This passage shows that God’s revelation unfolds progressively.
Throughout the Book of Daniel—believed to be authored by the Hebrew prophet Daniel, who lived in Babylonian exile during the 6th century BC—there is a pattern of receiving visions and instructions about future events. In Daniel 12:4, the prophet himself is told, “But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase” (v.4). This instruction follows a series of revelations describing extraordinary occurrences at the end of days, and it specifically asks Daniel to preserve the integrity of the prophecy. While some insights will remain hidden, the text foreshadows a coming era in which God’s wisdom will be unveiled more widely.
The phrase “conceal these words and seal up the book” (v.4) indicates that the divine mysteries revealed to Daniel are not yet ready to be fully understood. Historically, Daniel served under Babylonian and subsequently Persian rulers, experiencing firsthand the transitions of empires. The command to seal the revelation implies that these truths have a precise divine timetable; they were to remain guarded until a later period when their significance would become clearer. Geographically, Daniel and his fellow exiles lived in Babylon, an ancient Mesopotamian powerhouse located in what is now modern-day Iraq, which was the center of influence and culture during Daniel’s time.
The latter part of the verse, “many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase” (v.4), suggests that as time progresses, humanity will gain deeper insight into God’s plan. Some interpret this as a reference to literal travel and the spread of information, while others see an allusion to the spiritual enlightenment that will grow among God’s people, culminating in the clarifying light brought by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Revelation 22 also provides a reversal of this instruction to seal the message, indicating in the New Testament era that the fulfillment of prophecy draws near. Faithful readers can find assurance in the promise that though the full understanding of prophetic details may be sealed for a time, God will ultimately make His plans known.
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Daniel 12:4 meaning
Throughout the Book of Daniel—believed to be authored by the Hebrew prophet Daniel, who lived in Babylonian exile during the 6th century BC—there is a pattern of receiving visions and instructions about future events. In Daniel 12:4, the prophet himself is told, “But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase” (v.4). This instruction follows a series of revelations describing extraordinary occurrences at the end of days, and it specifically asks Daniel to preserve the integrity of the prophecy. While some insights will remain hidden, the text foreshadows a coming era in which God’s wisdom will be unveiled more widely.
The phrase “conceal these words and seal up the book” (v.4) indicates that the divine mysteries revealed to Daniel are not yet ready to be fully understood. Historically, Daniel served under Babylonian and subsequently Persian rulers, experiencing firsthand the transitions of empires. The command to seal the revelation implies that these truths have a precise divine timetable; they were to remain guarded until a later period when their significance would become clearer. Geographically, Daniel and his fellow exiles lived in Babylon, an ancient Mesopotamian powerhouse located in what is now modern-day Iraq, which was the center of influence and culture during Daniel’s time.
The latter part of the verse, “many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase” (v.4), suggests that as time progresses, humanity will gain deeper insight into God’s plan. Some interpret this as a reference to literal travel and the spread of information, while others see an allusion to the spiritual enlightenment that will grow among God’s people, culminating in the clarifying light brought by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Revelation 22 also provides a reversal of this instruction to seal the message, indicating in the New Testament era that the fulfillment of prophecy draws near. Faithful readers can find assurance in the promise that though the full understanding of prophetic details may be sealed for a time, God will ultimately make His plans known.