Daniel 12:3 kjv
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Daniel 12:3 nkjv
Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12:3 niv
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Daniel 12:3 esv
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12:3 nlt
Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.
Daniel 12 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Dan 12:3 | And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. | Principle of eternal reward |
| Matt 5:16 | Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. | Living a righteous life for God's glory |
| Prov 11:30 | The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that begetteth souls is wise. | Connection between wisdom and bringing others to righteousness |
| Prov 4:18 | But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. | Progressive illumination of the righteous |
| 1 Cor 15:41 | There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. | Varied degrees of eternal glory |
| Rev 1:16 | And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shining in his strength. | Christ's power and authority, often associated with stars representing churches/leaders |
| Rev 22:12 | And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. | God's reward for actions |
| Gal 6:7-8 | For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. | Sowing to the Spirit yields eternal life |
| Phil 2:15 | That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. | Christians as lights in a dark world |
| Jude 1:13 | Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. | Contrast of faithful and unfaithful |
| John 8:12 | Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. | Jesus as the ultimate light |
| Matt 13:43 | Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. | The righteous shining in God's kingdom |
| Dan 11:35 | And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. | The testing and refining of the wise |
| Col 1:13-14 | Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. | Redemption and translation into God's kingdom |
| 1 Thess 4:17 | Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. | Eternal presence with the Lord |
| Isa 60:1-3 | Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. | Israel's future restoration and global impact |
| Acts 26:17-18 | Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. | Paul's commission mirroring the verse's theme |
| Heb 12:22-24 | But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, | Heavenly assembly of the righteous |
| Prov 29:25 | Whoso trusteth in the LORD shall be safe: but he that putteth his trust in man is a fool. | Safety in trusting God |
| Eph 5:8-11 | For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. | Living as children of light |
Daniel 12 verses
Daniel 12 3 Meaning
This verse describes the outcome of wisdom and righteousness during a time of tribulation. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness will shine like stars forever and ever. It speaks to eternal reward and influence for those who live and act according to God's will.
Daniel 12 3 Context
Daniel 12 is the concluding chapter of the book, situated within a prophetic vision concerning the end times and the final judgment. This specific verse follows the description of a period of intense tribulation for God's people, a "time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation" (Daniel 12:1). It appears immediately after the announcement that the people "who are written in the book" will be delivered (Daniel 12:1). The preceding verses (12:1-2) speak of Michael's intervention and a general resurrection, with some rising to everlasting life and others to everlasting contempt or shame.
Against this backdrop of unprecedented suffering and a cosmic division, verse 3 offers a powerful contrast by describing the glorious reward and eternal destiny of the faithful and wise. The historical context for Daniel's original audience in exile in Babylon would have provided a deep sense of anticipation for future deliverance and vindication, especially amidst the gentile powers. The "firmament" and "stars" would have resonated with cosmic imagery common in ancient Near Eastern cosmology, but Daniel subverts any pagan interpretation by placing their glory as a direct result of divine faithfulness and service.
Daniel 12 3 Word Analysis
- וְ֠ (wə) wə-: And. A conjunctive particle, connecting this verse to the preceding deliverance.
- הַשְׂכִּ֠ילוּ (haśkîlū) - haskilu: They who are wise, have wisely acted, have prospered, have become wise. From the root שֵׂכֶל (śêḵel), meaning wisdom, prudence, success. It implies not just intellectual knowledge, but applied wisdom and understanding, especially concerning divine truth. The Piel form indicates the cause of becoming wise, or causing others to prosper through wisdom.
- יַזְהִ֠רוּ (yazhîrū) - yazhiru: They shall shine, they shall cause to shine, they shall be bright. From the root זָהַר (zāhhar), meaning to be bright, to shine. This is a metaphor for radiance, glory, and evident recognition of divine favor.
- כְּהַ֥זְהַר (kəhaẕhar) - kehazhar: As the brightness of. A comparative particle (כְּ kə) followed by the noun form related to shining or brightness.
- רָקִיעַ (râqîaʿ) - raqia: Firmament, expanse, sky. In ancient Hebrew cosmology, this was the solid vault or dome of the sky. It signifies a vast, visible, and unchangeable celestial domain.
- וּמְשִׁיבֵי (ūməšîḇê) - umeshibei: And they that turn, convert, cause to return. From the root שׁוּב (šûḇ), meaning to turn back, to return. In a spiritual context, it means to turn to God or to righteousness.
- רַבִּ֧ים (rabbîm) - rabbim: Many. An adjective referring to a large number of people.
- לִצְדָקָ֛ה (liṣdāqâ) - litzdakah: To righteousness. From the root צָדַק (ṣāḏaq), meaning to be righteous, just. It refers to living according to God's standard and also to the state of righteousness. The preposition לְ (lĕ) indicates the direction or object of the turning.
- כַּכּוֹכָבִ֖ים (kakoḵāḇîm) - kachokhavim: As the stars. A comparative particle (כְּ kə) followed by the plural noun for stars.
- לְעוֹלָ֣ם (ləʿōlām) - leolam: Forever, for ever and ever. A duration without end, signifying eternity.
- וָעֶֽד (wāʿeḏ) - va'ed: And for ever. Intensifies the concept of eternity, meaning eternally, for an age.
Group Analysis:
- "Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament" links spiritual wisdom with a visible, enduring radiance in the celestial realm. It's about profound understanding and application leading to a glorious, steadfast luminescence.
- "And they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever" connects the act of influencing others towards God's standard with a persistent, innumerable, and eternal brilliance, akin to stars scattered across the heavens.
Daniel 12 3 Bonus Section
The dual imagery of "firmament" and "stars" offers a layered perspective on glory. The firmament suggests a singular, foundational brilliance, while stars represent multitude and distinct points of light. This could reflect different capacities of service or reception of glory based on one's unique relationship with God and impact on the world. The enduring nature of both celestial bodies underscores the permanent quality of God's rewards for obedience and spiritual labour. The emphasis on turning "many to righteousness" also points to the communal aspect of God's kingdom and the value placed on discipleship and evangelism. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement in times of trial, reminding believers of the eternal significance of their pursuit of wisdom and their efforts to lead others to God.
Daniel 12 3 Commentary
This verse presents a dual aspect of reward for faithfulness. The "wise" are those who possess and act upon divine understanding, particularly in navigating difficult times. Their reward is likened to the brightness of the firmament, suggesting a pervasive, overarching, and beautiful luminescence. This might represent the clarity of their understanding and the glory God imparts to them.
The second aspect highlights those who actively lead others to righteousness. Their reward is described as shining "as the stars for ever and ever." This imagery evokes immense multitude, widespread influence, and an eternal, sparkling presence. It signifies that a significant part of our eternal reward and glory comes from impacting others for God. The eternal nature ("forever and ever") emphasizes that the consequences of such actions transcend this life, echoing Jesus' teaching about storing up treasures in heaven.