Daniel's Seventy Weeks
Daniel 9 timed Messiah's coming, cutting off, and a final week.
Gabriel told Daniel that seventy weeks were determined upon Israel to finish transgression and bring in everlasting righteousness. From the commandment to restore Jerusalem unto Messiah the Prince would be sixty-nine weeks; then Messiah would be cut off, and a final week awaits.
The Prophecy
"Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness..."
"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...And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself..."
"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease..."
The Fulfillment
"If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! ...because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation."
A timed Messiah
Reckoned from Artaxerxes' decree, the sixty-nine weeks reach precisely to the public ministry and rejection of Christ — a prophecy of extraordinary chronological force.
The seventieth week
The final week stands separated by the present age, fulfilled in the future tribulation when the prince to come confirms a covenant and breaks it in the midst.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Daniel's seventy weeks?
Seventy 'sevens' of years determined upon Israel — pinpointing Messiah's coming and the final tribulation week.
When did the seventy weeks begin?
With the decree to restore and build Jerusalem (Daniel 9:25) — most identify Artaxerxes' decree of 445 BC as the starting point.
What is the 70th week?
The final seven-year period of tribulation, in which the antichrist confirms a covenant with many and then breaks it in the middle (Daniel 9:27).
Related Bible Prophecies
The Abomination of Desolation
Daniel's sign, partly fulfilled in history, awaiting final unveiling.
The Antichrist and the Man of Sin
A final lawless one to be destroyed by the brightness of Christ's coming.
The Great Tribulation
Unequalled trouble before the coming of Christ.
Psalm 22 and the Crucifixion
David's psalm reads like an eyewitness account of Calvary.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Daniel in the Bible
The Faithful Exile
Daniel in the Lions' Den
Daniel 6 • Faithfulness Under Persecution
Isaiah 7:14 — Meaning & Devotional
Prophecy & Fulfillment
Micah 5:2 Commentary
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Isaiah 7:14 Commentary
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The Dream of Nebuchadnezzar
Daniel 2:1-49 • Prophets