Daniel 12:3
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַ֨מַּשְׂכִּלִ֔ים
And they that be wise
H7919
וְהַ֨מַּשְׂכִּלִ֔ים
And they that be wise
Strong's:
H7919
Word #:
1 of 9
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
הָרָקִ֑יעַ
of the firmament
H7549
הָרָקִ֑יעַ
of the firmament
Strong's:
H7549
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky
וּמַצְדִּיקֵי֙
to righteousness
H6663
וּמַצְדִּיקֵי֙
to righteousness
Strong's:
H6663
Word #:
5 of 9
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
הָֽרַבִּ֔ים
and they that turn many
H7227
הָֽרַבִּ֔ים
and they that turn many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
6 of 9
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
כַּכּוֹכָבִ֖ים
as the stars
H3556
כַּכּוֹכָבִ֖ים
as the stars
Strong's:
H3556
Word #:
7 of 9
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince
Cross References
Matthew 13:43Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.Daniel 11:33And 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.Daniel 11:35And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.Proverbs 11:30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.Hebrews 5:12For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.John 4:36And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.John 5:35He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.Jeremiah 23:22But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.1 Corinthians 3:10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
Historical Context
Daniel 12:3 appears in the book's final chapter, concluding the apocalyptic vision received during Cyrus's third year (536 BC). The context is resurrection and final judgment. This is the Old Testament's clearest resurrection prophecy, anticipating New Testament fuller revelation. The promise that faithful teachers would "shine as stars forever" especially encouraged believers during persecution. Many Jews and Christians faced martyrdom for maintaining faithfulness and teaching others.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of eternal reward for leading others to righteousness motivate your evangelistic and discipleship efforts?
- In what ways does understanding resurrection glory provide perspective on present suffering for Christ's sake?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase "they that be wise" comes from the Hebrew root sakal meaning "to understand" or "to have insight." This refers not merely to intellectual knowledge but to spiritual understanding—those who comprehend God's truth and live accordingly. "Shall shine as the brightness of the firmament" uses astronomical imagery—they will radiate glory like the heavenly expanse. This echoes Matthew 13:43: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father."
"And they that turn many to righteousness" describes those who lead others to righteousness—evangelists, teachers, disciplers who point people to God. The causative form emphasizes active agency in others' salvation and sanctification. "As the stars for ever and ever" promises eternal glory proportional to faithfulness in leading others to God. This parallels Jesus' teaching about heavenly rewards and Paul's joy in converts as his "crown of rejoicing."
This verse teaches:
This points to Christ, the ultimate "Wise One" who turned "many to righteousness" through His atoning death.