Daniel's Seventy Weeks — Jehovah's Witnesses' View
This chart illustrates the Jehovah's Witnesses' interpretation of Daniel's Seventy Weeks (Daniel 9:24–27), as taught by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.
The Watchtower dates the starting decree to 455 BC — the decree of Artaxerxes I to Nehemiah (Neh 2:1–8), based on the Society's own chronology for the reign of Artaxerxes (placing his first year at 474 BC, unlike most historians who date it to 465 BC). The 490 years are interpreted as continuous standard solar years with no gap.
The 69th week ends in AD 29 with the baptism of Jesus — the moment he is anointed as Messiah by the Holy Spirit. The 70th week runs from AD 29 to AD 36: Jesus is crucified at the midpoint (AD 33), and the gospel extends to the Gentiles at the end (AD 36, conversion of Cornelius).
For a full comparison of all eight views, see The Eight Views of Daniel's Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks.
Text equivalent of the chart (for accessibility)
| Segment | Approximate span | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Start | 455 BC — Artaxerxes' decree to Nehemiah (Watchtower chronology) | Beginning of the 490 years. |
| 7 weeks (49 years) | 455–406 BC | Rebuilding of Jerusalem. |
| 62 weeks (434 years) | 406 BC–AD 29 | Period leading up to the Messiah. |
| End of 69 weeks | AD 29 — Baptism of Jesus | Jesus anointed as Messiah by the Holy Spirit. |
| 70th week (first half) | AD 29–33 | Jesus' public ministry. |
| Midpoint | AD 33 — Crucifixion of Jesus | He is "cut off"; sacrifices and offerings cease. |
| 70th week (second half) | AD 33–36 | Gospel still directed primarily to the Jews. |
| End of 70th week | AD 36 — Conversion of Cornelius | The gospel extends to the Gentiles; Israel's exclusive favor ends. |