Revelation 11:4

Translations

Modern

These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.

Traditional

These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

Literal

These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the Lord of the earth.

Latin

Hi sunt duæ olivæ et duo candelabra in conspectu Domini terræ stantes.

Original

Greek

English

These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.

Notes

Revelation 11:4

two olive trees and the two lampstands: See study note on Revelation 1:12; see also Exodus 25:31–40; Zechariah 4:2–6.

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 The Purpose of the Judgments Visions

Related verses

Zechariah 4:11–14
Then I asked the angel, “What are the two olive trees on the right and left of the lampstand?”
Zechariah 4:2–3
“What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps.
Jeremiah 11:16
The LORD once called you a flourishing olive tree, beautiful with well-formed fruit. But with a mighty roar He will set it on fire, and its branches will be consumed.
Psalm 52:8
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in the loving devotion of God forever and ever.
Isaiah 54:5
For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.
Revelation 1:20
This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Romans 11:17
Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root,
Matthew 5:14–16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Luke 11:33
No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a basket. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light.
Exodus 8:22
But on that day I will give special treatment to the land of Goshen, where My people live; no swarms of flies will be found there. In this way you will know that I, the LORD, am in the land.

Glossary

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

Topics

Candlestick: Symbolical God: Sovereign Olive: Symbolical The Olive-Tree of the Two Witnesses Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Two Olive Trees and the Two Lampstands Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Two Witnesses

Revelation 11:4

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Translations

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Notes

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