Revelation 11
Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ 

The Two Witnesses

1Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers there. 2But exclude the courtyard outside the temple. Do not measure it, because it has been given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months. 3And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”

4These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.a 5If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone who wants to harm them must be killed. 6These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish.

The Witnesses Killed and Raised

7When the two witnesses have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will wage war with them, and will overpower and kill them. 8Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city—figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where their Lord was also crucified. 9For three and a half days all peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will view their bodies and will not permit them to be laid in a tomb. 10And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them and celebrate and send one another gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them.

11But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered the two witnesses, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell upon those who saw them. 12And the witnesses heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched them.

13And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand were killed in the quake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

14The second woe has passed. Behold, the third woe is coming shortly.

The Seventh Trumpet

15Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven:

“The kingdom of the world

has become the kingdom of our Lord

and of His Christ,

and He will reign forever and ever.”

16And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17saying:

“We give thanks to You, O Lord God Almighty,

the One who is and who was,b

because You have taken Your great power

and have begun to reign.

18The nations were enraged,c

and Your wrath has come.

The time has come to judge the deadd

and to reward Your servants the prophets,

as well as the saints and those who fear Your name,

both small and great—

and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”

19Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

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Revelation 11 Summary
The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet

Verses 1–2 – Measuring the Temple
John is given a reed and told to measure God’s temple, the altar, and worshipers, marking them off as God’s own. The outer court is excluded and handed over to the nations, who will trample the holy city for forty-two months.

Verses 3–6 – The Two Witnesses
God appoints two witnesses to prophesy for 1,260 days in mourning garb. They are compared to “two olive trees and two lampstands,” stand before the Lord of the earth, and wield miraculous judgments—fire from their mouths, drought, water turned to blood, and plagues on demand.

Verses 7–10 – Martyrdom and Celebration
When their testimony is complete, the beast from the abyss kills them in Jerusalem, figuratively called Sodom and Egypt. Their bodies lie unburied for three-and-a-half days while the world rejoices and exchanges gifts.

Verses 11–13 – Resurrection and Great Earthquake
God breathes life into them, they stand up, and ascend in a cloud while enemies look on. A violent quake destroys a tenth of the city and kills 7,000; terrified survivors glorify God.

Verse 14 – Second Woe Ended
The second woe is past; the third is imminent.

Verses 15–19 – Seventh Trumpet: Heaven Celebrates
The seventh angel sounds, heaven proclaims, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” Elders worship, announcing God’s reign and coming judgment. The heavenly temple opens, revealing the ark; lightning, voices, thunder, hail, and an earthquake follow.


Revelation 11, a key chapter in the final book of the New Testament, chronicles John's prophetic vision, illuminating the divine plan through metaphoric events. This chapter explores the fate of the holy city, the mission of two powerful witnesses, and the announcement of the seventh trumpet, which signifies the dominion of God's kingdom over the world. The text is a riveting testament of divine authority, judgment, and hope for the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

The Temple and the Measuring Rod

John’s measuring echoes Ezekiel 40–43 where a future temple is gauged. Revelation’s setting presumes a sanctuary standing in Jerusalem during the end-times. Archaeology shows Herod’s platform remains under today’s Temple Mount; the Jewish longing for a rebuilt house of worship persists. The command to exclude the outer court may hint at a Gentile presence on that mount, matching Jesus’ words: “Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24).

Forty-Two Months / 1,260 Days / Three-and-a-Half Years

These identical spans tie Revelation to Daniel 7:25; 9:27; 12:7. They form the second half of a seven-year period often called Daniel’s seventieth week. In that season Antichrist’s domination peaks, yet God foretells its strict limit.

The Two Witnesses: Identity and Ministry

• Miracles echo Moses (water to blood, plagues) and Elijah (shutting sky, fire calling).

Malachi 4:5 expects Elijah before “the great and awesome day.” Deuteronomy 18:15 foreshadows a prophet like Moses.

Zechariah 4 pictures two olive trees supplying the lampstand—leaders anointed by God.

Whether literal Moses and Elijah, Elijah with Enoch, or two future prophets, the text stresses real people commissioned with unstoppable authority until their task ends.

Sackcloth and Prophetic Tone

Their attire signals repentance preaching, reminiscent of Jonah 3:5–6 and 2 Kings 1:8 (Elijah’s hairy garment). Their message, though unrecorded, likely calls Israel and the nations to turn before the last trumpet.

The Beast from the Abyss

“Beast” (first mention) anticipates the fuller portrait in Revelation 13. He rises from the abyss—domain of imprisoned demons (Luke 8:31)—and exercises political power empowered by Satan (Revelation 13:2). His temporary victory over the witnesses foreshadows his worldwide persecution of saints.

Global Spectacle

Verse 9 envisions every people, tribe, language, and nation gazing on the corpses. Modern satellite and internet technology make this literal fulfillment entirely plausible.

Resurrection and Ascension Parallel

God’s breath recalls Ezekiel 37’s valley of dry bones. Ascension in a cloud mirrors Jesus’ departure (Acts 1:9) and the rapture promise (1 Thessalonians 4:17), testifying that death cannot nullify God’s servants.

Earthquake and Remnant

Jerusalem sits atop fault lines; significant tremors have occurred (e.g., 31 B.C., A.D. 33). A tenth of the city falling and 7,000 deaths echo Elijah’s 7,000 faithful (1 Kings 19:18) but in reverse—here the wicked perish, and the survivors finally “gave glory to the God of heaven,” perhaps signaling a national turning point for Israel (Zechariah 12:10).

Seventh Trumpet and Kingdom Announcement

This trumpet corresponds to 1 Corinthians 15:52’s “last trumpet” and 1 Thessalonians 4:16’s call of God. While bowls of wrath still follow, heaven views the victory as settled: the reign of earth’s kingdoms transfers to Christ. Psalm 2 and Daniel 2:44 resonate here.

Heavenly Temple and the Ark

The ark’s appearance reassures that God's covenant stands firm even if earth’s temple is defiled. Jeremiah 3:16 foresaw a time when the ark would not be remembered, yet in the heavenly realm it remains, symbolizing God’s faithfulness.

Old Testament Backdrop

• Measuring—Ezekiel 40–43, Zechariah 2:1-5

• Olive trees—Zechariah 4:2-14

• Plagues—Exodus 7–11

• Ascension—2 Kings 2:11, Daniel 7:13

• Earthquake—Isaiah 2:19, Amos 1:1

• Shouting kingdoms—Psalm 24, Psalm 47

Archaeological Notes on Jerusalem

Excavations along the Western Wall and City of David reveal streets from the Second Temple era that would be trodden by Gentiles. The Kidron and Hinnom valleys frame the city, matching geographic clues in prophetic passages about end-time quakes splitting the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4).

Practical Implications for Believers Today

• God knows precise boundaries—He measures and protects His own.

• Prophetic witness carries power; opposition may rage but cannot prevail beyond God’s allowance.

• Worldly celebration of evil is short-lived; resurrection life triumphs.

• The kingdom message is certain; believers live with confidence that “You have taken Your great power and begun to reign” (11:17).

Connections to Additional Scriptures
Zechariah 4:2-3
The vision of the lampstand and olive trees, which parallels the imagery of the two witnesses.

Matthew 24:14
The proclamation of the Gospel to all nations before the end comes, similar to the mission of the two witnesses.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57
The victory over death through Christ, echoing the resurrection of the witnesses.
Teaching Points
The Measuring of the Temple (Revelation 11:1-2)
The act of measuring signifies God's ownership and protection over His people.
The exclusion of the outer court symbolizes the distinction between the faithful and the unbelieving world.

The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12)
The two witnesses are granted authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth, symbolizing repentance and mourning.
Their power to perform miracles and their eventual martyrdom reflect the church's mission and suffering in the world.
Their resurrection and ascension into heaven demonstrate God's ultimate victory over death and evil.

The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:15-19)
The sounding of the seventh trumpet heralds the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.
The heavenly worship and declaration that The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15) emphasize the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
The opening of the temple in heaven and the appearance of the ark of the covenant signify God's faithfulness to His promises.
Practical Applications
Faithfulness in Witnessing
Like the two witnesses, we are called to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel, even in the face of opposition.

Hope in Resurrection
The resurrection of the witnesses reminds us of the hope we have in Christ's victory over death and the promise of eternal life.

Anticipation of God's Kingdom
The seventh trumpet encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, eagerly anticipating the full realization of God's kingdom.
People
1. The Two Witnesses
These are two prophetic figures who are given authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. They are described as "the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth" (Revelation 11:4). The imagery of olive trees and lampstands is reminiscent of Zechariah 4, symbolizing anointed ones who serve God. The Greek term for "witnesses" is "μάρτυρες" (martyres), which can also mean "martyrs," indicating their role in testifying to God's truth.

2. The Beast
This figure ascends from the abyss and makes war against the two witnesses, ultimately overcoming and killing them (Revelation 11:7). The beast is a recurring symbol in Revelation, representing opposition to God and His people. The Greek word for "beast" is "θηρίον" (thērion), often used to denote a wild, dangerous animal, symbolizing chaos and evil.

3. The Nations
These are the peoples and tribes who witness the death of the two witnesses and celebrate their demise (Revelation 11:9-10). The term "nations" in Greek is "ἔθνη" (ethnē), which can refer to Gentiles or non-Jewish peoples, often symbolizing those opposed to God's covenant community.

4. The Twenty-Four Elders
These elders sit on thrones before God and worship Him, giving thanks for His reign and judgment (Revelation 11:16-17). The elders are seen throughout Revelation as representatives of the redeemed, possibly symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, thus encompassing the whole people of God.

5. The Lord God Almighty
He is the central divine figure who reigns and is worshiped by the elders (Revelation 11:17). The Greek term "Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς ὁ Παντοκράτωρ" (Kyrios ho Theos ho Pantokratōr) emphasizes God's sovereignty and omnipotence.
Places
1. The Temple of God
Revelation 11:1 mentions "the temple of God" which John is instructed to measure. This refers to the holy place where God dwells, symbolizing His presence and the worship of His people. The Greek word used here is "ναός" (naos), indicating the inner sanctuary.

2. The Holy City
In Revelation 11:2, the "holy city" is mentioned, which is to be trampled by the Gentiles for forty-two months. This is traditionally understood as Jerusalem, a central place in biblical prophecy and history. The Greek term "ἡ πόλις ἡ ἁγία" (hē polis hē hagia) is used, emphasizing its sacredness.

3. Sodom and Egypt
Revelation 11:8 refers to the "great city" symbolically called Sodom and Egypt, where the two witnesses are killed. This is often interpreted as a symbolic reference to Jerusalem, highlighting its spiritual corruption at the time. The Greek text uses "Σόδομα" (Sodoma) and "Αἴγυπτος" (Aigyptos), drawing on Old Testament imagery of sin and oppression.
Events
1. The Measuring of the Temple
John is given a measuring rod and instructed to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. However, he is told to exclude the outer court because it has been given to the Gentiles.
^Revelation 11:1-2 :^ "Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff and was told, 'Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers there. But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.'"

2. The Two Witnesses
Two witnesses are appointed to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. They are described as the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the Lord of the earth.
^Revelation 11:3-4 :^ "And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth."

3. The Power and Protection of the Witnesses
The witnesses have the power to devour their enemies with fire from their mouths and to shut the sky so that no rain falls during their days of prophecy. They can also turn waters into blood and strike the earth with plagues.
^Revelation 11:5-6 :^ "If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish."

4. The Death of the Witnesses
When they have finished their testimony, the beast from the abyss will wage war against them, conquer them, and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city for three and a half days.
^Revelation 11:7-9 :^ "When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the abyss will wage war with them, and will overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was also crucified. For three and a half days all peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will view their bodies and will not permit them to be laid in a tomb."

5. The Resurrection and Ascension of the Witnesses
After three and a half days, the breath of life from God enters them, and they stand on their feet, causing great fear among those who see them. They hear a loud voice from heaven saying, "Come up here," and they ascend to heaven in a cloud.
^Revelation 11:11-12 :^ "But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell upon those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Come up here.' And they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched them."

6. The Earthquake and Its Aftermath
At that moment, a great earthquake occurs, and a tenth of the city collapses. Seven thousand people are killed, and the survivors are terrified and give glory to the God of heaven.
^Revelation 11:13 :^ "And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand were killed in the quake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven."

7. The Seventh Trumpet
The seventh angel sounds his trumpet, and loud voices in heaven proclaim the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.
^Revelation 11:15 :^ "Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.'"

8. The Worship in Heaven
The twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fall on their faces and worship Him, giving thanks for His reign and the time of judgment.
^Revelation 11:16-18 :^ "And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: 'We give thanks to You, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.'"

9. The Opening of God's Temple in Heaven
God's temple in heaven is opened, and the ark of His covenant is seen within His temple. There are flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.
^Revelation 11:19 :^ "Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and an earthquake, and a great hailstorm."
Topics
1. The Measuring of the Temple (Revelation 11:1-2)
John is given a measuring rod and instructed to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. The outer court is excluded and given to the Gentiles. The Greek word for "measure" (μετρέω, metreo) implies a divine assessment or judgment.

2. The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3-6)
God appoints two witnesses to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. They are described as "the two olive trees and the two lampstands" standing before the Lord. The Greek term for "witnesses" (μάρτυρες, martyres) indicates their role in testifying to God's truth.

3. The Death of the Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:7-10)
Upon completing their testimony, the beast from the abyss makes war against them and kills them. Their bodies lie in the street of the great city, symbolically called Sodom and Egypt. The Greek word for "beast" (θηρίον, therion) suggests a ferocious and destructive entity.

4. The Resurrection and Ascension of the Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:11-12)
After three and a half days, the breath of life from God enters them, and they stand on their feet, causing great fear among onlookers. They hear a loud voice from heaven calling them to "Come up here," and they ascend to heaven in a cloud. The Greek word for "ascend" (ἀναβαίνω, anabaino) denotes a rising or going up.

5. The Earthquake and the Tenth of the City (Revelation 11:13)
A great earthquake occurs, and a tenth of the city falls. Seven thousand people are killed, and the survivors are terrified and give glory to the God of heaven. The Greek term for "earthquake" (σεισμός, seismos) indicates a significant shaking or upheaval.

6. The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:15-19)
The seventh angel sounds his trumpet, and loud voices in heaven proclaim the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ. The twenty-four elders worship God, acknowledging His reign. The Greek word for "trumpet" (σάλπιγξ, salpinx) signifies a call to attention or action.
Themes
1. The Measuring of the Temple
Revelation 11 begins with John being given a measuring rod to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there (Revelation 11:1). This theme emphasizes the idea of divine assessment and protection of God's people. The Greek word for "measure" (μετρέω, metreo) suggests a careful evaluation, indicating God's sovereignty and authority over His dwelling place and worshippers.

2. The Two Witnesses
The chapter introduces two witnesses who prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth (Revelation 11:3). This theme highlights the role of prophetic testimony and the perseverance of God's messengers. The Greek term for "witnesses" (μάρτυρες, martyres) underscores their role as testifiers to God's truth, even in the face of opposition.

3. Divine Protection and Power
The two witnesses are granted power to perform miracles, such as shutting the sky and turning waters into blood (Revelation 11:6). This theme illustrates God's provision of supernatural protection and authority to His servants. The Greek word for "power" (ἐξουσία, exousia) indicates the divine authority given to them to carry out their mission.

4. Persecution and Martyrdom
The witnesses are eventually killed by the beast that rises from the abyss (Revelation 11:7). This theme reflects the reality of persecution and martyrdom faced by God's people. The Greek word for "beast" (θηρίον, therion) symbolizes the forces of evil that oppose God's work.

5. Resurrection and Vindication
After three and a half days, the witnesses are resurrected and ascend to heaven (Revelation 11:11-12). This theme emphasizes the hope of resurrection and ultimate vindication for believers. The Greek term for "spirit of life" (πνεῦμα ζωῆς, pneuma zoes) signifies the divine breath that restores life, affirming God's power over death.

6. Judgment and the Seventh Trumpet
The chapter concludes with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, signaling the establishment of God's kingdom and the judgment of the nations (Revelation 11:15-18). This theme underscores the certainty of divine judgment and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The Greek word for "kingdom" (βασιλεία, basileia) highlights the reign and authority of God being fully realized.

7. Worship and Praise
The heavenly response to the seventh trumpet includes worship and praise, acknowledging God's eternal reign (Revelation 11:16-17). This theme reflects the appropriate response of worship to God's sovereignty and justice. The Greek word for "worship" (προσκυνέω, proskyneo) conveys the act of reverence and adoration directed towards God.
Answering Tough Questions
1. In Revelation 11:1–2, how can the measuring of a temple be taken literally if the historical temple no longer stands?

2. In Revelation 11:3–6, how do the two witnesses perform miracles that seemingly defy natural laws?

3. In Revelation 11:7–10, how could people worldwide witness and celebrate the deaths of the two witnesses in a first-century context?

4. In Revelation 11:11–12, how does the resurrection and ascension of the two witnesses align with modern scientific understanding of biology and physics?

5. In Revelation 11:13–14, what historical or archaeological evidence supports an earthquake killing 7,000 people in Jerusalem?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. How does the image of the temple's measurement (verses 1-2) reflect on the idea of God's protection?

2. In what ways do the two witnesses symbolize resistance and faith in a time of tribulation?

3. How can you relate the death of the two witnesses to the persecution of believers in today's world?

4. What does the resurrection of the two witnesses teach us about God's promise of eternal life?

5. How does the world's reaction to the death and resurrection of the witnesses reflect society's attitude towards righteousness?

6. How can the events of Revelation 11 be seen as a call to remain faithful amidst trials and tribulations?

7. How does the seventh trumpet's sound and the subsequent events redefine our understanding of God's sovereignty?

8. In today's context, how would you interpret the phrase "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ"?

9. How does Revelation 11 inspire you to maintain hope during challenging times?

10. What lessons can we learn from the reaction of the twenty-four elders when the seventh trumpet sounded?

11. How might the concept of divine judgement in Revelation 11 influence the way we view justice in our contemporary society?

12. In what ways do the events of Revelation 11 influence your personal faith journey?

13. How can the endurance of the two witnesses inspire believers to withstand persecution?

14. What actions can you take to mirror the steadfastness of the two witnesses in your own life?

15. How does the imagery of the Ark of the Covenant's revelation impact your perception of God's promises?

16. How does the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom in Revelation 11 comfort you in times of global crisis?

17. In what ways does Revelation 11 shape your understanding of the dichotomy between good and evil?

18. How can the prophetic events of Revelation 11 serve as a motivation for believers to live a life worthy of God's kingdom?

19. In the face of adversity, how can you ensure that your faith remains unshaken, just like the two witnesses?

20. How does the divine intervention in the events of Revelation 11 inspire you to rely on God's power in your personal struggles?



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