Daniel 12:2
What does Daniel 12:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Daniel 12:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Daniel 12:2 means
This verse speaks of a future resurrection where many deceased individuals will be brought back to life from their graves, metaphorically described as "sleep[ing] in the dust of the earth." This awakening is not universal in its outcome; it leads to two distinct and eternal destinies. Some will experience "everlasting life," signifying an eternal existence in God's presence and favor. Conversely, others will face "shame and everlasting contempt," indicating an eternal state of judgment, dishonor, and separation from God. The contrast highlights the ultimate and irreversible division of humanity based on divine judgment, emphasizing the eternal consequences of earthly lives.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And a number of those who are sleeping in the dust of the earth will come out of their sleep, some to eternal life and some to eternal shame.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And the multitude of those sleeping in the dust of the ground do awake, some to life age-during, and some to reproaches--to abhorrence age-during.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And many of those that sleep in the dust of the earth, shall awake: some unto life everlasting, and others unto reproach, to see it always.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame, to everlasting contempt.
Context
Daniel 12 opens with a prophecy concerning "a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation." This refers to a period of intense tribulation, likely the Great Tribulation described elsewhere in prophetic literature. Immediately preceding verse 2, Daniel 12:1 speaks of Michael, the great prince, standing up for God's people, and states that "everyone whose name shall be found written in the book" will be delivered. Thus, Daniel 12:2 directly follows a promise of divine protection and deliverance for the righteous during a time of unprecedented global distress, providing the ultimate hope for those who endure faithfully.
v.1And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who 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.
v.2This passage
v.3And they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 22:29
But Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
- 1 Corinthians 15:51
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed,
- John 11:23
Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
- Acts 24:15
having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.
- 1 Corinthians 15:20
But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep.
- Hosea 13:14
I will ransom them from the power of Sheol; I will redeem them from death: O death, where are thy plagues? O Sheol, where is thy destruction? repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
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