Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
DANIEL 9:24KJVWhat does Daniel 9:24 mean?
Daniel 9:24 says that a set period—described as “seventy weeks”—has been set for Daniel’s people and Jerusalem to bring an end to wrongdoing, make things right with God, establish lasting righteousness, confirm the truth of visions and prophecy, and dedicate the most holy place. This verse summarizes a timeline and a series of spiritual goals that God has determined for Israel and Jerusalem.
The angel Gabriel is speaking to Daniel, who has been praying for understanding about Israel’s future while the people are in exile. Daniel 9:24 lays out six major things that will happen by the end of this “seventy weeks” period. These include dealing with sin, bringing about forgiveness and righteousness, and fulfilling what God has revealed through visions and prophets. The verse sets the stage for the detailed timeline that follows in the rest of the chapter.
The Hebrew behind Daniel 9:24
- “Seventy” (שִׁבְעִים, shivʿim) and “weeks” (שָׁבוּעַ, shavuʿa) together literally mean “seventy sevens.” In Hebrew, this often refers to weeks of years, so many understand this as seventy periods of seven years each, not literal weeks.
- “Determined” (חָתַךְ, chathakh) means “decreed” or “set apart.” This word shows that this period is fixed by God’s decision, not just a general prediction.
- “Reconciliation” (כָּפַר, kaphar) means “to cover” or “to make atonement.” This highlights that part of the purpose is to deal with guilt and restore the relationship between God and the people.
- “Anoint the most Holy” (קָדָשִׁים קָדֹשׁ, qodesh qodashim) refers to consecrating the holiest place or person. This phrase can mean the temple’s inner sanctuary or a most holy figure, depending on context.
Why Daniel 9:24 matters
- Daniel 9:24 clarifies that the “seventy weeks” are symbolic and tied to a specific plan for Israel and Jerusalem, not just a random time period.
- The verse lists six specific goals, showing that God’s plan is about both dealing with sin and bringing in lasting righteousness, not just ending exile.
- This verse connects the timeline of Daniel’s vision to the larger story of God’s promises, showing that the coming events fulfill earlier prophecies and set up the hope for restoration.