and building, trusting in His timing and provision?**

### FAQ
**What is meant by "seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks" in Daniel 9:25?**

Answer: This phrase refers to a specific period of time totaling 69 "weeks." In prophetic interpretation, particularly within apocalyptic literature like Daniel, a "week" (Hebrew: _shâbûwaʻ_) often denotes a "week of years," meaning a period of seven years. Therefore, "seven weeks" represents 49 years (7 x 7), and "threescore and two weeks" (62 weeks) represents 434 years (62 x 7). Combined, these two periods total 69 weeks, or 483 years. This 483-year period is prophesied to span from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the arrival of "Messiah the Prince." This interpretation is widely accepted among evangelical scholars and aligns with the historical timeline leading up to Jesus' public ministry.

**Which "commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem" does Daniel 9:25 refer to?**

Answer: Scholars generally point to one of the decrees issued by Persian kings that allowed the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild Jerusalem. While there were several decrees (e.g., Cyrus in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Cyrus's Decree to Rebuild the Temple"), Darius I in [Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1-12 "Darius's Decree for the Temple")), the most common view identifies the decree of Artaxerxes I in 445 BC, as recorded in [Nehemiah 2:1-8](/nehemiah/2-1-8 "Artaxerxes's Decree to Nehemiah"), as the starting point. This decree specifically authorized Nehemiah to rebuild the city's walls and gates, which aligns with the prophecy's mention of rebuilding "the street... and the wall." This particular decree initiated the comprehensive restoration of Jerusalem as a fortified city, not just the temple.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 9:25 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophecy's precise timeline, pointing "unto the Messiah the Prince," unequivocally foreshadows the first advent of Jesus. The 483-year period, calculated from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem, culminates in the very era of Jesus' public ministry, leading up to His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His crucifixion. Jesus is the true "Messiah the Prince," the Anointed One (Greek: _Christos_) and the rightful King and Leader of God's people. His arrival marked the beginning of a spiritual restoration far greater than the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, ushering in the new covenant promised by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant")). While the physical city was indeed rebuilt in "troublous times," Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection, though occurring amidst immense opposition and suffering ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "The Suffering Servant")), brought about the ultimate restoration of humanity's relationship with God. He is the one who truly builds God's spiritual temple, the church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Christ as the Cornerstone")), and establishes His eternal kingdom, fulfilling the ancient promise of a King from David's line who would reign forever ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David")). Thus, Daniel 9:25 serves as a powerful prophetic signpost, directing all eyes to Jesus as the long-awaited Anointed Prince.

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

Ezra 4:24

Then ceased the work of the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

John 1:41

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

John 4:25

The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

Isaiah 55:4

Behold, I have given him [for] a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

Nehemiah 4:16

¶ And it came to pass from that time forth, [that] the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers [were] behind all the house of Judah.

Nehemiah 4:18

For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and [so] builded. And he that sounded the trumpet [was] by me.