And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

DANIEL 12:1KJV
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Daniel 12:1 (KJV)

What does Daniel 12:1 mean?

Daniel 12:1 describes a future time of great distress for the people of Israel, unlike anything that has happened before, but promises that those whose names are recorded in a special book will be rescued. The verse highlights both the severity of coming trouble and the assurance of deliverance for a specific group.

The speaker is the angel (often understood as Gabriel) addressing Daniel, explaining what will happen "at that time"—a period connected to the end of earlier visions. Michael, called a "great prince," is described as standing up to defend the people. The "book" refers to a heavenly record, suggesting that deliverance is for those recognized or known by God. This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which deals with resurrection and final judgment.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 12:1

  • מִיכָאֵל (Mîkhā’ēl, "Michael"): This name means "Who is like God?" and refers to a powerful angelic figure who acts as a protector or advocate for Israel, emphasizing divine care.
  • שַׂר (śar, "prince"): This word means a leader or chief, underscoring Michael’s authority and special role over the people.
  • צָרָה (tsārāh, "trouble"): This word is often used for distress or adversity, and here it points to an unprecedented crisis, highlighting the seriousness of what is being foretold.
  • סֵפֶר (sēfer, "book"): This refers to a written record, often understood as a heavenly ledger of those who belong to God, making the deliverance selective and purposeful.

Why Daniel 12:1 matters

  • Daniel 12:1 clarifies that the coming hardship is not random but is tied to God’s larger plan and protection for His people, especially those "written in the book."
  • The verse connects the role of Michael as a heavenly protector directly to the fate of Israel, showing that spiritual realities are involved in earthly events.
  • It introduces the idea of a "book" of names, which becomes important for later Jewish and Christian thought about judgment, salvation, and belonging to God.

Where else these words appear

“Michael” Hebrew H4317 · used in 13 verses

  • Numbers 13:13 Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael.
  • 1 Chronicles 7:3 And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men.
  • 2 Chronicles 21:2 And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.

“be” Hebrew H1961 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Exodus 12:4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
  • 2 Samuel 7:24 For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, LORD, art become their God.

“trouble” Hebrew H6869 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
  • Psalms 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
  • Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

“delivered” Hebrew H4422 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
  • Isaiah 37:38 And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.