These witnesses
The term "witnesses" in the context of Revelation often refers to those who testify to the truth of God, even in the face of persecution. The Greek word for "witness" is "μάρτυς" (martys), which is also the root for the English word "martyr." This highlights the role of these figures as not only proclaimers of God's truth but also as potential sufferers for their testimony. Historically, witnesses in the biblical sense are those who have seen and experienced the truth of God and are called to share it with others, often at great personal cost.

are the two olive trees
The imagery of "olive trees" is rich with Old Testament symbolism, particularly from Zechariah 4:3, where two olive trees stand beside a golden lampstand. Olive trees are symbols of peace, prosperity, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In the ancient world, olive oil was used for anointing kings and priests, signifying the presence and blessing of God. The use of "two olive trees" here suggests a dual anointing or a double portion of God's Spirit and favor upon these witnesses, empowering them for their prophetic mission.

and the two lampstands
Lampstands in biblical literature often symbolize the presence of God and the light of His truth. In Revelation 1:20, lampstands represent churches, indicating that these witnesses are bearers of divine light in a dark world. The Greek word for lampstand, "λυχνία" (lychnia), emphasizes the function of holding and displaying light. Historically, lampstands were central in the tabernacle and temple, signifying God's continual presence among His people. The "two lampstands" suggest that these witnesses are not only filled with the Spirit but also tasked with illuminating the truth of God to the nations.

that stand before the Lord of the earth
The phrase "stand before" indicates a position of service and readiness. In biblical terms, to stand before the Lord is to be in a place of honor and duty, akin to the role of a servant or minister. The Greek word "ἑστῶτες" (hestotes) implies a steadfast and enduring presence. "The Lord of the earth" underscores God's sovereignty over all creation, affirming that these witnesses operate under His authority and command. Historically, this phrase reassures believers of God's ultimate control and the certainty of His plans, even amidst earthly turmoil.

(4) These are . . .--Translate, These are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks which stand before the Lord of the earth. This is the verse which refers us to the vision of Zechariah for the basis of our present vision. There, as here, we have the two olive trees, which are explained to be "the two anointed ones which stand before the Lord of the whole earth." The explanation is supposed to refer to Zerubbabel and Joshua. or, as others think, to Zechariah and Haggai. At that time these men were the witnesses for God in their land and among their people. But the answer of the angel is general: "the olive trees are the two anointed ones which stand," &c. For the vision is general and age-long; it reminds us of the returned Jewish exiles, and of those who were then among them, as anointed witnesses, but it shows us that such witnesses are to be found in more than one era; for it is not Zerubbabel and Joshua who can exhaust the fulness of a vision which is the representation of the eternal truth that the oil of gladness and strength from God will rest on those who rely, not on might or power, but on God's Spirit. The fact that the witnesses are two is brought more prominently forward here than in Zechariah. There, though the olive trees are two, the candlestick is but one, with seven lamps; here there are two candlesticks spoken of as well as two olive trees. This amplification of the original vision is, perhaps, designed to remind us of the greater latitude of diversity in the new dispensation. Just as in the early chapters of this book we had seven golden candlesticks, which, though one in Christ, yet are spoken of as separate, so here the double aspect, the diverse though united efforts of the two witnesses. are brought into prominence. It may serve to remind us. that the witnesses are to be expected to keep their individuality and to use freely their diverse powers. It is not from one class or with one mode of action that the witnesses come: they may be of the statesman class, like Moses and Zerubbabel; of the prophetic or priestly like Zechariah and Haggai, like Aaron and the later Joshua (Zechariah 3:1); for men may witness for God, according as the evils of their time and age require it in the State as well as in the Church. The work of Wilberforce, Clarkson, and Howard is a work and a witness for God as well as the work of Chrysostom, Athanasius, and Luther; for the witnesses are raised up to speak against the neglect of humanity as well as against errors in divinity; against a heartless as well as against a creedless Christianity, for both lead back to heathenism. These witnesses are burning and shining lights; in them is centred the light of their age; in them is found the token that the grace of God never fails, but as the Church's day so shall her strength be. Here, too, we have the pledge that from Him who is both Priest and King the civil rulers as well as the ecclesiastical rulers may draw grace according to their gifts; and from Him, too, all who are made kings as well as priests to God may derive the power to give the double witness of a life anointed by the Spirit of consecration and ruled by the sceptre of righteousness.

Verse 4. - These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks. The "two olive trees" and the "two candlesticks" are here identical. Thus, while St. John uses the figure of Zechariah, he does not apply it in every detail. In the prophet, but one candlestick is mentioned. "The two olive trees," which supply the material for the candlesticks, are fit emblems of the Old and New Testaments; the candlesticks typify the Jewish and Christian Churches. These are identical so far as being God's witnesses; the Church derives her stores from the Word of God, the light of the Word of God is manifested through the Church. Standing before the God of the earth; the Lord of the earth (Revised Version). The participle is masculine, though the preceding article and nouns are feminine, probably as being more in keeping with the masculine character under which the two witnesses are depicted. Perhaps he is described as the "Lord of the earth," since the witnesses are to prophesy before all the earth (cf. ver. 9 and Matthew 24:14).

Parallel Commentaries ...


These [witnesses]
Οὗτοί (Houtoi)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

are
εἰσιν (eisin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
αἱ (hai)
Article - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

two
δύο (dyo)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1417: Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.

olive trees
ἐλαῖαι (elaiai)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1636: An olive tree; the Mount of Olives. Feminine of a presumed derivative from an obsolete primary; an olive.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
αἱ (hai)
Article - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

two
δύο (dyo)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1417: Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.

lampstands
λυχνίαι (lychniai)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3087: A lamp-stand. From luchnos; a lamp-stand.

that stand
ἑστῶτες (hestōtes)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

before
ἐνώπιον (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

earth.
γῆς (gēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.


Revelation 11:4 NIV
Revelation 11:4 NLT
Revelation 11:4 ESV
Revelation 11:4 NASB
Revelation 11:4 KJV

Revelation 11:4 BibleApps.com
Revelation 11:4 Biblia Paralela
Revelation 11:4 Chinese Bible
Revelation 11:4 French Bible
Revelation 11:4 Catholic Bible

NT Prophecy: Revelation 11:4 These are the two olive trees (Rev. Re Apocalypse)