Daniel 12:6 (KJV)

What does Daniel 12:6 mean?

Daniel 12:6 describes one figure asking another, who is dressed in linen and standing above the river, how long it will be until the extraordinary events Daniel has seen come to an end. The question is about the timing of the fulfillment of the visions or wonders Daniel has witnessed.

In this scene, Daniel is observing a conversation between heavenly beings. One asks the "man clothed in linen"—a figure often understood as an angelic messenger—about the duration until the end of the remarkable things just described. The question sets up the answer that follows, which will give Daniel (and the reader) a sense of how long these troubling or awe-inspiring events will last.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 12:6

• "wonders" (פֶּלֶא, peleʾ): This word refers to things that are extraordinary, miraculous, or hard to understand. Here, it emphasizes that the events Daniel has seen are not ordinary but are remarkable acts or occurrences that prompt awe and questions.
• "end" (קֵץ, qēts): This word means a conclusion or final point. The question is specifically about when these wonders will reach their final outcome, highlighting a concern for when suffering or upheaval will be resolved.
• "man" (אִישׁ, ʾish): While the word simply means "man," in this context it refers to a supernatural figure, not a human, which adds to the sense of mystery and importance in the vision.

Why Daniel 12:6 matters

• Daniel 12:6 shows that even heavenly beings express curiosity about the timing of God's plans, which can comfort readers who also wonder about the future.
• The verse highlights the importance of the "man clothed in linen," who acts as a key messenger and interpreter in Daniel’s visions, connecting this scene to earlier chapters.
• This question sets up the answer in the following verses, which is central to understanding the timeline and meaning of the prophetic events described in the book of Daniel.