DAN 9:25 Parallel Verse View

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Text critical issues=none Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

Key: khaki:verbs.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the OET-RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).

ULT Know and understand that from the issuing of the word to restore and build Jerusalem until an anointed one, a prince, there will be seven sevens and sixty-two sevens. It will be built again with plaza and moat, but in times of distress.

UST You need to know and understand this: There will be 49 years from the time that the king commands that Jerusalem should be rebuilt until the leader that God has chosen will come. Then 434 years later, Jerusalem will be rebuilt, and it will have streets and will have a moat around it to protect the city. But that will be a time when God’s people have a lot of troubles.

OEB No OEB DAN book available

WEBBE “Know therefore and discern that from the going out of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem to the Anointed One,[fn] the prince, will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be built again, with street and moat, even in troubled times.

9:25 “Anointed One” can also be translated “Messiah” (same as “Christ”).

WMBB “Know therefore and discern that from the going out of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem to the Anointed One,[fn] the prince, will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be built again, with street and moat, even in troubled times.

9:25 “Anointed One” can also be translated “Messiah” (same as “Messiah”).

NET So know and understand:
⇔ From the issuing of the command to restore and rebuild
⇔ Jerusalem until an anointed one, a prince arrives,
⇔ there will be a period of seven weeks and sixty-two weeks.
⇔ It will again be built, with plaza and moat,
⇔ but in distressful times.

LSV And you know, and consider wisely, from the going forth of the word to restore and to build Jerusalem until Messiah the Leader [is] seven periods of seven, and sixty-two periods of seven: the broad place has been built again, and the rampart, even in the distress of the times.

FBV You need to know and understand that from the time the command is given to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the Messiah,[fn] seven weeks plus sixty-two weeks will elapse. It will be built with streets and defenses, in spite of the difficult times.

9:25 “Messiah”: literally means “anointed one.”

T4T You need to know and understand this: There will be 49 years from the time that the king commands that Jerusalem should be rebuilt until the leader/king that God has chosen will come. Then 434 years later, Jerusalem will be rebuilt, and it will have streets and will have a ◄moat/deep ditch filled with water► around it to protect the city. But that will be a time when God’s people will have a lot of troubles/difficulties/suffering.

LEB And you must know and you must understand[fn] that from the time of the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem until an anointed[fn] one—a leader—will be _⌊seven weeks and sixty-two weeks_⌋;[fn] it will be restored and will be built with streets and a moat, but _⌊in a time of oppression_⌋.[fn]

9:25 Or “so you are to know and discern” (NASB), or “know then and understand” (e.g. NEB)

9:25 Or “messiah”

9:25 Literally “weeks seven and weeks sixty and two”

9:25 Literally “in distress/oppression of the times/time”

BBE Have then the certain knowledge that from the going out of the word for the building again of Jerusalem till the coming of a prince, on whom the holy oil has been put, will be seven weeks: in sixty-two weeks its building will be complete, with square and earthwork.

Moff Know then, understand, that between the issue of the prophetic command to re-people and rebuild Jerusalem and the consecrating of a supreme high priest, seven weeks of years shall elapse; in the course of sixty-two weeks of years it shall be rebuilt, with its squares and streets;

JPS Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the word to restore and to build Jerusalem unto one anointed, a prince, shall be seven weeks; and for threescore and two weeks, it shall be built again, with broad place and moat, but in troublous times.

ASV Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the anointed one, the prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troublous times.

DRA Know thou therefore, and take notice: that from the going forth of the word, to build up Jerusalem again, unto Christ the prince, there shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks: and the street shall be built again, and the walls in straitness of times.

YLT And thou dost know, and dost consider wisely, from the going forth of the word to restore and to build Jerusalem till Messiah the Leader [is] seven weeks, and sixty and two weeks: the broad place hath been built again, and the rampart, even in the distress of the times.

Drby Know therefore and understand: From the going forth of the word to restore and to build Jerusalem unto Messiah, the Prince, are seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks. The street and the moat shall be built again, even in troublous times.

RV Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the anointed one, the prince, shall be seven weeks: and threescore and two weeks, it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troublous times.
(Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Yerusalem unto the anointed one, the prince, shall be seven weeks: and threescore and two weeks, it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troubled times. )

SLT And thou shalt know and understand, from the going forth of the word to turn back and to build Jerusalem even to Messiah the leader, seventy weeks, and sixty and two weeks: and the street shall turn back and be built, and the ditch, in the trouble of the times.

Wbstr Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and sixty and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

KJB-1769 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.[fn][fn][fn]
(Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Yerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troubled times. )

9.25 be built…: Heb. return and be built

9.25 wall: or, breach, or, ditch

9.25 troublous: Heb. strait of

KJB-1611 [fn][fn][fn]Know therefore and vnderstand, that from the going foorth of the commandement to restore and to build Ierusalem, vnto the Messiah the Prince, shall be seuen weekes; and threescore and two weekes, the street shall be built againe, and the wall, euen in troublous times.
(Modernised spelling is same as from KJB-1769 above, apart from punctuation and footnotes)

9:25 Heb. shall returne and be built.

9:25 Or, breach or ditch.

9:25 Hebr. in strait of times.

Bshps Knowe therfore and vnderstand, that from the going foorth of the commaudement, to bring againe the people and to builde Hierusalem, vnto Messiah the prince, there shalbe seuen weekes and threescore and two weekes: and the streete shalbe built againe, and the wall, euen in the straitnes of time.
(Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment, to bring again the people and to build Yerusalem, unto Messiah the prince, there shall be seven weeks and threescore and two weeks: and the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in the straitnes of time.)

Gnva Knowe therefore and vnderstande, that from the going foorth of the commandement to bring againe the people, and to builde Ierusalem, vnto Messiah the prince, shall be seuen weekes and threescore and two weekes, and the streete shalbe built againe, and the wall euen in a troublous time.
(Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to bring again the people, and to build Yerusalem, unto Messiah the prince, shall be seven weeks and threescore and two weeks, and the street shall be built again, and the wall even in a troubled time. )

Cvdl Vnderstode this then, and marcke it well: that from the tyme it shalbe concluded, to go and repayre Ierusalem agayne, vnto Christ (or the anoynted) prynce: there shalbe seuen wekes. Then shall the stretes & walles be buylded agayne lxij. wekes, but with harde troublous tyme.
(Understode this then, and mark it well: that from the time it shall be concluded, to go and repair Yerusalem again, unto Christ (or the anointed) prince: there shall be seven weeks. Then shall the streets and walls be built again lxij. weeks, but with hard troubled time.)

Wycl Therfor wite thou, and perseyue; fro the goyng out of the word, that Jerusalem be bildid eft, til to Crist, the duyk, schulen be seuene woukis of yeeris and two and sixti woukis of yeeris; and eft the street schal be bildid, and wallis, in the angwisch of tymes.
(Therefore wit/know thou/you, and perceive; from the going out of the word, that Yerusalem be built eft, till to Christ, the duyk, should be seven weeks of years and two and sixty weeks of years; and after the street shall be built, and walls, in the angwisch of times.)

Luth So wisse nun und merke: Von der Zeit an, so ausgehet der Befehl, daß Jerusalem soll wiederum gebauet werden, bis auf Christum, den Fürsten, sind sieben Wochen und zweiundsechzig Wochen, so werden die Gassen und Mauern wieder gebauet werden, wiewohl in kümmerlicher Zeit.
(So know now and merke: From the/of_the time/period an, so goes the/of_the command(n), that Yerusalem should again/in_turn built become, until on/in/to Christum, the prince(s)/ruler(s), are seven Wochen and twoundsechzig Wochen, so become the alleys/lanes and walls again built become, although in kümmerlicher time/period.)

ClVg Scito ergo, et animadverte: ab exitu sermonis, ut iterum ædificetur Jerusalem, usque ad christum ducem, hebdomades septem, et hebdomades sexaginta duæ erunt: et rursum ædificabitur platea, et muri in angustia temporum.
(Scito therefore, and animadverte: away exit speech, as again ædificetur Yerusalem, until to christum leader, hebdomades seven, and hebdomades sixty two they_will_be: and again will_be_built platea, and walls in/into/on distress times. )

TTN Tyndale Theme Notes:

The Seventy Sets of Seven

The seventy sevens (or weeks) of Daniel 9:24-27 have always puzzled students of the Bible. Although difficult to assign to a precise period of history, the seventy sets of seven are significant: They demonstrate God’s sovereignty over history and emphasize his ability to bring his plans for his people to completion. The number seventy (seven times ten) represents completeness. For example, the seventy years of exile for God’s people (9:2) were enough to chastise them. The two main interpretations of the seventy sets of seven are presented here.

SCENARIO A: THE REIGN OF ANTIOCHUS IV (175–163 BC).) The seventy sets of seven refer to history from Cyrus II of Persia (539 BC; see 9:25; Ezra 1:2-4) to Antiochus IV (175–163 BC; see Dan 8:23-25; 11:21-39). In this scenario, the “Anointed One” was the high priest Onias III, and the “ruler” (9:26-27) was Antiochus IV, whose treaty with the people of Judea in 174 BC was supposed to allow them to practice their faith peacefully. In 170 BC, Antiochus attacked Jerusalem, killed many, and looted the Temple. Then in 167 BC he put an end to the sacrifices and offerings, forced the Jews to stop practicing their faith on pain of death, and desecrated the Temple with a “sacrilegious object”: He placed a statue of Zeus on the altar of burnt offering, where he sacrificed pigs and other unclean animals (cp. 11:21-35). Antiochus was struck with a painful disease, and he died in 163 BC—“The fate decreed for this defiler” was “finally poured out on him” (9:27; see also 8:25; 1 Maccabees 1:10-24; 6:7-16; 2 Maccabees 9:1-29). In Scenario A, when Jesus spoke of the “sacrilegious object that causes desecration,” he was referring to the Jews’ experience in the time of Antiochus as a paradigm of the things that would happen in the future (see Matt 24:15; cp. Luke 21:20; 2 Thes 2:3-4).

SCENARIO B: THE DEATH OF CHRIST (AD 30 or 33). The seventy weeks are a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ, the anointed Messiah. In this scenario, the “seventy sets of seven” began either with the decree of Cyrus (538 BC; Ezra 1:1-4) or with one of the decrees of Artaxerxes (458 or 445 BC; Ezra 7:8-26; Neh 2:1-10). The death of Christ then occurred either at the end of sixty-nine sets of seven (seven plus sixty-two, Dan 9:25-26) or at the midpoint of the seventieth (9:27). These two options have implications for how the seventy sets of seven are brought to completion. In the first option, the seventieth set of seven is seen as a future time not yet fulfilled. In the second option, the seventieth set of seven is seen as having been completed when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70. If the decree of Cyrus is seen as the starting point, the 490 years are symbolic. However, if the decree given to Nehemiah to rebuild the city (445 BC; Neh 2:1) is taken as the starting point (Dan 9:25), then there were very nearly 483 years (69 x 7 years) between that date and the death of Christ in AD 30 or 33.

Option 1: The Seventieth Set of Seven Remains to Be Fulfilled in the Future. Many interpreters have argued that Christ’s death occurred at the end of the sixty-ninth set of seven, and the seventieth set of seven is yet to be fulfilled. In that case, there is now a long gap from the sixty-ninth set of seven to the seventieth. The seventieth still lies in the future and corresponds to the reign of the Antichrist during the tribulation at the end of history (see 2 Thes 2:3-12; 1 Jn 2:18-22; 4:3; 2 Jn 1:7; Rev 13:1, 5; 16:13-14; 17:11; 19:20-21; 20:10).

Option 2: The Seventieth Set of Seven Was Completed When Rome Destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. Other interpreters have held that the seventy weeks were fulfilled with the coming of Christ, his death and resurrection, and the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in AD 70. In this case, Christ began his ministry at the end of the sixty-ninth set of seven, around AD 28. He ministered for approximately three and a half years, then was killed in the middle of the seventieth seven. The remaining half-seven ended when the “ruler”—one or more of the Roman rulers—destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple in AD 70. The war and its miseries now continue between God’s people and the kingdom of this world to the very end, when Christ will return, judge the wicked, and establish his Kingdom.

Passages for Further Study

Dan 7:8, 11, 20-21, 24-27; 8:9-14; 9:24-27; 11:29-31, 40-45; 12:7, 11; 2 Thes 2:3-12; 1 Jn 2:18-22; 4:3; 2 Jn 1:7; Rev 13:1, 5; 16:13-14; 17:11; 19:20-21; 20:10

SOTN SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 9:1–27: Daniel asked God to help Jerusalem and received a message from Gabriel concerning seventy weeks

The vision recorded in this chapter occurred during the first year of the reign of Darius (538 B.C.). Thirteen years had therefore passed since Daniel received the vision described in chapter 8. Daniel was now more than eighty years old.

Daniel had read in the book of Jeremiah that God’s people would remain in exile and serve the king of Babylon for seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11). During that time the city of Jerusalem would remain in ruins. However, God had promised to bring his people back to the land of Judah after the seventy years were over (Jeremiah 29:10). Now Daniel realized that the seventy-year period was almost at an end. He prayed for his people and for Jerusalem. In response, God sent the angel Gabriel to reveal what would happen in the future.

Paragraph 9:24–27

The interpretation of this paragraph is extremely controversial. Scholars do not agree as to how or when the words of Gabriel were or will be fulfilled. It is therefore important to translate the text as it stands, without attempting to explain any past or future fulfillment. It is probable that the prophecies were (or will be) fulfilled in more than one way and at more than one time. Antiochus Epiphanes defiled the temple in 167 BC, and Jesus saw the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army in AD 70 as another fulfillment (see Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14). Daniel’s words may also have reference to the end times. It is therefore recommended that the translator use vocabulary that permits multiple fulfillments. The translator should not include notes that allow for only one way of understanding Gabriel’s words.

9:25a

Know and understand this:

¶ “Learn and understand these things.
¶ “So you must understand that

Know and understand this: In the Hebrew text this verse part is connected to the previous verse part by the common conjunction that is often translated as “and.” In this context it may be natural to follow the NET and say:

So know and understand (NET)

Know and understand: These are commands. In some languages it may be more natural to say:

I want you to know and understand

9:25b–e

There is a textual and interpretation problem in these verse parts. It is related to the punctuation of the Hebrew text. Scholars do not agree as to whether the phrases “seven weeks” and “sixty-two weeks” belong together or whether they have reference to separate events. The two main views are:

the phrases “seven sevens” and “sixty-two sevens” belong together and refer to two probably consecutive periods of time. For example:
from the time the command is given to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the anointed prince comes, seven sets of seven time periods and sixty–two sets of seven time periods will pass. Jerusalem will be restored and rebuilt with a city square and a moat during the troubles of those times. (GW) (BSB, NIV, GW, CEV, NET, KJV, NASB, NJB, NLT, NCV)
the phrase “seven sevens” refers to the events of 9:25a–d and the phrase “sixty-two sevens” refers to the events of 9:25e. For example, the NRSV translates 9:25b–e as:
from the time that the word went out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the time on an anointed prince, there shall be seven weeks; and for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with street and moat, but in a troubled time (NRSV) (RSV/NRSV, ESV, REB, GNT) It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with the majority of English versions.This is one possible way to calculate the total of 69 “weeks” referred to here: The seven “weeks” (7x7, 49 years) could cover a period of approximately 457–407 BC. This would include the time of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. During these years the city of Jerusalem and the temple were rebuilt. The end of the sixty-two “weeks” (7x62, 434 years) would be around A.D. 27. This was near the time when Jesus Christ began his ministry.

9:25b

From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem,

There will be a command given to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. From that time
from the issuing of the command to rebuild Jerusalem

From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem: This verse part gives the beginning point of a time period. Scholars do not agree as to what year or to what event this refers. It is therefore good to translate this in a fairly literal and general way. For example:

From the issuing of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (NET)

From the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem (GNT)

In some languages it may be natural to translate this decree or message as direct speech. For example:

From the time there went out this message: “Return and rebuild Jerusalem” (NJB)

the issuance of the decree: The Hebrew phrase that the BSB translates literally as the issuance of the decree refers to the giving or announcing of an order or law. The text does not say who gave this order, and scholars do not agree as to whom this refers. You should avoid making this explicit and translate this in a general way. You may use either a passive or an active verb. For example:

the command is given (GW)

a command will come (NCV)

to restore and rebuild Jerusalem: There are two main ways to understand the Hebrew verbs that the BSB translates as restore and rebuild:

They refer to two actions. The first verb, which is literally “to bring back,” refers to the return of the community to Jerusalem and the remaking of the community. The second verb refers to the physical rebuilding of the walls and structures of Jerusalem. For example:
to restore and build Jerusalem (ESV) (BSB, NIV, NJB, KJV, NASB, RSV/NRSV, NJB, REB, NET, GW)
They refer to one action. For example:
to rebuild Jerusalem (NCV) (NCV, GNT, NLT, CEV)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) and if possible use two verbs to indicate the two actions.

9:25c

until the Messiah, the Prince,

until the one anointed/appointed to rule comes
until the leader whom God has chosen arrives,

until the Messiah, the Prince: This verse part gives the ending point of a time period. The phrase that the BSB translates as until the Messiah, the Prince is more literally “until an anointed one, a ruler.” It does not have a verb. Some English versions supply the verb “comes” (NIV), and this may be natural in some languages. In other languages it may be more natural to supply a noun. For example:

until a ruler—the Anointed One—comes (NLT)

until the coming/time of the Anointed One, the ruler

The Hebrew phrase that the BSB translates as the Messiah, the Prince does not have a definite article (the). There are two ways to interpret this phrase:

It refers to the Messiah, that is, Christ. Many English versions use initial capitals to refer to the Christ. For example:
until the coming of the Chosen Leader (CEV) (BSB, KJV, NASB, NJB, NIV, NLT, CEV)
- It refers to another anointed ruler or priest such as Cyrus, Zerubbabel, or Joshua the high priest. For example:
  until the time of an anointed prince (NRSV) (RSV/NRSV, ESV, REB, NET, GNT, GW, NCV)

In English versions translators have often used initial capital letters to distinguish titles and names of God and Christ, as the BSB does. It is therefore possible to see which translations are following this interpretation. However, the Hebrew text itself does not have this distinction and does not require this interpretation. Try to translate in such a way that readers can understand Christ to be a possible fulfillment of this prophecy, but that other understandings are also possible. For example:

until an anointed one, a prince, arrives (NET)

until God’s chosen leader comes (GNT)

until one who has been appointed/chosen comes

the Messiah: The Hebrew word that the BSB translates literally as Messiah means “anointed person.” In ancient Israel it was the custom for a priest to pour a little oil on the head of a priest or king in order to appoint him to a position of leadership. This symbolic act showed that he was chosen and appointed by God. If the word Messiah would not have this meaning in your culture, it would be good to translate the meaning of the action and say:

the appointed/chosen one

God’s chosen one

9:25d

there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks.

there will be a period of seven weeks and sixty-two weeks.
seven weeks of years and 62 weeks of years will pass.

there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks: This Hebrew phrase is more literally “there will be seven sevens and sixty-two sevens” (as in the NIV). As in 9:24a, the Hebrew word that the BSB translates as weeks is a symbolic reference to weeks of years, that is, to seven-year periods. Here are some other ways to translate this:

it will be seven weeks and another sixty-two weeks (CEV)

there will be a period of seven weeks and sixty-two weeks (NET)

Seven sets/periods of seven years will pass and then sixty-two sets/periods of seven years will pass.

9:25e

It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress.

Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and a trench/moat. But the times will be difficult/troubled.
In difficult days they will again build Jerusalem. They will make/construct its streets and a moat around for protection.

It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench: Gabriel indicated that Jerusalem would be built up again. People could live in it and be protected. This is a passive clause, and there are two ways to translate it:

using a passive verb. For example:
Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses (NLT)
using an active verb. It is best to have a general subject. For example:
They will rebuild it, and they will make streets and a protective trench/moat

It will be rebuilt: The Hebrew is literally “it will return and it will be built.” This is an idiomatic way of saying that the city would be built again, that is, rebuilt. Here are some other ways to translate this:

It will again be built (NET)

They will build Jerusalem again

streets: The Hebrew word that the BSB translates as streets normally refers to an open place in a city that could be used for a market place or other meeting place. It can also be translated as:

plaza (NET)

city square

a trench: The Hebrew word that the BSB translates as trench refers to a deep ditch that can be filled with water. This would be done for protection, as such a ditch would be hard for enemy soldiers to cross. Here are some ways to translate this:

moat (NET)

strong defenses (GNT)

a trench will be dug around the city for protection (CEV)

but in times of distress: The Hebrew phrase that the BSB translates as times of distress means “a time when people will experience many difficulties.” Here is another way to translate this:

but these will be difficult times (CEV)

Parallel DAN 9:25