Daniel 8:14 is one of the most discussed prophetic passages of Scripture. Around it grew the Adventist understanding of the investigative judgment and the event of 1844. But what exactly does the Hebrew word mean nitsdaq in this verse?
“For two thousand three hundred evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.” Dan 8:14
The meaning of the word nitsdaq
The Hebrew nitsdaq comes from the root tsadaq is “to be righteous,” “to be justified,” “to be restored to one’s rightful state.” Therefore, modern translations often render this verse as “the sanctuary shall be restored” or “justified,” rather than “cleansed.”
Some critics of the Adventist interpretation argue: if the correct word is “justified” rather than “cleansed,” then the whole doctrine of the investigative judgment is undermined. But this is a superficial argument. In biblical thought, justification and cleansing are inseparably connected. When something is defiled or unjustly profaned, its “justification” means at the same time the restoration of its holiness and righteousness.
Context: the heavenly Yom Kippur
The Adventist interpretation of Dan. 8:14 is based not only on the meaning of one word, but on the parallel with the Levitical system:
“For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you.” Lev. 16:30
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is the climax of the ritual year, when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to complete the work of reconciliation and the cleansing of the sanctuary from the accumulated sins of the people. Daniel 8:14 describes the heavenly counterpart of this day — the final moment of examining and resolving the problem of sin on a universal scale.
The Epistle to the Hebrews confirms
“We have such a High Priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” Hebrews 8:1
The Epistle to the Hebrews affirms the reality of the heavenly sanctuary and Christ’s continuing priestly ministry. If the earthly system had Yom Kippur, then the heavenly has its counterpart. Seventh-day Adventists see that counterpart in the prophecy of Daniel 8:14.
Practical meaning
“The sanctuary shall be vindicated” is not merely a translation. It is a theological statement: God justifies, cleanses, and restores His reputation before the eyes of the whole universe. The investigative judgment is not a threat to the believer, but a confirmation of God’s justice and His faithfulness to His promises.
