Old Testament
Daniel 12:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The man dressed in linen, who was upon the waters of the river, raised both his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by the One who lives forever: 'It will last for a time, times, and half a time. When he has finished scattering the power of the holy people, all these things will come to an end.'
Compare translations
And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
What Daniel 12:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a mysterious figure dressed in linen stands over the waters of a river. He raises both hands to the sky and makes a solemn promise to the eternal God. He declares that a specific period will unfold, described as 'a time, times, and half a time.' This cryptic phrase suggests a defined duration of events that will lead to significant changes. The figure indicates that during this time, the strength of the holy people will be diminished. Once this scattering is complete, everything will reach its conclusion. This moment emphasizes the importance of patience and faith, as it reveals that even in times of struggle, there is a divine plan at work. The promise of an end encourages believers to hold on to hope, knowing that challenges are temporary and that a greater purpose is unfolding. Understanding this can help us navigate our own trials with confidence and assurance that they will not last forever, but will lead to a resolution that aligns with a higher purpose.
How to apply Daniel 12:7 to your life
When facing difficult times, remember that challenges are often temporary. Just as the passage assures us of an end, we can trust that our struggles will also conclude. Stay hopeful and patient, knowing that there is a greater plan at work in your life. Keep your faith strong during these periods of uncertainty, and look for the lessons they bring. Embrace the journey with confidence!
Curated for this public verse page. Daniel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Sealed Until the End (Daniel 12:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Daniel 12:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Daniel 12:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 12:7 mean?
Daniel 12:7 describes a figure in linen who swears by God about a specific period of time during which the power of the holy people will be scattered. This indicates a time of trial that will eventually lead to a resolution.
What is the meaning of 'time, times, and half a time' in Daniel 12:7?
The phrase 'time, times, and half a time' is often interpreted as a period of three and a half years, symbolizing a time of testing and tribulation before a significant change occurs.
Who is the man dressed in linen in Daniel 12:7?
The man dressed in linen is often understood to be a heavenly messenger or angelic figure, conveying God's message about the future and the trials that will be faced.
What can we learn from Daniel 12:7?
Daniel 12:7 teaches that even in difficult times, there is a promise of resolution and hope. It encourages believers to remain patient and faithful, trusting that challenges are temporary.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.