Daniel 12 10

Daniel 12:10 kjv

Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

Daniel 12:10 nkjv

Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.

Daniel 12:10 niv

Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

Daniel 12:10 esv

Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.

Daniel 12:10 nlt

Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means.

Daniel 12 verses

Daniel 12 10 meaning

Daniel 12:10 describes a great division and purification among people during a specific eschatological period, often referred to as the "time of the end." It reveals that many among God's people will undergo a refining process through trials, leading to moral and spiritual cleansing and clarity. In stark contrast, the wicked will persist in their unrighteousness, deepening their corruption, and will remain unable to grasp divine truth or the meaning of unfolding events. Only those who possess spiritual wisdom will truly understand God's plan and discern the signs of the times. This verse highlights a crucial separation based on character and spiritual receptivity in a time of intense tribulation and divine revelation.

Daniel 12 10 Context

Daniel 12:10 is found at the conclusion of Daniel's final, most detailed prophecy concerning the "time of the end" (Dan 10:1-12:13). This passage specifically follows the angelic pronouncement about Michael, the great prince who stands for Daniel's people, and a time of unparalleled distress, resurrection, and judgment (Dan 12:1-4). The verse comes immediately after Daniel's inquiry about the end of these wonders and the angel's instruction for Daniel to seal up the book, as its full meaning is reserved for the end-time generation (Dan 12:8-9). Therefore, Daniel 12:10 clarifies that even though the prophecies are sealed and their timing long-term, during that designated "time of the end," there will be a clear distinction: some will respond to the trials and purification, gaining spiritual understanding, while others will reject truth, becoming further entrenched in their wickedness and incomprehension. The historical backdrop for Daniel himself was exile and gentile rule, with themes of faithful perseverance amidst oppressive worldly powers, a prefigurement of the end-time suffering that necessitates the described purification and understanding.

Daniel 12 10 Word analysis

• Many (רַבִּים, rabbim): This Aramaic term signifies "a great number" or "the multitude," yet it implies a select group, distinguishing them from the broader population who remain unchanged or wicked. It indicates a substantial, yet not universal, group who respond to God's refining process.
• shall purify themselves (יִתְבָּרְרוּ, yitbareru): Hithpael of the root בָּרַר (barar), meaning "to cleanse," "to select," or "to purge." The Hithpael stem indicates a reflexive and intensive action; they actively engage in their own purification, choosing to separate from defilement. This is not a passive event but requires intentional participation.
• and make themselves white (וְיִלְבְּנוּ, v'yilb'nu): Hithpael of לָבַן (lavan), meaning "to be white" or "to make white." This reinforces the idea of cleansing and spiritual purity, suggesting moral clarity and blamelessness before God. It echoes imagery of washing away sin to become pure as snow.
• and be refined (וְיִצָּרְפוּ, v'yitsar'fu): Niph'al of צָרַף (tsaraph), meaning "to smelt," "to refine (metal)," or "to test." The Niph'al passive stem here indicates that they will undergo a refining process, suggesting external pressures or trials, much like metal is put into a furnace to remove dross. This points to the painful yet transformative nature of suffering and tribulation for the righteous.
• but the wicked (וְהָרְשָׁעִים, v'harsha'im): רָשָׁע (rasha), meaning "wicked," "ungodly," or "guilty." This term describes those who habitually transgress God's law and show no fear or reverence for Him. They stand in stark opposition to those who seek purification.
• shall act wickedly (הִרְשִׁיעוּ, hirshi'u): Hiph'il of רָשָׁע (rasha). The Hiph'il stem indicates an active and causative sense. Far from repenting or purifying themselves, they will continue and even intensify their wicked behavior. Their wickedness is confirmed and deepened by the very events that purify the righteous.
• and none of the wicked (וְכָל רְשָׁעִים לֹא, v'chol risha'im lo): This is an emphatic negative; all of the wicked, without exception.
• shall understand (יָבִינוּ, yavinu): Qal imperfect of בִּין (bin), meaning "to understand," "to discern," or "to perceive." This understanding refers to spiritual comprehension of God's ways, His prophetic plan, and the true meaning of the events unfolding. The wicked are inherently blind to divine truth.
• but those who are wise (וְהַמַּשְׂכִּילִים, v'hamaskilim): Hiph'il participle of שָׂכַל (sakhal), meaning "to be prudent," "to understand," or "to have insight." This describes individuals who possess spiritual insight and practical wisdom, often associated with a discerning mind that applies God's truth. They are not merely intelligent but spiritually astute.
• shall understand (יָבִינוּ, yavinu): Again, Qal imperfect of בִּין (bin). For the wise, this understanding is a divine gift, enabling them to comprehend the difficult and previously sealed prophecies of the "time of the end." Their wisdom is rewarded with clarity.

• Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined: This phrase collectively describes the process of sanctification and spiritual preparation that God's people undergo through severe trials and active repentance. The repetition of similar verbs emphasizes the thoroughness of this process, driven both by individual effort and divine providence.
• but the wicked shall act wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand: This juxtaposition highlights the spiritual hardening and moral degradation of the ungodly. Their choice to persist in wickedness directly leads to their spiritual incomprehension of God's purposes, revealing a judgment of self-imposed blindness.
• but those who are wise shall understand: This clause serves as a clear contrast and divine promise. Spiritual wisdom is the key to unlocking prophetic understanding during critical times, confirming that God will always provide insight for those who truly seek Him, even when the truth is obscured from others.

Daniel 12 10 Bonus section

The distinction between the "purified" and the "wicked" in Daniel 12:10 offers an enduring spiritual principle: great tribulation does not necessarily produce a single, uniform outcome in people. Instead, it acts as a separator, accelerating the development of character—for good or ill. For those devoted to God, trials cleanse and strengthen faith; for those hostile to Him, trials harden hearts and solidify their rebellion. This speaks to the active choice and internal disposition that determines one's spiritual trajectory. The spiritual understanding promised to the wise is not granted passively, but it flows from an active pursuit of God's ways and a willingness to allow suffering to effect purification. This also highlights a form of divine self-revelation: God intentionally allows some truths to remain veiled from the unrighteous, confirming their chosen path of spiritual ignorance. It signifies that moral standing, not merely intellectual capacity, is prerequisite for spiritual comprehension in the economy of God.

Daniel 12 10 Commentary

Daniel 12:10 delivers a profound declaration of moral and spiritual bifurcation during the "time of the end." As divine judgments and global events intensify, humanity will be divided into two distinct camps. For the "many," likely referring to the faithful among God's people, this period will serve as a crucible, actively purifying, cleansing, and refining them. This process, often involving tribulation and suffering, deepens their commitment and strips away spiritual impurities, leading to a profound holiness. In essence, adversity becomes an instrument of their spiritual growth and maturity.

Conversely, the "wicked" will follow an entirely different trajectory. Far from being softened or reformed by the unfolding events, they will regress further into their inherent depravity. Their hearts will harden, their actions will become increasingly rebellious, and their moral corruption will deepen. Crucially, their wickedness will render them utterly incapable of understanding the divine significance of the prophecies and world events. They will be spiritually blind, unable to discern God's hand, His judgment, or His redemptive plan.

The promise that "those who are wise shall understand" provides immense hope and a call to spiritual diligence. This wisdom is not mere intellectual acumen but a divine discernment rooted in righteousness and a relationship with God. It implies a moral disposition and an openness to divine truth, allowing them to grasp the mysteries previously sealed. This understanding encompasses not only the interpretation of prophecy but also the discernment required to navigate chaotic times with faith and purpose. This verse assures us that while darkness descends and perplexity increases for many, God's faithful will be divinely equipped with insight to comprehend His unfolding will.