Old Testament
Daniel 12:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will run to and fro, and knowledge will increase.
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But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
What Daniel 12:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Daniel is instructed to keep certain words secret and to seal the book until the end times. This suggests that some knowledge is meant to be revealed only at a specific moment in history. The phrase 'many will run to and fro' indicates a time of great activity and searching for understanding. It implies that people will be eager to learn and discover new truths. The mention of increasing knowledge reflects the idea that as time progresses, human understanding will expand significantly. This can be seen in our own world today, where information is more accessible than ever. The message encourages us to be patient and to trust that understanding will come when the time is right. It also reminds us that some mysteries are beyond our current grasp, and that’s okay. We should remain curious and open to learning as we navigate our lives and the world around us, knowing that knowledge is a journey, not a destination. Ultimately, this passage invites us to reflect on the importance of timing in the pursuit of wisdom.
How to apply Daniel 12:4 to your life
In your daily life, embrace the pursuit of knowledge and remain curious about the world. Understand that some answers may not come immediately, and that’s part of the journey. Trust that as you seek, you will find insights that are meaningful and timely for your life. Stay open to learning from various sources and experiences around you. This will enrich your understanding and personal growth as you navigate life's complexities.
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
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Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Sealed Until the End (Daniel 12:1–13)
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Daniel
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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At a Glance — the Book of Daniel
- Author
- Daniel the prophet
- Written
- Around 530 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy and apocalyptic
- Original Audience
- Exiled Jews and future generations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Daniel 12:4 mean?
Daniel 12:4 means that Daniel is instructed to keep certain words secret and seal the book until the end times, indicating that some knowledge will only be revealed at a specific moment in history.
What is the significance of 'many will run to and fro' in Daniel 12:4?
The phrase 'many will run to and fro' suggests a time of great activity and searching for understanding, indicating that people will be eager to learn and discover new truths.
What does 'knowledge will increase' mean in Daniel 12:4?
'Knowledge will increase' reflects the idea that human understanding will expand significantly over time, which can be seen in the accessibility of information in today's world.
Why is Daniel told to seal the book in Daniel 12:4?
Daniel is told to seal the book because some of the revelations are meant to remain hidden until the end times, emphasizing the importance of timing in the understanding of certain truths.
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