If 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. If anyone wants to harm themThis phrase introduces the protective power surrounding the two witnesses. The Greek word for "harm" (ἀδικῆσαι, adikēsai) implies an intention to act unjustly or to do wrong. Historically, God's prophets have often faced opposition and persecution, as seen throughout the Old Testament. This phrase underscores the divine protection over those who are called to deliver God's message, echoing the assurance found in passages like Isaiah 54:17, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper." fire proceeds from their mouths
The imagery of fire is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing judgment, purification, and the presence of God. The Greek word for "fire" (πῦρ, pyr) is used in various contexts, such as the fire that consumed Elijah's sacrifice on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38). This phrase suggests that the words of the witnesses carry divine authority and power, reminiscent of Jeremiah 5:14, where God declares, "I will make My words in your mouth a fire." and devours their enemies
The term "devours" (κατεσθίει, katesthiei) conveys a sense of complete consumption or destruction. This reflects the ultimate triumph of God's truth over falsehood and evil. Historically, this can be seen in the fate of those who opposed God's prophets, such as the destruction of the prophets of Baal. The imagery here is not just of physical destruction but also of spiritual defeat, emphasizing the power of God's word to overcome opposition. In this way, anyone who wants to harm them
Reiterating the earlier phrase, this emphasizes the certainty of divine retribution against those who oppose God's messengers. The repetition serves to highlight the seriousness of opposing God's will and the inevitable consequences of such actions. It is a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face and the assurance of God's protection. must be killed
The phrase "must be killed" (δεῖ αὐτὸν ἀποκτανθῆναι, dei auton apoktanthēnai) indicates a divine necessity or decree. The use of "must" (δεῖ, dei) suggests that this is not merely a possible outcome but an ordained one. This reflects the biblical principle of divine justice, where those who persist in opposing God ultimately face judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of rejecting God's message and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Two WitnessesCentral figures in Revelation 11, these witnesses are empowered by God to prophesy during the end times. They are often interpreted as symbolic of the church or specific prophetic figures. 2. Enemies of the WitnessesThose who oppose the message and mission of the two witnesses, representing opposition to God's truth. 3. Fire from Their MouthsSymbolic of divine judgment and protection, indicating the power of God's word and the authority given to the witnesses. 4. Devouring of EnemiesRepresents the ultimate triumph of God's justice over evil, emphasizing the certainty of divine retribution. 5. The Setting of JerusalemWhile not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the broader context of Revelation 11 places these events in Jerusalem, often seen as the spiritual center of God's redemptive plan. Teaching Points Divine Protection and AuthorityGod equips His servants with the authority and power necessary to fulfill their mission, even in the face of opposition. The Power of God's WordThe imagery of fire proceeding from the witnesses' mouths underscores the potency of God's Word in confronting and overcoming evil. Certainty of Divine JusticeThe fate of the enemies serves as a reminder of the inevitable triumph of God's justice over wickedness. Courage in WitnessingBelievers are encouraged to stand firm in their testimony, trusting in God's protection and the power of His Word. Symbolism and RealityWhile the imagery is symbolic, it points to real spiritual truths about God's sovereignty and the ultimate victory of His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of fire proceeding from the mouths of the witnesses enhance our understanding of the power of God's Word? 2. In what ways can we see the theme of divine protection in our own lives as we witness for Christ? 3. How does the certainty of divine justice, as seen in this passage, provide comfort and encouragement in the face of opposition? 4. What parallels can we draw between the two witnesses and other biblical figures who faced opposition for their faith? 5. How can we apply the lessons from the two witnesses to our own calling to be faithful witnesses in today's world? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 1:10-12Elijah calls down fire from heaven to consume his enemies, paralleling the divine protection and judgment seen with the two witnesses. Jeremiah 5:14God makes Jeremiah's words like fire, emphasizing the power of prophetic proclamation against opposition. Hebrews 4:12The Word of God is described as living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, highlighting the power of divine truth to judge and protect. People JohnPlaces Egypt, Patmos, SodomTopics Anyone, Behoveth, Certainly, Consumes, Damage, Death, Desire, Desires, Desireth, Devour, Devoureth, Devours, Die, Doomed, Enemies, Fire, Flows, Foes, Goes, Harm, Hurt, Injure, Killed, Manner, Mouth, Mouths, Pours, Proceed, Proceedeth, Proceeds, Puts, Seeks, Thus, Tries, Wants, Wills, WorkingDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 11:5 4826 fire
9020 death Revelation 11:3-6 4492 olive Library Worship
Eversley, September 4, 1870. Revelation xi. 16, 17. "And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned." My dear friends,--I wish to speak a few plain words to you this morning, on a matter which has been on my mind ever since I returned from Chester, namely,--The duty of the congregation …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other SermonsSermon at the Second Annual Meeting of the Missionary Council in Washington, D. C. , Nov. 13, 1888.
"/The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever/."--REVELATION xi. 15. THESE words are God's surety that the prayers, the trials and the labors of His Church shall be crowned with success. We are living in the great missionary age of the Church. Impenetrable barriers have been broken down. Fast-closed doors have been opened. There is no country where we may not carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Divine Providence has been …
H.B. Whipple—Five Sermons The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever! T he Kingdom of our Lord in the heart, and in the world, is frequently compared to a building or house, of which He Himself is both the Foundation and the Architect (Isaiah 28:16 and 54:11, 12) . A building advances by degrees (I Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:20-22) , and while it is in an unfinished state, a stranger cannot, by viewing its present appearance, form an accurate judgment …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Time of the Evening.
The morning was of 270 years' duration. The first form of the apostasy lasted, as we have shown, 1260 years, bringing us to the Lutheran reformation in 1530. Now when we ascertain the duration of the second beast power we will know the time the sun, moon and stars reappear in the evening. One especial text that gives us information on this subject is found in Revelation. In speaking of the two witnesses the Revelator says: "And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day The Second vision "On Earth"
E^2, THE FIRST SIX TRUMPETS (viii. 7 - xi. 14). A., The First Four Trumpets (viii. 7-12) Before we give the Structure of this section we must again call attention to the fact that the sixth Seal takes us on to the time of the end; and the seventh Seal takes us back and commences a new series of judgments initiated by the seven Trumpets and followed by the seven Vials. So that the whole of the rest of the Apocalypse comes under the seventh Seal. Whereas the seventh Trumpet issues in and contains …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation The Interest of his Biography.
"John, than which man a sadder or a greater Not till this day has been of woman born; John, like some iron peak by the Creator Fired with the red glow of the rushing morn. "This, when the sun shall rise and overcome it, Stands in his shining, desolate and bare; Yet not the less the inexorable summit Flamed him his signal to the happier air." F. W. H. MYERS. John and Jesus--Contemporary History--Anticipation of the Advent. The morning star, shining amid the brightening glow of dawn, is the fittest …
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist "The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. So Then they that Are
Rom. viii. s 7, 8.--"The carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is not the least of man's evils, that he knows not how evil he is, therefore the Searcher of the heart of man gives the most perfect account of it, Jer. xvii. 12. "The heart is deceitful above all things," as well as "desperately wicked," two things superlative and excessive in it, bordering upon an infiniteness, such …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Almighty
This title is used nine times [12] in the Apocalypse, and only once elsewhere in the rest of the New Testament (2 Cor. vi. 18). [13] It is (...) (pantokrator) and means having dominion over all, and is used in the Old Testament as the Septuagint translation of "Lord of Hosts" (Heb., Jehovah, Sabaioth; see 2 Sam. v. 10; vii. 25, 27). In Revelation the title is used in i. 8; iv 8; xi. 17; xv. 3; xvi. 7, 14; xix. 6, 15, 22. "The Lord of Hosts" means Jehovah of the hosts in heaven above, and on the earth …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation The Third vision "In Heaven"
H3, xi. 15-19-. THE SOUNDING OF THE SEVENTH TRUMPET. The Seventh Trumpet brings us back to Heaven and to the Third Vision seen there by John. For it is "in heaven" that the Trumpet is sounded. After it is sounded, we again hear the heavenly utterances which tell us of the design of this sounding. In xix. 1-16, heavenly voices again tell us of the completion of its effect. After it is sounded, and its object unfolded, there is a break; and an episode occupying chaps. xii., xiii. and xiv.; the effects …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation The Fourth
refers to the books of Numbers and Samuel. The promise is, "to him will give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers; even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star" (Rev. ii. 26-28). Here again the literary order in the Apocalypse goes forward with the historical order: for it is in the book of Numbers that we have the basis of this promise given to the same People, who were the subjects …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
by John Bunyan, Licensed and entered according to order. London: Printed for, and sold by, R. Tookey, at his Printing House in St. Christopher's Court, in Threadneedle Street, behind the Royal Exchange, 1701. Advertisement by the Editor. Some degree of mystery hangs over these Divine Emblems for children, and many years' diligent researches have not enabled me completely to solve it. That they were written by Bunyan, there cannot be the slightest doubt. 'Manner and matter, too, are all his own.'[1] …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor.
In any wise remember, if conveniently it may be, to send for some godly and religious pastor, not only to pray for thee at thy death--for God in such a case hath promised to hear the prayers of the righteous prophets, and elders of the church (Gen. xx. 7; Jer. xviii. 20; xv. 1; 1 Sam. xii. 19, 23; James v. 14, 15, 16)--but also upon thy unfeigned repentance to declare to thee the absolution of thy sins. For as Christ hath given him a calling to baptize thee unto repentance for the remission of thy …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Water of Life;
OR, A DISCOURSE SHOWING THE RICHNESS AND GLORY OF THE GRACE AND SPIRIT OF THE GOSPEL, AS SET FORTH IN SCRIPTURE BY THIS TERM, THE WATER OF LIFE. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.'--Revelation 22:17 London: Printed for Nathanael Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Often, and in every age, the children of God have dared to doubt the sufficiency of divine grace; whether it was vast enough to reach their condition--to cleanse …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Conclusion.
"From Heaven He came and sought her To be His Holy Bride, With His own Blood He bought her, And for her life He died." "The Kingdom of Heaven," what is it? It is the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ. It is that Kingdom which was prophetically set forth by our Lord in His parables; that Kingdom, the subjects of which were described in His teaching, and redeemed by His Blood to be His own "purchased possession" (Eph. i. 14); that Kingdom which was founded through the coming of the Holy …
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it? Opposition to Messiah in Vain
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision. T he extent and efficacy [effects] of the depravity of mankind cannot be fully estimated by the conduct of heathens destitute of divine revelation. We may say of the Gospel, in one sense, what the Apostle says of the Law, It entered that sin might abound (Romans 5:20) . It afforded occasion for displaying the alienation of the heart of man from the blessed God, in the strongest light. The sensuality, oppression and …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
To declare emphatically that the people of God are a covenant people, various signs were in sovereignty vouchsafed. The lights in the firmament of heaven were appointed to be for signs, affording direction to the mariner, the husbandman, and others. Miracles wrought on memorable occasions, were constituted signs or tokens of God's universal government. The gracious grant of covenant signs was made in order to proclaim the truth of the existence of God's covenant with his people, to urge the performance …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Links Revelation 11:5 NIVRevelation 11:5 NLTRevelation 11:5 ESVRevelation 11:5 NASBRevelation 11:5 KJV
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