What Daniel meant by increased knowledge
Daniel 12:4 is often connected with technology because it speaks of many people moving about and knowledge increasing. Yet Daniel received this message at the close of a vision concerning future events, and the immediate focus is on the understanding of the vision itself. The passage can certainly make readers reflect on growing human knowledge, but it does not specifically predict computers, the internet, artificial intelligence, or any other invention.
The book ends with Daniel asking about the outcome of these things, and being told that some matters would remain sealed until their proper time (Daniel 12:8-9). So the verse invites humility. Knowledge can grow, but it is not given as a chart by which to date Christ's return.
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Jesus gave signs, not a technology checklist
Jesus spoke about wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, deception, and the gospel going to all nations (Matthew 24:6-14). These realities matter, yet Jesus also warned that troubling events should not cause people to assume the end has come immediately. His concern was that his disciples would endure faithfully rather than panic at every headline.
Most plainly, Jesus says that no one knows the day or hour (Matthew 24:36). Christians have disagreed over how particular end-times details fit together, but this point is clear: no new technology gives anyone reliable knowledge of the date.
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
What about Revelation and buying or selling?
Revelation describes a time when people who refuse the beast's mark face restrictions on buying and selling (Revelation 13:16-17). Because modern payment systems can track or limit transactions, some readers see a possible connection. Others understand the imagery primarily as a call to refuse idolatrous allegiance to corrupt political and spiritual power.
Either way, Revelation does not name a device, a currency, a chip, or a future platform. It centres on worship and loyalty. The mark is contrasted with belonging to God, so the deeper question is not whether a tool is new, but whom a person worships and obeys.
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Use technology wisely, and stay ready
Technology can serve real good. It can help people communicate, learn, receive care, and hear the gospel. It can also be used to deceive, exploit, isolate, or feed fear. Scripture's response is not to fear every advance, but to test what is true and hold on to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Rather than searching each invention for a secret prophecy code, keep close to Christ in ordinary life. Love people, practise faithfulness, and remain alert to deception. Jesus' call to watch is steady and hopeful, because he promises that he will return (Matthew 24:42; Revelation 22:20).