But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.

DANIEL 12:13KJV
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Daniel 12:13 (KJV)

What does Daniel 12:13 mean?

Daniel 12:13 tells Daniel that he should continue on his way until the end of his life, with the assurance that he will rest and then be raised to receive his allotted place at the end of days. The verse is a personal promise of rest and a future reward after a period of waiting.

In this verse, an angel speaks directly to Daniel at the close of the book, after revealing visions about the future. Daniel is told to “go thy way,” meaning to continue living faithfully, and is assured that he will “rest” (a gentle way of saying he will die) and later “stand in [his] lot,” which refers to receiving his portion or inheritance when all things are completed. The verse closes the book with comfort and hope for Daniel personally, even as many mysteries remain.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 12:13

  • way (יָלַךְ, yalak): This word means “to go” or “to walk.” Here, it suggests Daniel should continue his life’s journey without worrying about the things he cannot understand or change.
  • rest (נוּחַ, nuach): This word often means “to rest” or “to settle down.” In this context, it gently refers to Daniel’s death, promising peace rather than fear.
  • stand (עָמַד, amad): This means “to stand” or “to arise.” It points to Daniel’s resurrection—he will rise again to receive his reward.
  • lot (גּוֹרָל, goral): This word means “portion” or “assigned share.” It refers to Daniel’s personal inheritance or destiny, echoing the idea of each person receiving what is due to them at the end.

Why Daniel 12:13 matters

  • Daniel 12:13 reassures readers that even when the future is unclear or troubling, God has a personal plan and reward for each faithful person.
  • The verse shifts the focus from grand, sweeping visions to a personal promise, showing that God’s care is not just for nations or history, but for individuals.
  • By ending with this message, the book of Daniel closes with hope and comfort, reminding readers that faithfulness will be recognized, even if understanding is limited in this life.

Where else these words appear

“end” Hebrew H7093 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
  • Esther 2:12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women,(for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
  • Ezekiel 7:2 Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

“rest” Hebrew H5117 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
  • 2 Samuel 7:11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.
  • Isaiah 7:2 And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.

“lot” Hebrew H1486 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 16:8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
  • Joshua 19:24 And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:13 And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.