Daniel 12:8

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

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?

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

I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, โ€œMy lord, what will be the outcome of these things?โ€

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

Commentary

Context of Daniel 12:8

Daniel 12:8 finds the prophet Daniel at the culmination of a profound and often perplexing series of visions concerning the end times. Following an extensive revelation about future events, including the rise and fall of kingdoms, the tribulation of God's people, and the ultimate resurrection to judgment or life, Daniel expresses his bewilderment. The immediate preceding verses (Daniel 12:5-7) describe a conversation between angelic beings, one of whom asks "how long shall it be to the end of these wonders?" The answer given involves a specific period of "a time, times, and an half." It is in response to these complex prophecies of the latter days given in Daniel 10-12 that Daniel voices his lack of full comprehension.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Human Limitation in Understanding Divine Revelation: Daniel, despite being a favored prophet and a man of great spiritual insight, admits, "I heard, but I understood not." This highlights the profound nature of God's prophetic word and the inherent limits of human capacity to fully grasp divine mysteries, especially concerning the future. It underscores that ultimate wisdom belongs to God alone.
  • The Mystery of the End Times: The prophetic visions of Daniel are often veiled, not fully clear even to the recipient. This verse emphasizes that certain details of the end times are intentionally obscure, meant to be revealed in God's perfect timing.
  • Longing for Clarity and Assurance: Daniel's desperate question, "O my Lord, what [shall be] the end of these [things]?" reflects a natural human desire to understand God's ultimate plan and the resolution of suffering and evil. It's a plea for an ultimate conclusion and clarity amidst confusion.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "understood not" comes from the Hebrew word `biyn` (ื‘ึผึดื™ืŸ), meaning to discern, perceive, or comprehend. It signifies not just a failure to hear, but a lack of full mental grasp or insight into the meaning and implications of what was revealed. Daniel's question, "what [shall be] the end of these [things]?" uses the Hebrew word `'acharit` (ืึทื—ึฒืจึดื™ืช), which refers to the "latter part," "end," or "outcome." He is seeking the finality and resolution of the complex prophetic timeline.

Practical Application

Daniel 12:8 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Humility in Prophetic Interpretation: We should approach biblical prophecy with humility, recognizing that some aspects may remain unclear until their fulfillment. Not all details of God's plan are meant for us to fully understand at present.
  • Trusting God's Sovereignty: Even when we don't fully comprehend God's ways or the future, we are called to trust His sovereign control and His ultimate good purposes. This is a common theme in biblical prophecy, reminding us that the exact timing of God's plan often remains hidden.
  • Focus on Obedience, Not Just Understanding: While understanding is desirable, the primary call for God's people is faithfulness and obedience to what *is* clearly revealed, rather than getting lost in speculation about what remains mysterious. The response to Daniel's question in Daniel 12:9 emphasizes that the words are "closed up and sealed till the time of the end," implying that full understanding awaits God's appointed time.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 1:7 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.