Revelation 11:1

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

Literal

And a reed like a staff was given to me, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those worshiping in it.

Latin

Et datus est mihi calamus similis virgæ, et dictum est mihi: Surge, et metire templum Dei, et altare, et adorantes in eo:

Original

Greek

English

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.

Notes

Revelation 11:1

The instructions to measure the temple remind us of Ezekiel’s visions (see Ezekiel 40–42; 43:13–17). The Romans destroyed the Jerusalem temple in AD 70. These details symbolize God's precise knowledge and care for his people (compare Revelation 7:2–4; Zechariah 2:1–5).

Revelation 11:1–13

This section shows people choosing to ignore God's call to repent. Attempts to silence his messengers fail, and God wins.
Many have tried to identify the two witnesses in this chapter. Moses and Elijah, who appeared with Jesus at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:3; Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30), are likely candidates (see Revelation 11:6). They represent the law and the prophets. Others suggest Enoch and Elijah because they did not die (see Genesis 5:21–24; 2 Kings 2:11–12). Some think of Peter and Paul, or James and John.
More important than their identities is their role in confirming God's message through the testimony of two or three witnesses (see Deuteronomy 17:6). God provides a dual witness to the world about the coming judgment, making it clear that his word will come true (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:15–16).

Revelation 10:1–11:14

This interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets has two parts:

the seven thunders and the small scroll (Revelation 10:1–11), and
the two witnesses (Revelation 11:1–13).

The interlude ends with the announcement that the second terror is over (Revelation 11:14).

Theme notes and profiles

Visions

Related verses

Revelation 21:15
The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls.
Ezekiel 42:15–20
Now when the man had finished measuring the interior of the temple area, he led me out by the gate that faced east, and he measured the area all around:
Zechariah 2:1–2
Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand.
Ezekiel 40:1–48
In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month—in the fourteenth year after Jerusalem had been struck down—on that very day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He took me there.
1 Peter 2:5
…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:16–17
Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
Isaiah 28:17
I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place.
Ephesians 2:20–22
…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
2 Corinthians 6:16
What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”
Revelation 10:1–5
Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire.
Galatians 6:14–16
But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Glossary

Altar Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Revelation Numbers and Numerology

Topics

Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To John, on the Island of Patmos Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Medium of Revelation to Prophets Reed used As a Measuring Device (Six Cubits) Temple of the Kingdom of Christ Third Temple Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Measurement of the Temple Worship: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Revelation 11:1

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Translations

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Notes

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