Daniel 9:26 - After the sixty-two weeks the Anointed One will be cut off, and will have nothing. The people of the prince who come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end will be with a flood, and war will be even to the end. Desolations are determined.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Daniel 9:26" mean?
Daniel 9:26 is a complex and heavily debated verse within Christian and Jewish theology. Here's a breakdown of the common interpretations and the key points of contention:
Key Phrases and Their Possible Interpretations:
"After the sixty-two weeks..." This refers to the sixty-two "sevens" (often interpreted as weeks of years, i.e., 434 years) mentioned earlier in Daniel 9:25. The question is, what event marks the start of these weeks, and what marks the end of the full period of 70 weeks?
"The Anointed One will be cut off..." This is often interpreted as referring to the Messiah being killed or executed. Here's where major differences arise:
Christian Interpretation: This is predominantly seen as a prophecy of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Jewish Interpretation: Jewish scholars often understand this as referring to a historical figure from the Second Temple period, possibly a high priest who was murdered, or even a false messiah who was discredited. Some reject a messianic interpretation altogether.
"...and will have nothing." This phrase is often interpreted as meaning He would possess no kingdom, no power, or no earthly reward. Alternatively, some interpret it to mean He would leave nothing for Himself (i.e., make no personal gain) and would be deprived of honor.
"The people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary." This is generally understood to refer to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple by the Roman armies in 70 AD under Titus.
Christian Interpretation: This supports the view that Jesus's death occurred before 70 AD.
Jewish Interpretation: This event is seen as a major catastrophe in Jewish history. The "prince who is to come" is often understood as the Roman general Titus.
"Its end will be with a flood, and war will be even to the end. Desolations are determined." This speaks of continued warfare and devastation even after the destruction of Jerusalem. The "flood" is often seen metaphorically, referring to the overwhelming force of the Roman armies, or the catastrophic nature of the destruction. "Desolations" refers to the ruin and emptiness left behind.
Different Interpretations and Theological Significance:
Christian Perspective: Daniel 9:24-27 is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology (study of end times). Christians see it as a precise prophecy of Jesus's coming, ministry, crucifixion, and the subsequent destruction of the Temple. The "seventy weeks" are often interpreted chronologically, although different viewpoints arise about the precise starting and ending points and whether the final "week" is interrupted.
Jewish Perspective: Jewish scholars generally reject the Christian interpretation of this passage. They argue that:
The "Anointed One" does not necessarily refer to the Messiah in this context.
The timeline does not fit with the life and death of Jesus.
The prophecy has already been fulfilled in historical events of the Second Temple period.
They might interpret the "weeks" in a less literal, more symbolic manner.
Points of Contention and Further Considerations:
Starting Point of the 70 Weeks: Different interpretations arise regarding the decree that starts the 70 weeks. Possible events include the decree of Cyrus, Darius, or Artaxerxes to rebuild Jerusalem. The choice of the starting point affects the entire timeline.
Nature of the "Weeks": Are they literal weeks of years (490 years total), or are they symbolic?
Relationship between the 69th and 70th Week: Is there a gap between the end of the 69th week and the beginning of the 70th? Dispensationalist Christians often believe there is a significant gap, during which the Church Age occurs.
The "Prince Who Is To Come": Is this a reference to an ancient leader such as Titus of Rome or a future eschatological figure, such as the Antichrist?
In Conclusion:
Daniel 9:26 is a dense and multifaceted verse. Its interpretation is deeply intertwined with theological presuppositions and historical understandings. There's no single, universally agreed-upon meaning. A careful study of the original Hebrew text, historical context, and different theological perspectives is necessary for a comprehensive understanding.
Daniel 9:26 - After the sixty-two weeks the Anointed One will be cut off, and will have nothing. The people of the prince who come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end will be with a flood, and war will be even to the end. Desolations are determined.
What does "Daniel 9:26" mean?
Daniel 9:26 is a complex and heavily debated verse within Christian and Jewish theology. Here's a breakdown of the common interpretations and the key points of contention:
Key Phrases and Their Possible Interpretations:
"After the sixty-two weeks..." This refers to the sixty-two "sevens" (often interpreted as weeks of years, i.e., 434 years) mentioned earlier in Daniel 9:25. The question is, what event marks the start of these weeks, and what marks the end of the full period of 70 weeks?
"The Anointed One will be cut off..." This is often interpreted as referring to the Messiah being killed or executed. Here's where major differences arise:
Christian Interpretation: This is predominantly seen as a prophecy of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Jewish Interpretation: Jewish scholars often understand this as referring to a historical figure from the Second Temple period, possibly a high priest who was murdered, or even a false messiah who was discredited. Some reject a messianic interpretation altogether.
"...and will have nothing." This phrase is often interpreted as meaning He would possess no kingdom, no power, or no earthly reward. Alternatively, some interpret it to mean He would leave nothing for Himself (i.e., make no personal gain) and would be deprived of honor.
"The people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary." This is generally understood to refer to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple by the Roman armies in 70 AD under Titus.
Christian Interpretation: This supports the view that Jesus's death occurred before 70 AD.
Jewish Interpretation: This event is seen as a major catastrophe in Jewish history. The "prince who is to come" is often understood as the Roman general Titus.
"Its end will be with a flood, and war will be even to the end. Desolations are determined." This speaks of continued warfare and devastation even after the destruction of Jerusalem. The "flood" is often seen metaphorically, referring to the overwhelming force of the Roman armies, or the catastrophic nature of the destruction. "Desolations" refers to the ruin and emptiness left behind.
Different Interpretations and Theological Significance:
Christian Perspective: Daniel 9:24-27 is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology (study of end times). Christians see it as a precise prophecy of Jesus's coming, ministry, crucifixion, and the subsequent destruction of the Temple. The "seventy weeks" are often interpreted chronologically, although different viewpoints arise about the precise starting and ending points and whether the final "week" is interrupted.
Jewish Perspective: Jewish scholars generally reject the Christian interpretation of this passage. They argue that:
The "Anointed One" does not necessarily refer to the Messiah in this context.
The timeline does not fit with the life and death of Jesus.
The prophecy has already been fulfilled in historical events of the Second Temple period.
They might interpret the "weeks" in a less literal, more symbolic manner.
Points of Contention and Further Considerations:
Starting Point of the 70 Weeks: Different interpretations arise regarding the decree that starts the 70 weeks. Possible events include the decree of Cyrus, Darius, or Artaxerxes to rebuild Jerusalem. The choice of the starting point affects the entire timeline.
Nature of the "Weeks": Are they literal weeks of years (490 years total), or are they symbolic?
Relationship between the 69th and 70th Week: Is there a gap between the end of the 69th week and the beginning of the 70th? Dispensationalist Christians often believe there is a significant gap, during which the Church Age occurs.
The "Prince Who Is To Come": Is this a reference to an ancient leader such as Titus of Rome or a future eschatological figure, such as the Antichrist?
In Conclusion:
Daniel 9:26 is a dense and multifaceted verse. Its interpretation is deeply intertwined with theological presuppositions and historical understandings. There's no single, universally agreed-upon meaning. A careful study of the original Hebrew text, historical context, and different theological perspectives is necessary for a comprehensive understanding.