Daniel 12:7
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 12:7 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Daniel is part of a vision where the prophet sees a man clothed in linen standing above the waters of the river. The man raises his hands to heaven and swears by the eternal living God that a period of time, times, and half a time will pass before certain events occur. This period often symbolizes a time of trial or persecution for the people of God. The scattering of the power of the holy people mentioned in the verse likely refers to a time of tribulation or persecution that will come upon the righteous. However, the man in linen assures that after this period is completed, all things will be finished. This verse is a reminder that even in the face of challenges and persecution, there is hope in the promise of God that all things will ultimately be resolved and finished according to His plan.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the symbolism and imagery used to convey a message. The man clothed in linen represents a heavenly figure, possibly an angel or a manifestation of God's presence. The act of holding up his hands to heaven signifies invoking a solemn oath, emphasizing the importance and truthfulness of the message being conveyed. The mention of a "time, times, and an half" has been interpreted in various ways, with some seeing it as a reference to a specific period of time, while others view it as symbolic of a period of tribulation or persecution. The mention of scattering the power of the holy people could refer to a time of hardship or testing for believers, with the promise that all will be completed according to God's plan. Through word studies, the significance of each phrase and symbol can be further unpacked to deepen our understanding of the message being communicated in this verse.
Daniel 12:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above 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 a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
World English Bible
I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by him who lives forever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
Douay-Rheims
And I heard the man that was clothed in linen, that stood upon the waters of the river, when he had lifted up his right hand, and his left hand to heaven, and had sworn by him that liveth for ever, that it should be unto a time, and times, and half a time. And when the scattering of the band of the holy people shall be accomplished, all these things shall be finished.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I heard ye man clothed in line which was vpon the waters of the riuer, when he helde vp his right hand, and his left hand vnto heauen, and sware by him that liueth for euer, that it shall tarie for a time, two times and an halfe: and when he shall haue accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.