Revelation 11:2

Translations

Modern

But 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.

Traditional

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Literal

And leave out the courtyard outside the temple, and do not measure it, because it was given to the nations, and they will trample upon the holy city forty and two months.

Latin

…atrium autem, quod est foris templum, ejice foras, et ne metiaris illud: quoniam datum est gentibus, et civitatem sanctam calcabunt mensibus quadraginta duobus:

Original

Greek

English

But 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.

Notes

Revelation 11:2–3

The outer courtyard of the Jerusalem Temple, which was outside the stone warning fence, was considered the place for the Gentile nations. John uses this image to make a clear distinction between the people God recognizes and those he does not.
The 42 months and 1,260 days represent three and a half years, or an incomplete seven (see study notes on Daniel 7:24–25; 8:26; 9:24–27). John frequently uses these time periods in Revelation when persecution is evident and evil seems to control the world. God's people will remain secure in him (see study note on Revelation 11:1) even though God permits evil forces to persecute them (see Revelation 13:7; Mark 10:30).

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

Daniel 7:25
He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.
Luke 21:24
They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Revelation 12:6
And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place for her to be nourished for 1,260 days.
Daniel 12:7
And the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by Him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, and times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has finally been shattered, all these things will be completed.”
Revelation 11:3
And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
Revelation 21:2
I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 13:1–18
Then I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.
Daniel 12:11–12
And from the time the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation set up, there will be 1,290 days.
Isaiah 52:1
Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion! Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, holy city! For the uncircumcised and unclean will no longer enter you.
Revelation 22:19
And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this book.
Ezekiel 40:17–20
Then he brought me into the outer court, and there were chambers and a pavement laid out all around the court. Thirty chambers faced the pavement,
Daniel 8:24–25
His power will be great, but it will not be his own. He will cause terrible destruction and succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men along with the holy people.

Glossary

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

Topics

Cities: Visible Church Gentiles: Outer Court of Temple For Month: Adar (March): Months in Prophecy Rebuilding the Temple Strangers in Israel: Admitted to Worship in the Outer Court of the Temple Third Temple Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Court of the Gentiles Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Measurement of the Temple

Revelation 11:2

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