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Daniel 9:26

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

Daniel 9:26 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse you are referring to, Daniel 9:26, speaks of a prophecy regarding the coming of the Messiah and the destruction of Jerusalem. The "threescore and two weeks" mentioned here symbolize a period of time, specifically 62 weeks, which some interpret as years, leading up to the arrival of the Messiah. The verse prophesies that the Messiah will be "cut off" or killed, not for himself, but for the salvation of humanity. It also foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and its sanctuary by a prince who will come, leading to desolation and war. The mention of a flood may symbolize a swift and overwhelming destruction. This verse is often seen as a reference to the death of Jesus Christ, who was crucified in Jerusalem, as well as the Roman destruction of the city in 70 AD. Overall, it is a poignant reminder of the sacrifice made for the redemption of mankind and the consequences of turning away from God.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Daniel is rich in theological interpretation and is often considered a prophetic passage referring to the coming of the Messiah. The mention of "threescore and two weeks" is commonly understood to refer to a period of 62 weeks, which in some interpretations represents 62 weeks of years, totaling 434 years. The reference to the Messiah being "cut off, but not for himself" is seen by many as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's sacrificial death on the cross for the sins of humanity. The destruction of the city and sanctuary by the "people of the prince that shall come" has been interpreted as a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD by the Romans. The phrase "end thereof shall be with a flood" is often understood metaphorically as a symbol of overwhelming destruction. The mention of "desolations are determined" is seen as a foreshadowing of the turmoil and tribulations that will occur before the end times. Overall, this verse is highly symbolic and has been subject to various interpretations throughout history.

Daniel 9:26 in other translations

American Standard Version

And after the threescore and two weeks shall the anointed one be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and even unto the end shall be war; desolations are determined.

World English Bible

After the sixty-two weeks the Anointed One shall be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and its end shall be with a flood, and even to the end shall be war; desolations are determined.

Douay-Rheims

And after sixty-two weeks Christ shall be slain: and the people that shall deny him shall not be his. And a people, with their leader, that shall come, shall destroy the city, and the sanctuary: and the end thereof shall be waste, and after the end of the war the appointed desolation.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And after threescore and two weekes, shall Messiah be slaine, and shall haue nothing,, and the people of the prince that shall come, shall destroy the citie and the Sanctuarie, and the end thereof shalbe with a flood: and vnto the end of the battell it shalbe destroyed by desolations.