And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

DANIEL 12:7KJV
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Daniel 12:7 (KJV)

What does Daniel 12:7 mean?

Daniel 12:7 describes a heavenly figure, clothed in linen, raising both hands and making a solemn oath by God that a period described as “a time, times, and an half” must pass before the suffering and scattering of the holy people is completed, after which all the foretold events will be fulfilled. This verse signals a set period of hardship for God’s people, with a definite end known to God.

The scene takes place by a river, where Daniel witnesses this vision. The “man clothed in linen” is often understood as an angelic or divine messenger, and his gesture of raising both hands emphasizes the seriousness of his oath. The phrase “a time, times, and an half” points to a symbolic period (often interpreted as three and a half years), and the focus is on God’s control over the timeline of suffering and restoration for the holy people.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 12:7

  • “Time, times, and an half” uses the word מוֹעֵד (mo‘ed), which means an appointed time or season. This emphasizes that the period of suffering is fixed and purposeful, not random.
  • “Scatter” comes from נָפַץ (nafats), meaning to shatter or break apart. This word highlights the intensity of the hardship faced by the holy people, suggesting a complete breaking or dispersing.
  • “Power” is יָד (yad), literally “hand,” which in this context refers to strength or ability. The phrase “scatter the power of the holy people” means their strength or influence will be broken before the end comes.

Why Daniel 12:7 matters

  • Daniel 12:7 clarifies that the suffering of the holy people is not endless; it has a set limit known to God, which can be comforting to readers facing hardship.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty, showing that even periods of distress are under divine control and will lead to a purposeful conclusion.
  • Daniel 12:7 connects to the larger theme of Daniel’s visions, where heavenly messengers reveal that history unfolds according to God’s timetable, not human understanding.

Where else these words appear

“scatter” Hebrew H5310 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 9:19 These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.
  • Psalms 137:9 Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.
  • Jeremiah 22:28 Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?

“linen” Hebrew H906 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
  • 1 Samuel 2:18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
  • Ezekiel 9:11 And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.

“river” Hebrew H2975 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
  • Exodus 7:24 And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.
  • Isaiah 33:21 But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.

“hand” Hebrew H8040 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • Judges 3:21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
  • 2 Chronicles 18:18 Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.