Chapter Overview
Summary
The final vision: resurrection, judgment, and sealed prophecy. Daniel 12:2 is the clearest Old Testament statement of bodily resurrection. Both Greek versions preserve this, though with interesting variations. The chapter's time references (1,290 days, 1,335 days) are consistent across traditions.
Notable Variants
The OG and Theodotion both preserve the resurrection language of 12:2. Minor variants in the descriptions of the righteous shining 'like the stars.' The sealed-book motif (12:4, 9) is consistent. The numbers 1,290 and 1,335 are identical across all traditions.
Structural Notes
All three versions have 13 verses. This is the conclusion of the Hebrew/Aramaic book; chapters 13-14 (Susanna and Bel/Dragon) exist only in the LXX tradition.
At that time Michael will arise — the great prince who stands guard over your people. There will be a time of distress such as has never occurred since nations first came into being until that time. But at that time your people will be rescued — everyone who is found written in the book.
Masoretic (WLC)
מִיכָאֵל הַשַּׂר הַגָּדוֹל
Michael, the great prince
Septuagint (LXX)
Μιχαηλ ὁ ἄρχων ὁ μέγας / Μιχαηλ ὁ ἄγγελος ὁ μέγας
OG: 'Michael, the great angel' / Th: 'Michael, the great prince'
The OG substitutes 'angel' (angelos) for 'prince' (archōn). Theodotion preserves the MT's term sar (prince/ruler). Both identify Michael as Israel's supernatural protector.
Many of those who sleep in the ground of dust will awake — some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting abhorrence.
Masoretic (WLC)
וְרַבִּים מִיְּשֵׁנֵי אַדְמַת־עָפָר יָקִיצוּ אֵלֶּה לְחַיֵּי עוֹלָם וְאֵלֶּה לַחֲרָפוֹת לְדִרְאוֹן עוֹלָם
many who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt
Septuagint (LXX)
OG: πολλοὶ τῶν καθευδόντων ἐν τῷ πλάτει τῆς γῆς ἀναστήσονται / Th: πολλοὶ τῶν καθευδόντων ἐν γῆς χώματι ἐξεγερθήσονται
OG: 'many of those sleeping in the breadth of the earth will rise' / Th: 'many of those sleeping in the dust of the earth will be awakened'
Both Greek versions preserve the dual-destiny resurrection — some to life, some to shame. The OG uses 'breadth of the earth' (platei tēs gēs) instead of 'dust of the ground' (afar adamah). Theodotion's exegerthēsontai (will be raised) is used in the NT for Christ's resurrection. This is the foundational text for Jewish and Christian resurrection theology.
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.
Masoretic (WLC)
יַזְהִרוּ כְּזֹהַר הָרָקִיעַ
will shine like the brightness of the expanse
Septuagint (LXX)
φανοῦσιν ὡς φωστῆρες τοῦ οὐρανοῦ
will shine as the lights of heaven
Both Greek versions preserve the astral imagery. Jesus alludes to this in Matthew 13:43 ('the righteous will shine like the sun').
But you, Daniel — close up the words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will search back and forth, and knowledge will increase.
Masoretic (WLC)
סְתֹם הַדְּבָרִים וַחֲתֹם הַסֵּפֶר עַד־עֵת קֵץ
shut up the words and seal the book until the time of the end
Septuagint (LXX)
σφράγισον τοὺς λόγους καὶ σφράγισον τὸ βιβλίον
seal the words and seal the book
OG omits 'until the time of the end.' Theodotion preserves it. The sealed-book motif is inverted in Revelation 22:10 ('Do not seal up the words').
Then I, Daniel, looked, and there were two others standing — one on this bank of the river and one on the other bank of the river.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river: How long until the end of these astonishing things?
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river. He raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by the One who lives forever that it would be for a set time, set times, and half a time. When the shattering of the power of the holy people is completed, all these things will be finished.
Masoretic (WLC)
מוֹעֵד מוֹעֲדִים וָחֵצִי
for a time, times, and half a time
Septuagint (LXX)
εἰς καιρὸν καὶ καιροὺς καὶ ἥμισυ καιροῦ
for a time, times, and half a time
Identical across all versions — the 3.5-year formula repeated from 7:25. This becomes the foundational apocalyptic time unit (cf. Revelation 11:2-3, 12:6, 14, 13:5).
I heard but did not understand. So I said: My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
He said: Go on your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
Many will be purified, made clean, and refined. The wicked will act wickedly, and none of the wicked will understand — but the wise will understand.
No significant variant between the LXX/Theodotion and the MT for this verse.
From the time the regular offering is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.
Masoretic (WLC)
אֶלֶף מָאתַיִם וְתִשְׁעִים
one thousand two hundred ninety
Septuagint (LXX)
χίλιαι διακόσιαι ἐνενήκοντα
one thousand two hundred ninety
1,290 days — identical across all versions. The relationship between 1,290 days, 1,335 days, and the 3.5 years of 7:25 and 12:7 is debated.
Blessed is the one who waits and reaches 1,335 days.
Masoretic (WLC)
אֶלֶף שְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת שְׁלֹשִׁים וַחֲמִשָּׁה
one thousand three hundred thirty-five
Septuagint (LXX)
χιλίας τριακοσίας τριάκοντα πέντε
one thousand three hundred thirty-five
1,335 days — identical across all versions. The 45-day difference from 1,290 is unexplained in the text.
But you — go on to the end. You will rest, and you will stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.
Masoretic (WLC)
לְקֵץ הַיָּמִין
at the end of the days
Septuagint (LXX)
εἰς συντέλειαν ἡμερῶν
unto the consummation of days
Both Greek versions preserve the promise that Daniel will 'rest' (die) and then 'rise' (be resurrected) at the end of days. A fitting conclusion connecting to the resurrection theme of 12:2.