Revelation 11:3

Translations

Modern

And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”

Traditional

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Literal

And I will give to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”

Latin

…et dabo duobus testibus meis, et prophetabunt diebus mille ducentis sexaginta, amicti saccis.

Original

Greek

English

And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”

Notes

Revelation 11:3

During the period of persecution, God will not abandon the world. He will send two witnesses to announce the coming judgment, similar to how God sent Jonah to Nineveh (Jonah 1:2; 4:11).
Burlap clothing symbolized mourning or repentance (see Genesis 37:34; 2 Samuel 3:31; Nehemiah 9:1; Esther 4:1; Jonah 3:6).

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

Elijah Symbolic Numbers The Purpose of the Judgments Visions

Related verses

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.
Revelation 11:2
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.
Deuteronomy 19:15
A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Revelation 13:5
The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.
Isaiah 22:12
On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth.
Luke 24:48
You are witnesses of these things.
Acts 13:31
…and for many days He was seen by those who had accompanied Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now His witnesses to our people.
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Genesis 37:34
Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
Job 16:15
I have sewn sackcloth over my skin; I have buried my horn in the dust.
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.”
2 Corinthians 13:1
This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

Glossary

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

Topics

Day: Prophetic Prophecy: A Gift of Christ Prophets: Wore a Coarse Dress of Hair-Cloth Sackcloth was Worn by God's Prophets The Olive-Tree of the Two Witnesses Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Two Witnesses Witness of Instruction in Righteousness

Revelation 11:3

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