Daniel 12 4

Daniel 12:4 kjv

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.

Daniel 12:4 nkjv

"But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."

Daniel 12:4 niv

But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge."

Daniel 12:4 esv

But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."

Daniel 12:4 nlt

But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase."

Daniel 12 verses

Daniel 12 4 Meaning

The verse indicates that the wisdom gained will enable understanding of future events and time periods. It also suggests that the message is sealed until the appointed time of the end, when knowledge will increase and many will be purified, tested, and refined.

Daniel 12 4 Context

Daniel 12 is the concluding chapter of the book of Daniel. It follows a vision given to Daniel concerning future events, particularly the end times. This specific verse concludes the angel's (likely Gabriel's) prophecy to Daniel, providing final instructions and pronouncements regarding the trustworthiness and significance of the revealed message. The historical context is during the Babylonian captivity, but the prophecy extends to a far future, the "time of the end." The cultural context involves Jewish understanding of prophecy and divine revelation.

Daniel 12 4 Word Analysis

• And thou, Daniel, cause the words to be heard: The imperative verb indicates a command to Daniel. The "words" refer to the entire prophetic message communicated to him.
• shut up the words: This signifies that the full meaning and timing of the prophecy were not to be completely understood or disseminated by everyone immediately. It implies a hidden or sealed nature.
• and seal the book: The "book" or scroll here represents the collection of these prophetic visions and their conclusions. Sealing indicates concealment until a specified time.
• even to the time of the end: This phrase marks the specific period when the understanding and fulfillment of these prophecies would become more apparent.
• many shall run to and fro: This is often interpreted in different ways. It can refer to diligent searching and increased travel in seeking knowledge during the end times, or it can signify restlessness and confusion among people.
• and knowledge shall be increased: This suggests a significant expansion of general and spiritual understanding as the end times approach, not necessarily always righteous knowledge but also potentially worldly knowledge.
• Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two: This is a transitional phrase introducing a new element in Daniel's vision.
• and, behold, the linen garment: This refers to a specific type of garment, typically worn by priests, suggesting divine presence or angelic authority.
• and, behold, the fine linen, clothed with gold about the reins: The description highlights purity and richness, reinforcing the angelic status and the solemnity of the scene.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end": This is a critical phrase indicating a divinely ordained restriction on full comprehension until a specific future period. The sealing suggests the message was not for everyone's immediate understanding, but rather reserved for those who would live closer to the end, and it was intended to remain secure until then. This points to a purposeful delay in complete revelation.

Daniel 12 4 Bonus Section

The concept of "knowledge being increased" in the context of the end times is a significant prophetic indicator. This increase can be viewed through the lens of scientific, technological, and information advancement, but more crucially, it refers to the deepened understanding of God's Word and prophetic timelines. The sealing of the book, meaning the limited understanding of its content until the appropriate time, is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, emphasizing God's sovereign control over the timing of revelation. The verse sets the stage for a discernment of true wisdom amidst a deluge of information, a relevant challenge for believers today.

Daniel 12 4 Commentary

This verse serves as a concluding remark to the prophecy delivered in Daniel 12. It highlights that the understanding of these future events was intentionally restricted ("sealed") until the "time of the end." During this final period, there would be an increase in both general knowledge and the diligent search for divine wisdom. While the knowledge of many may increase in worldly matters and intellectual pursuits ("run to and fro"), true understanding and discernment, particularly of prophecy, would also be significantly elevated. This is not merely academic increase but a divine impartation of wisdom. The context suggests that at the end, those who are wise will gain comprehension, and this period will be marked by intense activity and a great deal of information being shared, yet much of it may not lead to true insight.