Daniel 12:3
Daniel 12:3 in Multiple Translations
Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
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.
And they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
And those who are wise will be shining like the light of the outstretched sky; and those by whom numbers have been turned to righteousness will be like the stars for ever and ever.
Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky; those who have shown many the right way to live will shine as bright as the stars forever and ever.
And they that be wise, shall shine, as ye brightnes of the firmament: and they that turne many to righteousnes, shall shine as the starres, for euer and euer.
And those teaching do shine as the brightness of the expanse, and those justifying the multitude as stars to the age and for ever.
Those who are wise will shine as the brightness of the expanse. Those who turn many to righteousness will shine as the stars forever and ever.
And they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
But they that are learned shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and they that instruct many to justice, as stars for all eternity.
Those who were wise will shine as brightly as the sky is bright when the sun is shining. And those who have shown to others the way to live righteously will shine forever, like the stars [SIM].
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 12:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Daniel 12:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ֨/מַּשְׂכִּלִ֔ים
יַזְהִ֖רוּ
כְּ/זֹ֣הַר
הָ/רָקִ֑יעַ
וּ/מַצְדִּיקֵי֙
הָֽ/רַבִּ֔ים
כַּ/כּוֹכָבִ֖ים
לְ/עוֹלָ֥ם
וָ/עֶֽד
וְ/הַ֨/מַּשְׂכִּלִ֔ים
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
Conj | Art | V-Hiphil
יַזְהִ֖רוּ
zâhar
H2094
to shine
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
כְּ/זֹ֣הַר
zôhar
H2096
brightness
Prep | N-ms
הָ/רָקִ֑יעַ
râqîyaʻ
H7549
expanse
Art | N-ms
וּ/מַצְדִּיקֵי֙
tsâdaq
H6663
to justify
Conj | V-Hiphil
הָֽ/רַבִּ֔ים
rab
H7227
many
Art | Adj
כַּ/כּוֹכָבִ֖ים
kôwkâb
H3556
star
Prep | N-mp
לְ/עוֹלָ֥ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
וָ/עֶֽד
ʻad
H5703
perpetuity
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 12:3
וְ/הַ֨/מַּשְׂכִּלִ֔ים
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
Conj | Art | V-Hiphil
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
יַזְהִ֖רוּ
zâhar
H2094
"to shine"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
In Hebrew, this verb means to warn or enlighten someone by caution, like in Proverbs 27:12 where it says to warn the wise. It can also mean to teach or admonish, as seen in Psalm 2:10. This word is about giving guidance.
Definition: 1) to shine, send out light, be light, be shining 1a) (Hiphil) to shine, send out light (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: admonish, shine, teach, (give) warn(-ing). See also: Exodus 18:20; Ezekiel 3:20; Psalms 19:12.
כְּ/זֹ֣הַר
zôhar
H2096
"brightness"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to brightness or shining, like the brightness of the sun in Psalm 19:6. It describes something that gives off light or radiance.
Definition: brightness, shining
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: brightness. See also: Ezekiel 8:2; Daniel 12:3.
הָ/רָקִ֑יעַ
râqîyaʻ
H7549
"expanse"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for the sky or heavens, describing the firmament as a solid surface. It appears in Genesis 1:6-8, where God separates the waters. The KJV translates it as 'firmament'.
Definition: 1) extended surface (solid), expanse, firmament 1a) expanse (flat as base, support) 1b) firmament (of vault of heaven supporting waters above) 1b1) considered by Hebrews as solid and supporting 'waters' above
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: firmament. See also: Genesis 1:6; Psalms 19:2; Psalms 150:1.
וּ/מַצְדִּיקֵי֙
tsâdaq
H6663
"to justify"
Conj | V-Hiphil
Refers to the act of making something right, either by justifying oneself or being declared righteous by God. It is used to describe God's justice and people's attempts to do what is right. This concept is key to understanding the Bible's teachings on sin and redemption.
Definition: 1) to be just, be righteous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have a just cause, be in the right 1a2) to be justified 1a3) to be just (of God) 1a4) to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character) 1b) (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified 1c) (Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to do or bring justice (in administering law) 1d2) to declare righteous, justify 1d3) to justify, vindicate the cause of, save 1d4) to make righteous, turn to righteousness 1e) (Hithpael) to justify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). See also: Genesis 38:26; Job 33:32; Psalms 19:10.
הָֽ/רַבִּ֔ים
rab
H7227
"many"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
כַּ/כּוֹכָבִ֖ים
kôwkâb
H3556
"star"
Prep | N-mp
A star is a round or shining celestial body, and can also symbolize a prince or leader. It is used figuratively in the Bible to describe the Messiah or God's omniscience.
Definition: 1) star 1a) of Messiah, brothers, youth, numerous progeny, personification, God's omniscience (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: star(-gazer). See also: Genesis 1:16; Job 25:5; Psalms 8:4.
לְ/עוֹלָ֥ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
וָ/עֶֽד
ʻad
H5703
"perpetuity"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means forever or eternity, describing something that has no end, like God's existence. It's used in the Bible to talk about things that last forever. In Genesis, it describes God's eternal nature.
Definition: 1) perpetuity, for ever, continuing future 1a) ancient (of past time) 1b) for ever (of future time) 1b1) of continuous existence 1c) for ever (of God's existence)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: eternity, ever(-lasting, -more), old, perpetually, [phrase] world without end. See also: Exodus 15:18; Psalms 111:3; Psalms 9:6.
Study Notes — Daniel 12:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 12:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 12:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 12:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 12:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 12:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 12:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 12:3
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 12:3
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 12:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 12:3
- Sermons on Daniel 12:3
Context — The End Times
1“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.
2And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.
3Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
4But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.” 5Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing there, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 13:43 | Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. |
| 2 | Proverbs 4:18 | The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. |
| 3 | James 5:19–20 | My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins. |
| 4 | Daniel 11:33 | Those with insight will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by sword or flame, or be captured or plundered. |
| 5 | Daniel 11:35 | Some of the wise will fall, so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. |
| 6 | Proverbs 11:30 | The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. |
| 7 | John 4:36 | Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. |
| 8 | Hebrews 5:12 | Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! |
| 9 | Jeremiah 23:22 | But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.” |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 3:10 | By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. |
Daniel 12:3 Summary
[This verse tells us that people who are wise and understand God's plan will shine brightly, like the stars in the sky, and those who help others know God will shine even brighter, forever and ever. This means that when we share the love of God with others and help them know Jesus, we are doing something that will last forever, as seen in Daniel 12:3. It's like planting a seed that will grow and bloom for all eternity, bringing joy and glory to God, as mentioned in Isaiah 55:10-11. By living for God and sharing His love with others, we can look forward to a bright and eternal future, as promised in Revelation 21:23.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the wise to shine like the brightness of the heavens?
This phrase suggests that those who have wisdom and understanding, particularly in regards to God's plan and purposes, will radiate a brilliant light that reflects God's glory, much like the heavens declare the glory of God in Psalm 19:1.
Who are those who lead many to righteousness?
These individuals are likely believers who have shared the Gospel and led others to faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Daniel 12:3, and will be rewarded for their faithfulness, as mentioned in Matthew 25:21-23.
What is the significance of shining like the stars forever and ever?
This phrase indicates that the impact and legacy of those who lead others to righteousness will endure for eternity, much like the stars that have been shining for centuries, as mentioned in Psalm 8:3-4, and will bring glory to God forever.
How does this verse relate to the resurrection mentioned in Daniel 12:2?
The resurrection in Daniel 12:2 sets the stage for the scene in Daniel 12:3, where the wise and those who lead others to righteousness are rewarded and shine brightly, highlighting the connection between faithfulness in this life and the eternal rewards that follow, as seen in Revelation 20:12-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate wisdom and understanding in my daily life, reflecting the light of God's glory?
- How can I be more intentional about leading others to righteousness, and what role can I play in sharing the Gospel with those around me?
- What does it mean for me to shine like a star in the midst of a dark and fallen world, and how can I reflect the light of Christ in my community?
- In what ways can I store up treasures in heaven, as mentioned in Matthew 6:19-21, and look forward to the eternal rewards that await believers?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 12:3
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament,.... That are wise, not in things natural and civil, but in things spiritual; who are wise unto salvation; that are wise to know
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 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. And they that be wise - (Proverbs 11:30).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 12:3
Here the faithful are called wise, i. e. to salvation, and so these two members include teachers, and disciples that are truly taught the way of salvation, i.e. such as are taught of God to learn Christ as the truth is in Jesus, . They that teach true justification by the righteousness of Christ, imputed to faith, which is the sum of the gospel, and express it by righteous walking, they shall have high degrees of glory. By being diligent and faithful instruments in the Lord’ s hand, by the word of God, and a holy example of the conversion of souls from an evil state, from an evil heart, and from an evil life unto God, they shall shine, not in fame for a long time, as Grotius lamely renders it, but for ever and ever in heavenly glory, as the words import.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 12:3
Daniel 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.Ver. 3. And they that be wise.] And in addition do what they can do to wisen others to salvation, as all wise ones will; for goodness is diffusive of itself, and would have others to share with it. Charity is no churl. Shall shine as the brightness of the firmament.] A good amends for their present sufferings. Solomon allowed little or no considerable reward to his workmen, but Christ doth. For they shall shine as the firmament; yea, as the stars; yea, as the sun in his strength; yea, as Christ himself shineth, they shall appear with him in glory. Their souls shall shine through their bodies as the candle doth through the lantern; their bodies shall also be so lightsome and transparent, saith Aquinas, that all the veins, humours, nerves, and bowels shall be seen as in a glass; for so the light pierceth the firmament and stars. Let us therefore keep these bodies of ours clean and free of filth, that they may be fit vessels and receptacles of such a transcendent glory. And they that turn many to righteousness.] Heb., That justify many; scil., Ministerially, as instmments in Christ’ s hand; for "we preach Christ," yea, we give what we preach; "we give the knowledge of salvation for the remission of sins"; we deliver men from hell; we save the souls of them that hear us. As the stars for ever and ever.] What a glorious place is heaven then!
Festinemus ad clarissimam patriam: corrigamus mores et moras, &c. What though Christ’ s ministers be here slighted and slurred? they shall one day shine as stars, yea, the meanest of them, velut inter stellas luna minores. What then the Doctores seraphici?
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 12:3
(3) They that be wise.—Comp. Matthew 13:43, Notes. “The wise” are the same as “those that understand” who were spoken of in Daniel 11:33, meaning those who by their own righteousness—that is, by their faithfulness to their covenant with God—had set a bright example to the others, as in Daniel 11:35. Such is the consolation held out for the support of those who shall witness the tribulation of the last days. (See Notes on Matthew 24 and the parallel passages.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 12:3
Verse 3. And they that be wise] Those who are thoroughly instructed in Christ's word and doctrine, shall shine - shall be eminently distinguished in the Christian Church by the holiness of their lives, and the purity of their creed. And they that turn many to righteousness] They who, by preaching Christ crucified among their brethren, shall be the means of converting them to the Christian faith; shall be as the stars - bright luminaries in the Gospel kingdom of Jesus Christ. This also may be applied to the case of holy and useful men, particularly the faithful ministers of the Gospel, in the day of judgment. See the parallel texts in the margin, and the notes on them. (James 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:41-42)
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 12:3
3. Daniel 12:5-13. Conclusion. The revelation (Daniel 11:2 to Daniel 12:4) is ended; but nothing has been said about the duration of the troubles foretold in it. And yet, to those living in the midst of them, this was a question of vital interest. Daniel accordingly asks, and receives, specific information on this point (Daniel 12:6 ff.).
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 12:3
And they that be wise - This is the language which, in the Scriptures, is employed to denote the pious, or those who serve God and keep his commandments. See the book of Proverbs, passim.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 12:3
3. They that be wise — See Daniel 11:33, and compare Hosea 14:9. In Hosea’s day this was a “new and beautiful doctrine” that the wise could know the ways of the Lord and walk in them.
Sermons on Daniel 12:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jude #6 - Cain, Balaam and Korah by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward degeneration of individuals who profess to be Christians but do not bear fruit. He uses poetic language to describe this degenera |
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Genesis #04 Ch. 1:19-2:3 Life After It's Own Kind by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses various topics related to the design and complexity of the world. They mention the Aswan Dam and its ecological disaster, comparing it to Isai |
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(Mount Vernon) Daniel by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a wise and righteous life. He uses the example of a man who behaved wisely because of God's presence with him. The s |
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James 5 Expositional by Chuck Smith | This sermon by James focuses on various important topics such as the warning to the rich about the dangers of setting their hearts on riches, the importance of patience in waiting |
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10 Vital Evidences of Salvation by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, highlighting the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. It discusses the unleashing of |
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Are You a Soul Winner?! (2012) by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of being in war and the guilt and confusion he felt after killing someone. He expresses anger towards God for allowing such viol |
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He That Winneth Souls - Part 3 of 3 by John R. Rice | This sermon emphasizes the importance of using our resources and time wisely to bring eternal rewards, contrasting the folly of living solely for the present moment. It highlights |