Revelation of John 10:11
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
And they told me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
he said--A, B, and Vulgate read, "they say unto me"; an indefinite expression for "it was said unto me." Thou must--The obligation lies upon thee, as the servant of God, to prophesy at His command. again--as thou didst already in the previous part of this book of Revelation. before, &c.--rather as Greek (epilaois), "concerning many peoples," &c., namely, in their relation to the Church. The eating of the book, as in Ezekiel's case, marks John's inauguration to his prophetical office--here to a fresh stage in it, namely, the revealing of the things which befall the holy city and the Church of God--the subject of the rest of the book. Next: Revelation Chapter 11
Open source ↗This chapter is an introduction to the latter part of the prophecies of this book. Whether what is contained between this and the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Rev 11:15) be a distinct prophecy from the other, or only a more general account of some of the principal things included in the other, is disputed by our curious enquirers into these abstruse writings. However, here we have, I. A remarkable description of a very glorious angel with an open book in his hand (Rev 10:1-3). II. An account of seven thunders which the apostle heard, as echoing to the voice of this angel, and communicating some discoveries, which the apostle was not yet allowed to write (Rev 10:4). III. The solemn oath taken by him who had the book in his hand (Rev 10:5-7). IV. The charge given to the apostle, and observed by him (Rev 10:8-11).
Open source ↗10:11 Unlike Ezekiel, who prophesied for Israel alone, John must prophesy . . . about (or against) all the people of the world. There is debate whether “about” or “against” is the best translation; “about” allows for both promise and judgment (see both in 21:24-27).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
And He said to me, “Prophesy concerning these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!
Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute was seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.
Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and tell the breath that this is what the Lord GOD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, so that they may live!”
Then I saw another angel flying overhead, with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.
For three and a half days all peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will view their bodies and will not permit them to be laid in a tomb.