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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Daniel 12:4 But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/daniel/12-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/27_Dan_12_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Daniel 12:4 - Michael's Deliverance and the End Times" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/daniel/12-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/daniel/12-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/daniel/">Daniel</a> > <a href="/daniel/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/daniel/12-3.htm" title="Daniel 12:3">◄</a> Daniel 12:4 <a href="/daniel/12-5.htm" title="Daniel 12:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/daniel/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/daniel/12.htm">New International Version</a> But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/daniel/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.” <a href="/esv/daniel/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” <a href="/bsb/daniel/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.” <a href="/kjv/daniel/12.htm">King James Bible</a> But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. <a href="/nkjv/daniel/12.htm">New King James Version</a> “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” <a href="/nasb_/daniel/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.” <a href="/nasb/daniel/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/daniel/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.” <a href="/lsb/daniel/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the time of the end; many will go to and fro, and knowledge will increase.” <a href="/amp/daniel/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the scroll until the end of time. Many will go back and forth and search anxiously [through the scroll], and knowledge [of the purpose of God as revealed by His prophets] will [greatly] increase.” <a href="/csb/daniel/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “But you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.” <a href="/hcsb/daniel/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.&#8221 <a href="/asv/daniel/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. <a href="/cev/daniel/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Daniel, I now command you to keep the message of this book secret until the end of time, even though many people will go everywhere, searching for the knowledge to be found in it. <a href="/erv/daniel/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. <a href="/gwt/daniel/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "But you, Daniel, keep these words secret, and seal the book until the end times. Many will travel everywhere, and knowledge will grow." <a href="/gnt/daniel/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> He said to me, "And now, Daniel, close the book and put a seal on it until the end of the world. Meanwhile, many people will waste their efforts trying to understand what is happening." <a href="/isv/daniel/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now as for you, Daniel, roll up your scroll and seal your words until the time of the end. Many will rush around, while knowledge increases.'" <a href="/msb/daniel/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.? <a href="/net/daniel/12.htm">NET Bible</a> "But you, Daniel, close up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will dash about, and knowledge will increase." <a href="/nheb/daniel/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But you, Daniel, close up these words, and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall roam here and there, and knowledge shall increase." <a href="/wbt/daniel/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. <a href="/web/daniel/12.htm">World English Bible</a> But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end. Many will run back and forth, and knowledge will be increased.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/daniel/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “And you, O Daniel, hide the things, and seal the scroll until the time of the end, many go to and fro, and knowledge is multiplied.” <a href="/ylt/daniel/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And thou, O Daniel, hide the things, and seal the book till the time of the end, many do go to and fro, and knowledge is multiplied.' <a href="/slt/daniel/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run through and knowledge shall be multiplied.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/daniel/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time appointed: many shall pass over, and knowledge shall be manifold. <a href="/cpdv/daniel/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But you, Daniel, close the message and seal the book, until the established time. Many will pass through, and knowledge will be increased.” <a href="/nabre/daniel/12.htm">New American Bible</a> “As for you, Daniel, keep secret the message and seal the book until the end time; many shall wander aimlessly and evil shall increase.” <a href="/nrsvce/daniel/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But you, Daniel, keep the words secret and the book sealed until the time of the end. Many shall be running back and forth, and evil shall increase.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/daniel/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But you, O Daniel, seal these words and be silent, and seal this book even to the time of the end; many shall want to know the end, and knowledge shall be increased. <a href="/hpbt/daniel/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> But you, Daniel, seal these words and be silent and seal this book until the time of the end. Many shall seek and knowledge shall be multiplied<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/daniel/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.' <a href="/sep/daniel/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And thou, Daniel, close the words, and seal the book to the time of the end; until many are taught, and knowledge is increased. <a href="/parallel/daniel/12-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/shUZJK-vYxI?start=4370" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/daniel/12.htm">Michael's Deliverance and the End Times</a> …3Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever. 4<a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">But you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1841.htm" title="1841: ḏā·nî·yêl (N-proper-ms) -- God is my judge, an Isr. leader in Bab. (Aramaic) corresponding to Daniye'l; Danijel, the Heb. Prophet.">Daniel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5640.htm" title="5640: sə·ṯōm (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To stop up, shut up, keep close. Or satham; a primitive root; to stop up; by implication, to repair; figuratively, to keep secret.">shut up</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·də·ḇā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">these words</a> <a href="/hebrew/2856.htm" title="2856: wa·ḥă·ṯōm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To seal, affix a seal, seal up. A primitive root; to close up; especially to seal.">and seal</a> <a href="/hebrew/5612.htm" title="5612: has·sê·p̄er (Art:: N-ms) -- A missive, document, writing, book. Or ciphrah; from caphar; properly, writing; by implication, a book.">the book</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: ‘êṯ (N-csc) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">the time</a> <a href="/hebrew/7093.htm" title="7093: qêṣ (N-ms) -- End. Contracted from qatsats; an extremity; adverbially after.">of the end.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">Many</a> <a href="/hebrew/7751.htm" title="7751: yə·šō·ṭə·ṭū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to push forth; to lash, i.e. to row; by implication, to travel.">will roam to and fro,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: had·dā·‘aṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">and knowledge</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: wə·ṯir·beh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3fs) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">will increase.”</a> 5Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing there, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/revelation/22-10.htm">Revelation 22:10</a> Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near. <a href="/revelation/10-4.htm">Revelation 10:4</a> When the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to put it in writing. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.” <a href="/amos/8-12.htm">Amos 8:12</a> People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east, seeking the word of the LORD, but they will not find it. <a href="/matthew/24-14.htm">Matthew 24:14</a> And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. <a href="/habakkuk/2-2.htm">Habakkuk 2:2-3</a> Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. / For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay. <a href="/revelation/1-3.htm">Revelation 1:3</a> Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near. <a href="/isaiah/29-11.htm">Isaiah 29:11</a> And the entire vision will be to you like the words sealed in a scroll. If it is handed to someone to read, he will say, “I cannot, because it is sealed.” <a href="/revelation/5-1.htm">Revelation 5:1-5</a> Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. / And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” / But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it. ... <a href="/jeremiah/23-20.htm">Jeremiah 23:20</a> The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart. In the days to come you will understand this clearly. <a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">2 Timothy 3:7</a> who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. <a href="/isaiah/11-9.htm">Isaiah 11:9</a> They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water. <a href="/revelation/14-6.htm">Revelation 14:6</a> Then I saw another angel flying overhead, with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation and tribe and tongue and people. <a href="/ezekiel/12-27.htm">Ezekiel 12:27</a> “Son of man, take note that the house of Israel is saying, ‘The vision that he sees is for many years from now; he prophesies about the distant future.’ <a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">1 Peter 1:10-12</a> Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. <a href="/isaiah/8-16.htm">Isaiah 8:16</a> Bind up the testimony and seal the law among my disciples.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But you, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.shut.<a href="/daniel/8-26.htm">Daniel 8:26</a> And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.<a href="/revelation/10-4.htm">Revelation 10:4</a> And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.<a href="/revelation/22-10.htm">Revelation 22:10</a> And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.to the.<a href="/daniel/12-9.htm">Daniel 12:9</a> And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.<a href="/daniel/8-17.htm">Daniel 8:17</a> So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.<a href="/daniel/10-1.htm">Daniel 10:1</a> In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.many.<a href="/daniel/11-33.htm">Daniel 11:33</a> And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.<a href="/isaiah/11-9.htm">Isaiah 11:9</a> They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.<a href="/isaiah/29-18.htm">Isaiah 29:18,19</a> And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/12-1.htm">Book</a> <a href="/daniel/9-21.htm">Close</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-2.htm">Conceal</a> <a href="/daniel/10-12.htm">Daniel</a> <a href="/daniel/11-45.htm">End</a> <a href="/daniel/11-44.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-19.htm">Fro</a> <a href="/daniel/10-7.htm">Hide</a> <a href="/daniel/11-39.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/daniel/11-23.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/daniel/11-41.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/daniel/6-25.htm">Multiplied</a> <a href="/daniel/12-3.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-14.htm">Rolled</a> <a href="/daniel/8-23.htm">Run</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-3.htm">Scroll</a> <a href="/daniel/9-24.htm">Seal</a> <a href="/daniel/8-26.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/daniel/8-26.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/daniel/12-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/daniel/11-29.htm">Way</a> <a href="/daniel/11-32.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nahum/1-1.htm">Book</a> <a href="/joel/2-1.htm">Close</a> <a href="/amos/9-3.htm">Conceal</a> <a href="/daniel/12-5.htm">Daniel</a> <a href="/daniel/12-6.htm">End</a> <a href="/hosea/6-3.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/joel/2-9.htm">Fro</a> <a href="/amos/9-3.htm">Hide</a> <a href="/hosea/4-10.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/hosea/4-2.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/hosea/2-8.htm">Multiplied</a> <a href="/malachi/2-6.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/micah/1-10.htm">Rolled</a> <a href="/hosea/2-7.htm">Run</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-1.htm">Scroll</a> <a href="/matthew/27-66.htm">Seal</a> <a href="/daniel/12-9.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/daniel/12-9.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/daniel/12-7.htm">Time</a> <a href="/daniel/12-9.htm">Way</a> <a href="/daniel/12-8.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Daniel 12</div>1. <a href="/daniel/12-1.htm">Michael shall deliver Israel from their troubles.</a> 5. <a href="/daniel/12-5.htm">Daniel is informed of the times.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/daniel/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/daniel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/daniel/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. This directive to Daniel emphasizes the importance and confidentiality of the prophecy he received. In ancient times, sealing a document was a way to preserve its contents and ensure its authenticity. The command to "shut up" and "seal" suggests that the full understanding of these prophecies was not meant for Daniel's time but for a future period. This mirrors the sealing of the scroll in <a href="/revelation/5.htm">Revelation 5</a>, which only the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is worthy to open. The "time of the end" refers to the eschatological period, a theme consistent throughout the book of Daniel, which often points to the culmination of history and the establishment of God's kingdom.Many will roam to and fro, This phrase can be interpreted as a description of increased movement and searching for understanding in the last days. It suggests a time of restlessness and seeking, possibly both physically and intellectually. The imagery of roaming "to and fro" is reminiscent of <a href="/amos/8-12.htm">Amos 8:12</a>, where people search for the word of the Lord but do not find it. This could imply a spiritual searching or a quest for truth and understanding as the end times approach.and knowledge will increase. The increase in knowledge can be seen as both a positive and a negative development. On one hand, it may refer to a greater understanding of God's plans and prophecies as the end times draw near. On the other hand, it could also indicate a surge in secular knowledge and technological advancement, which can lead to both progress and moral challenges. This aligns with <a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">2 Timothy 3:7</a>, where people are "always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth," highlighting the potential for knowledge to be misused or misunderstood without divine wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/daniel.htm">Daniel</a> A prophet and a key figure in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness to God and his ability to interpret dreams and visions. In this verse, he is instructed to seal the words of the prophecy. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_book.htm">The Book</a> Refers to the prophetic writings and visions given to Daniel, which are to be sealed until the end times. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_time_of_the_end.htm">The Time of the End</a> A period often associated with eschatological events, marking the culmination of God's plan for history. 4. <a href="/topical/m/many_roaming_to_and_fro.htm">Many Roaming to and Fro</a> This phrase suggests a time of increased movement and searching, possibly for understanding or truth. 5. <a href="/topical/i/increase_of_knowledge.htm">Increase of Knowledge</a> Indicates a future time when knowledge, particularly of God's plans and purposes, will expand significantly.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/sealing_of_prophecy.htm">Sealing of Prophecy</a> The sealing of the book signifies that some revelations are meant for a future time. This teaches us patience and trust in God's timing. <a href="/topical/e/end_times_awareness.htm">End Times Awareness</a> Understanding that we live in a time where knowledge is increasing should prompt us to seek discernment and wisdom from God. <a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_true_knowledge.htm">Pursuit of True Knowledge</a> As knowledge increases, believers are called to discern between worldly knowledge and divine truth, grounding themselves in Scripture. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_uncertainty.htm">Faithfulness in Uncertainty</a> Like Daniel, we are to remain faithful and obedient, even when full understanding is not yet revealed. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_the_future.htm">Preparation for the Future</a> The increase in knowledge and movement suggests a need for spiritual readiness and vigilance as we approach the end times.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_daniel_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Daniel 12</a> <a href="/q/is_daniel_12_4_a_true_prediction.htm">Does Daniel 12:4’s statement about increased knowledge and travel genuinely predict historical advancements, or is it too vague to be taken seriously? </a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_signs_of_the_end_times.htm">What are the signs of the end times?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_sealed_thunders_align_with_truth.htm">If the “seven thunders” speak words that remain sealed (Revelation 10:4), how can we reconcile that with the Bible’s claim to reveal truth? </a> <a href="/q/why_are_biblical_prophecies_symbolic.htm">Why do many biblical prophecies rely on symbolic language open to multiple interpretations?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/daniel/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) Shut up the words.--The revelation, which commenced in <a href="/daniel/10-20.htm" title="Then said he, Know you why I come to you? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, see, the prince of Grecia shall come.">Daniel 10:20</a>, now draws towards a close, and the prophet receives a further revelation respecting the time of the end. The revelation continues to be called by the same name, "the words," as in <a href="/daniel/10-1.htm" title="In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.">Daniel 10:1</a>; and now the prophet is told that the book in which this revelation is written must be placed in a safe and sure place, for the need of it will be felt in "the time of the end," that is, in the time when the fulfilment makes the meaning of the prophecy clear and unambiguous.Many shall run to and fro.--The verb "to run" is used in <a href="/jeremiah/5-1.htm" title="Run you to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if you can find a man, if there be any that executes judgment, that seeks the truth; and I will pardon it.">Jeremiah 5:1</a> of searching after knowledge. In this sense it is used of "the eyes of the Lord" (<a href="/zechariah/4-10.htm" title="For who has despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.">Zechariah 4:10</a>; comp. <a href="/amos/8-12.htm" title="And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.">Amos 8:12</a>). In the same sense it is used in this verse. Many will anxiously search in this book for knowledge of the manner of God's dealings with His people, and will derive comfort and understanding therefrom. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/daniel/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. The Septuagint rendering in the last portion of the verse is totally different from the Masserotic recension, which is correctly rendered in our English version, "And thou, Daniel, hide the commands and seal the book till the time of the end, till many shall rave violently (ἀπομανῶσιν) and the earth be filled with unrighteousness." It is possible that יְשֻׁגּעוּ (yeshoogg'oo), "were mad," was read instead of יִּשׂטְטוּ (yishoetoo), "ran to and fro." In the older script מ. was not unlike ע. Professor Bevan has suggested that instead of הַדָּעַת (hadda'th), "the knowledge," the Septuagint translator has read הָרָעֹת (hara'oth), "the evils," and thinks that this gives the Septuagint Greek. Were one, however, to render the Greek back into Hebrew, that would not be the form the words would take. It may, however, be regarded as a paraphrase. Theodotion's version is closer to the Massoretic, "And thou, Daniel, shalt guard (ἕμφραζον, ('make a fence round') the words, and seal the book till the time of the end, till many shall be taught, and knowledge shall be fulfilled." Theodotion here takes שיט as meaning, not "run to and fro," but "peruse carefully." The last clause somewhat justifies Professor Bevan's suggestion: רָבָה used to mean "fulfil" or "fill out." The Peshitta renders, "And thou, then, Daniel, seal these commands, render silent, and seal this book till the time of the end, and many shall inquire, and knowledge shall be increased." The Vulgate agrees on the whole with the Massoretic text. Shut up the words. The exact rendering of the words is "close up;" hence Theodotion's rendering "put a rampart round," the סָתַם (satham), means generally "to stop up a well;" e.g. <a href="/2_kings/3-19.htm">2 Kings 3:19</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/32-30.htm">2 Chronicles 32:30</a>; <a href="/genesis/26-15.htm">Genesis 26:15</a>. In <a href="/nehemiah/4-1.htm">Nehemiah 4:1</a> (7) it is used of stopping the breaches in the wall; only in <a href="/ezekiel/28-3.htm">Ezekiel 28:3</a> and <a href="/psalms/8.htm">Psalm 8</a> (6) is the word rendered, even in the English versions, "hidden;" but even in these cases that is not the necessary or even the natural meaning of the woful. These remarks apply also to <a href="/daniel/8-26.htm">Daniel 8:26</a>. Seal the book. There is a question as to the force of this phrase. Does it mean, as Hitzig, Bevan, and the critical school generally maintain it means, that the book was to be hidden and concealed? This view, if correct, would certainly give a plausibility to the contention that the book of Daniel is the work of a falsarisu. We have seen, however, that the real meaning of the verb translated "shut up" is not "conceal," but "to shut up" with the view certainly of hindering access to them, but not at all with the intention of concealment. So the "sealing" here does not necessarily indicate concealment, but rather the conclusion of the matter with further idea of confirmation. The oracles of God are regarded as a spring of water; if we follow the figure implied in the first word used, the flow is stopped now; so far as this message is concerned, nothing more is to be drawn from the fountain. But a fountain may also be sealed (see <a href="/songs/4-12.htm">Song of Solomon 4:12</a>, "A garden enclosed, a fountain sealed"). In that case there is no idea of concealment. The book, then, of the prophecy is to be sealed against any change or addition. Even take the view of the critics, there is here no elaborate directions as to the concealment of the vision as we find in the case of the 'Assumption of Moses.' But further, we have no account of the finding of the book. Daniel was not like the 'Assumption of Moses,' the esoteric possession of a single sect, it was on the critical hypothesis soon known all over Palestine and Egypt. We know that the finding of the book of the Law in the reign of Josiah is narrated in <a href="/2_kings/22.htm">2 Kings 22</a>. and <a href="/2_chronicles/34.htm">2 Chronicles 34</a>; but neither 1 Maccabees nor 2 Maccabees says a word about the finding of the Book of Daniel. Josephus also has no word of the discovery of Daniel, although he relates the finding of the book of the Law in the days of Josiah. There must have been no tradition of such a thing taking place, yet two centuries was not so long as to obliterate tradition. The sealing had metaphorical meaning - a book sealed, though it was visible to the eye, and was not hidden away - could not be read. If the key by which to interpret it is not granted, a book in cipher cannot be read (comp. <a href="/isaiah/29-11.htm">Isaiah 29:11, 12</a>, "And the vision of all is become unto you as a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot, for it is sealed. And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned." If the book were sealed that it could not be opened, the delivering of the book and the request to read it would be meaningless). Prophecy was delivered frequently in enigmatic language, and the meaning of it could only be grasped when circumstance supplied the key. To the time of the end. The end is not the end of the persecution of the days of Antiochus - that is already past; we have now reached the consummation of all things. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. This is to be looked upon as a description of the last time, when circumstance shall remove the seal from the book. The translator of the Septuagint has been led away by the idea of the time as one of sorrow. The verb, however, translated "going to and fro" may be rendered, as it is by Ewald, as "to peruse." The veil then shall be removed, the seals broken when men peruse the prophecy carefully, and knowledge is increased. <a href="/commentaries/daniel/12-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But you, וְאַתָּ֣ה (wə·’at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you Daniel, דָֽנִיֵּ֗אל (ḏā·nî·yêl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1840.htm">Strong's 1840: </a> Daniel -- 'God is my judge', the name of several Israelites shut up סְתֹ֧ם (sə·ṯōm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5640.htm">Strong's 5640: </a> To stop up, to repair, to keep secret these words הַדְּבָרִ֛ים (had·də·ḇā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause and seal וַחֲתֹ֥ם (wa·ḥă·ṯōm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2856.htm">Strong's 2856: </a> To seal, affix a seal, seal up the book הַסֵּ֖פֶר (has·sê·p̄er) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5612.htm">Strong's 5612: </a> A missive, document, writing, book until עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while the time עֵ֣ת (‘êṯ) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when of the end. קֵ֑ץ (qêṣ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7093.htm">Strong's 7093: </a> An extremity, after Many רַבִּ֖ים (rab·bîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> Much, many, great will roam to and fro, יְשֹׁטְט֥וּ (yə·šō·ṭə·ṭū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7751.htm">Strong's 7751: </a> To push forth, to lash, to row, to travel and knowledge הַדָּֽעַת׃ (had·dā·‘aṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> Knowledge will increase.” וְתִרְבֶּ֥ה (wə·ṯir·beh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> To be or become much, many or great <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/daniel/12-4.htm">Daniel 12:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/daniel/12-4.htm">Daniel 12:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/daniel/12-4.htm">Daniel 12:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/daniel/12-4.htm">Daniel 12:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/daniel/12-4.htm">Daniel 12:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/daniel/12-4.htm">Daniel 12:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/daniel/12-4.htm">Daniel 12:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/daniel/12-4.htm">Daniel 12:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/daniel/12-4.htm">Daniel 12:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/daniel/12-4.htm">Daniel 12:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/daniel/12-4.htm">OT Prophets: Daniel 12:4 But you Daniel shut up the words (Dan. Da Dn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/daniel/12-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Daniel 12:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Daniel 12:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/daniel/12-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Daniel 12:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Daniel 12:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>