OET interlinear DAN 12:1

12:1a

At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up: The speech of the angelic being began in 10:20. Some translations have chosen to supply the information that the same angel continues to speak here. For example:

The angel wearing linen clothes said, “At that time the great angel Michael, who guards your people, will appear. (GNT)

At that time: This phrase refers to the time of the fulfilment of the previous prophecy, which is the time of the rule and then death of the evil king.

Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people: The Hebrew is more literally “Michael the great prince who stands over the sons of your people.” The idea here seems to be that Michael is responsible in some way for protecting the people of Israel. Here are some other ways to translate this:

the great prince who watches over your people (NET)

the great prince, Michael, who stands beside the sons of your people (NJPS)

Michael, the great prince: Michael is one of the archangels (chief or leading angels). He is also referred to as a prince in 10:13b, 21b. See the notes at 10:13b and 10:21b and see how you translated this title there. In some languages a literal translation may give the wrong meaning that Michael was a human ruler. Some English translations therefore make it explicit that he is an angel. For example:

the great angel Michael (GNT)

will rise up: The Hebrew verb that the BSB translates as will rise up is literally “will stand up.” In this context it indicates that Michael will begin to take responsibility for God’s people and act on their behalf.

12:1b

There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time: This verse part indicates that the distress at this time will be unlike any that has happened before. It is implied that the distress will be worse. The distress or troubles will be more severe. Here are some other ways to translate this:

It will be a time of trouble, the like of which has never been since the nation came into being. (NJPS)

There will be a time of distress unlike any other from the nation’s beginning up to that time. (NET)

a time of distress: The phrase a time of distress means “a difficult/troubled time” or “a time in which people will experience distress.” Here are some other ways to translate this:

a period of anguish (REB)

a time of terrible suffering (CEV)

very troubled/difficult times

from the beginning of nations: The Hebrew is more literally “from when there was a nation/people.” There are two ways to understand this:

1. It means “since Israel became a nation/people.” For example:

   from the nation’s beginning (NET) (NJPS, NET, REB, NABRE, probably KJV, NASB, ESV)

2. It means “from the time that nations in general began to exist.” For example:

   since nations first came into existence (NJB) (BSB, RSV/NRSV, GNT, NIV, GW, NLT, CEV, NCV, NJB)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), as this more closely reflects the specific concerns of the writer, and since the Hebrew word for “nation” is singular. The NET is therefore used in the Display. However, either understanding is possible.

12:1c

But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered: The people who will be delivered are described in two ways, as your people and as everyone whose name is found written in the book. The second phrase here probably limits the meaning of the first phrase, your people. Those of Daniel’s people whose names are written in the book will be delivered. Here are some other ways to translate this:

At that time your people will be rescued, all who are found inscribed in the book (NJPS)

All of your people whose names are written in the book will be delivered.

everyone whose name is found written in the book: The Hebrew text is more literally “everyone who is found written in the scroll.” The BSB and many other translations supply the word name. In some languages it may be natural to use plural forms here. For example:

all those whose names are found written in the book (NET)

in the book: Scholars agree that this is a reference to the book of life. In this book God recorded the names of those whom he would deliver. This is a metaphor that refers to God’s choice and decision to deliver his people. There is a similar idea in Isaiah 4:3, Psalm 69:28, and Malachi 3:16–18.

will be delivered: This is a passive verb and there are at least two ways to translate it:

• Using a passive verb. For example:

  will be rescued (NJPS)

• Using an active verb. For example:

  will escape (NET)

  God will deliver/rescue

Use the verb form that is most natural in your language in this context.