Daniel 12:8
Daniel 12:8 in Multiple Translations
I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?”
And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my lord, what shall be the issue of these things?
And the words came to my ears, but the sense of them was not clear to me: then I said, O my lord, what is the sense of these things?
I heard the answer, but I didn't understand it. So I asked, “My lord, what's the final result of all this?”
The I heard it, but I vnderstood it not: the said I, O my Lord, what shalbe ye end of these things?
And I have heard, and I do not understand, and I say, 'O my lord, what [is] the latter end of these?'
I heard, but I didn’t understand. Then I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?”
And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things ?
And I heard, and understood not. And I said: O my lord, what shall be after these things?
I heard what he said, but I did not understand it. So I asked, “Sir, what will be the result when these things end?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 12:8
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 12:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/אֲנִ֥י
שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי
וְ/לֹ֣א
אָבִ֑ין
וָ/אֹ֣מְרָ֔/ה
אֲדֹנִ֕/י
מָ֥ה
אַחֲרִ֖ית
אֵֽלֶּה
וַ/אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אָבִ֑ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וָ/אֹ֣מְרָ֔/ה
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
אֲדֹנִ֕/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
מָ֥ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אַחֲרִ֖ית
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
N-fs
אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 12:8
וַ/אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָבִ֑ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
וָ/אֹ֣מְרָ֔/ה
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲדֹנִ֕/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
מָ֥ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אַחֲרִ֖ית
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
N-fs
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
Study Notes — Daniel 12:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 12:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 12:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 12:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 12:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 12:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 12:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 12:8
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 12:8
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 12:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 12:8
- Sermons on Daniel 12:8
Context — The End Times
6One of them said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long until the fulfillment of these wonders?”
7And the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by Him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, and times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has finally been shattered, all these things will be completed.”
8I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?”
9“Go on your way, Daniel,” he replied, “for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. 10Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 1:7 | Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 1:11 | trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. |
| 3 | Daniel 10:14 | Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision concerns those days.” |
| 4 | Daniel 12:6 | One of them said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long until the fulfillment of these wonders?” |
| 5 | Luke 18:34 | But the disciples did not understand any of these things. The meaning was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend what He was saying. |
| 6 | John 12:16 | At first His disciples did not understand these things, but after Jesus was glorified they remembered what had been done to Him, and they realized that these very things had also been written about Him. |
Daniel 12:8 Summary
In Daniel 12:8, Daniel heard a message but didn't understand what it meant, so he asked for clarification. This shows that it's okay to not understand everything and to ask for help. Just like Daniel, we can ask God for wisdom and clarification when we don't understand something (as James 1:5 encourages). By seeking to understand and being humble, like Daniel, we can deepen our relationship with God and gain a better understanding of His plan for our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13 and Proverbs 2:3-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Daniel heard but did not understand?
This means that Daniel was given a revelation, but the meaning was not immediately clear to him, which is why he asked for clarification, as seen in Daniel 12:8, similar to the experience of the disciples in Matthew 15:15-16 when they asked Jesus to explain a parable.
Why did Daniel ask about the outcome of these things?
Daniel asked about the outcome because he was seeking to understand the purpose and conclusion of the events that had been revealed to him, demonstrating his desire to know God's plan, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:13 and Proverbs 2:3-5.
Is it normal to not understand everything God reveals to us?
Yes, it is normal to not understand everything, as seen in Daniel 12:8, and it is okay to ask for clarification, just as Daniel did, and as the Psalmist did in Psalm 119:18, where he prayed for his eyes to be opened to understand God's word.
How can we, like Daniel, seek understanding when we do not comprehend spiritual things?
We can seek understanding by praying for wisdom, as in James 1:5, and by asking for clarification, as Daniel did in Daniel 12:8, demonstrating humility and a willingness to learn, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking understanding or clarity from God, and how can I, like Daniel, humbly ask for His guidance?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my desire to know and understand God's plan, as Daniel did by asking about the outcome of the things revealed to him?
- How can I balance the tension between being given a revelation and not immediately understanding its meaning, as Daniel experienced, and what does this teach me about faith and trust in God?
- What role does humility play in seeking understanding from God, as seen in Daniel's request for clarification, and how can I cultivate this in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 12:8
And I heard, but understood not,.... Daniel heard what Christ said, in answer to the angel, but he did not understand the meaning of it, which he ingenuously confesses; he did not understand what was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 12:8
And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? I heard, but I understood not.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 12:8
i.e. What is the meaning of all this, of the times, time, and half, when they begin and end; and when the enemies of the churches, and the sufferings of the church, shall have their end.
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 12:8
Daniel 12:8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what [shall be] the end of these [things]?Ver. 8. And I heard, but I understood not.] This he ingenuously confesseth, for the best know but in part. And if any man thinketh that he knoweth ought, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. Let this be noted by such as profess to know, beyond the periphery of human knowledge, all that is knowable. Any created understanding is but, as Aeschylus saith of fire stolen by Prometheus, παντεχνουπυροςσελας, a spark of the all-wise God’ s fire. The prophets themselves understood not some things that were shown unto them without a further light from the Father of lights, whose alone it is to enlighten both organ and object, as Plato also could say. What shall be the end of these things?] An end he much desired, and the angel for him. But men must have patience, and wait God’ s end. "Ye have need of patience or tarryance," saith the apostle, "that after ye have done the will of God (and suffered it too, grievous though it be for the present) ye may receive the promise." Good men find it often more easy to bear evil than to wait till the promised good be enjoyed. οψιντεποιειορανκαιταορωμεναπρασθαι. - Lib. vi. De Rep.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 12:8
(8) I understood not.—He did not understand the answer given in Daniel 12:7. The question did not seem to have had any reply. It had been asked how long the end should continue, and the answer had been only the obscure words, “time, times, and an half.” What shall be the end?—Daniel refers to the “wonderful things” mentioned in Daniel 12:6, and using a different word for “end,” asks which of these wonders is to be the last—i.e., which of them is to come immediately before the end of all things.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 12:8
Verse 8. I heard, but I understand not] Could not comprehend what the time, times, and half time should refer to. These make three years and a half of prophetic time, answering to one thousand two hundred and sixty years.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 12:8
8–13. The answer was far from explicit, so that Daniel did not understand it: he accordingly asked for more definite particulars.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 12:8
And I heard, but I understood not - He understood not the full significance of the language employed - “a time, and times, and an half.” This would make it probable that there was something more
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 12:8
8. This is not literally a question as to the length of time before the end (Daniel 12:6), but as to the issue of this struggle so far as the wicked oppressors and the righteous sufferers are concerned.
Sermons on Daniel 12:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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All That Matters by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, Ralph begins by describing a situation where they were unable to make blocks due to the water covering the sand. He then mentions seeing two donkeys on an island, e |
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The Valley of Dry Bones by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Pastor Dave Wilkerson speaks about the importance of taking action to bring spiritual life to a city filled with spiritually dead people. He references the story of |
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Ascension Power by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He reminds the audience that seeing the wounds of Jesus should make it difficult for |
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The Holy Spirit by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He refers to Acts chapter 1, where Jesus instructs his followers to wait in Jeru |
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(Happenings Ahead) the Man of Sin 2 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not allowing blasphemies against God's name. He warns that believers should not remain silent or pretend to be unaffected w |
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Living a Life of Power and Influence by John White | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing a biblical story where Peter and John heal a man and give credit to God for the miracle. The speaker then shares a personal experi |
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Baptism of the Holy Spirit by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of open-air preaching in India and the impact it had on him. He emphasizes the importance of being transformed by the Holy Spirit |