THEOSISEphraem the Syrian
Daniel listened but did not comprehend, and he inquired, Lord, what is the conclusion of these matters? I am not questioning what has been spoken, but I seek to know what will occur after these events.
Daniel 12:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
And I heard, and understood not. And I said: O my lord, what shall be after these things?
וַאֲנִ֥י שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי וְלֹ֣א אָבִ֑ין וָאֹ֣מְרָ֔ה אֲדֹנִ֕י מָ֥ה אַחֲרִ֖ית אֵֽלֶּה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Jerome of Stridon
I heard it, yet I could not comprehend, so I questioned my lord, What will occur next? He replied, Go, Daniel, for the words are concealed and sealed until the time of their fulfillment. Many will be called and will undergo trials akin to those faced in fire, but the unrighteous will continue in their wickedness, and none of the wicked will grasp this truth, only those who are learned will understand. The prophet seeks clarity about his vision, or more accurately, about what he has heard, desiring to uncover the truth of the future. He has been informed of various conflicts and battles among kings and different occurrences, yet he lacks the names corresponding to each.
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If the prophet struggles to understand, what can be expected from those who attempt to interpret a book that is sealed and, at the time of its fulfillment, remains shrouded in darkness and uncertainty by mere speculation? However, he states, when the end approaches, the wicked will not comprehend, but those who adhere to God’s teachings will attain understanding. For true wisdom does not dwell in a soul that is wicked, but rather resides in a body burdened by sin.
Theodoret of Cyrus
Not grasping the message regarding the appointed time, the Prophet declares that he felt a strong urge to ask for clarification, seeking a deeper understanding of what would follow this period.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Acts 1:7But he said to them: It is not for you to know the time or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power:
- Dan 12:6And I said to the man that was clothed in linen, that stood upon the waters of the river: How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
- Luke 18:34And they understood none of these things, and this word was hid from them: and they understood not the things that were said.
- 1 Pet 1:11Searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them did signify, when it foretold those sufferings that are in Christ and the glories that should follow.
- John 12:16These things his disciples did not know at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of him and that they had done these things to him.
- Dan 10:14But I am come to teach thee what things shall befall thy people in the latter days, for as yet the vision is for days.