Revelation of John 11
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
And there was given me a reed - See Eze 40:3, etc. Measure the temple of God - This must refer to the temple of Jerusalem; and this is another presumptive evidence that it was yet standing.
Open source ↗MEASUREMENT OF THE TEMPLE. THE TWO WITNESSES' TESTIMONY: THEIR DEATH, RESURRECTION, AND ASCENSION: THE EARTHQUAKE: THE THIRD WOE: THE SEVENTH TRUMPET USHERS IN CHRIST'S KINGDOM. THANKSGIVING OF THE TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS. (Rev. 11:1-19) and the angel stood--omitted in A, Vulgate, and Coptic. Supported by B and Syriac. If it be omitted, the "reed" will, in construction, agree with "saying." So WORDSWORTH takes it. The reed, the canon of Scripture, the measuring reed of the Church, our rule of faith, speaks. So in Rev 16:7 the altar is personified as speaking (compare Note, see on Rev 16:7). The Spirit speaks in the canon of Scripture (the word canon is derived from Hebrew, "kaneh," "a reed," the word here used; and John it was who completed the canon). So VICTORINUS, AQUINAS, and VITRINGA. "Like a rod," namely, straight: like a rod of iron (Rev 2:27), unbending, destroying all error, and that "cannot be broken." Rev 2:27; Heb 1:8, Greek, "a rod of straightness," English Version, "a scepter of righteousness"; this is added to guard against it being thought that the reed was one "shaken by the wind" In the abrupt style of the Apocalypse, "saying" is possibly indefinite, put for "one said." Still WORDSWORTH'S view agrees best with Greek. So the ancient commentator, ANDREAS OF CÆSAREA, in the end of the fifth century (compare Notes, see on Rev 11:3-4). the temple--Greek, "naon" (as distinguished from the Greek, "hieron," or temple in general), the Holy Place, "the sanctuary." the altar--of incense; for it alone was in "the sanctuary." (Greek, "naos"). The measurement of the Holy place seems to me to stand parallel to the sealing of the elect of Israel under the sixth seal. God's elect are symbolized by the sanctuary at Jerusalem (Co1 3:16-17, where the same Greek word, "naos,"…
Open source ↗And there was given me a reed like unto a rod,.... A measuring reed, which with the Jews was six cubits long, Eze 40:5; with the Greeks and Romans, ten feet long; the Ethiopic version here calls it a "golden reed", as in Rev 21:15. This was given unto John very likely by the same angel that gave him the little book, since he afterwards bids him arise and measure with it; and by it seems to be designed the holy Scripture, or the word of God, which is sometimes called a line, a rule, and rod, Psa 19:4, and which is the rule and measure of doctrine and faith; and by it all doctrine is to be tried and measured, and whatsoever is not agreeably to it is not of God, nor to be received, but rejected; and it is the rule and measure of all discipline, worship, and practice; it lays down the plan of a Gospel church, which should be gathered out of the world, and separated from it; it shows who are the proper materials of it, what officers are to be constituted in it, and what ordinances are to be administered, and what laws and rules should be observed in receiving and rejecting of members, and according to which the whole community should walk; in short, it directs to all the forms, laws, and ordinances of God's house; and this is the use John, or those whom he represents, were to make of it: and the angel stood; the same that stood with his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the earth, and gave to John the little book, Rev 10:1; though it may be not in the same place and situation, but rather at the gate of the temple, as in Eze 40:3. This clause is not in the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, but is in the Syriac version and Complutensian edition, and is rightly retained, or otherwise it would seem as if the reed spoke: saying, rise and measure the temple o…
Open source ↗This prophetical passage about measuring the temple is a plain reference to what we find in Ezekiel's vision, Eze 40:3, etc. But how to understand either the one or the other is not so easy. It should seem the design of measuring the temple in the former case was in order to the rebuilding of it, and that with advantage; the design of this measurement seems to be either, 1. For the preservation of it in those times of public danger and calamity that are here foretold; or, 2. For its trial; that it may be seen how far it agrees with the standard, or pattern, in the mount; or, 3. For its reformation; that what is redundant, deficient, or changed, may be regulated according to the true model. Observe, I. How much was to be measured. 1. The temple; the gospel church in general, whether it be so built, so constituted, as the gospel rule directs, whether it be too narrow or too large, the door too wide or too strait. 2. The altar. That which was the place of the most solemn acts of worship may be put for religious worship in general; whether the church has the true altars, both as to substance and situation: as to substance, whether they take Christ for their altar, and lay down all their offerings there; and in situation, whether the altar be in the holiest; that is, whether they worship God in the Spirit and in truth. 3. The worshippers too must be measured, whether they make God's glory their end and his word their rule, in all their acts of worship; and whether they come to God with suitable affections, and whether their conversation be as becomes the gospel. II. What was not to be measured (Rev 11:2), and why it should be left out. 1. What was not to be measured: The court which is without the temple measure it not. Some say that Herod, in the additions made to the templ…
Open source ↗11:1-13 This section pictures the willful rejection of God’s continuing call for repentance. The many attempts to silence his witnesses ultimately fail, and God triumphs. • Many attempts have been made to identify the two witnesses of this chapter. Moses and Elijah, who appeared with Jesus at the transfiguration (Matt 17:3; Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30), are likely candidates (see Rev 11:6); they represent the law and the prophets. Others have suggested Enoch and Elijah because they did not die (see Gen 5:21-24; 2 Kgs 2:11-12). Other possibilities include Peter and Paul, or James and John. More important than their identities is their role of confirming God’s message by the testimony of “two or three witnesses” (see Deut 17:6). God provides a twofold witness to the world about the impending judgment, making it clear that his word is certain to be fulfilled (Deut 19:15; Matt 18:15-16). 11:1 The instructions to measure the Temple are reminiscent of Ezekiel’s visions (see Ezek 40–42; 43:13-17). The Jerusalem Temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70; these details symbolize God’s precise knowledge of and care for his people who belong to him (cp. Rev 7:2-4; Zech 2:1-5).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… μοί (moí, G3427) — to me κάλαμος (kálamos, G2563) — a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen ὅμοιος (hómoios, G3664) — similar (in appearance or character) ῥάβδος (rhábdos, G4464) — a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty) ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἐγείρω (egeírō, G1453) — to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from… μετρέω (metréō, G3354) — to measure (i.e. ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure… ναός (naós, G3485) — a fane, shrine, temple θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very θυσιαστήριον (thysiastḗrion, G2379) — a place of sacrifice, i.e. an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… αὐλή (aulḗ, G833) — a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἔξωθεν (éxōthen, G1855) — external(-ly) ἔσωθεν (ésōthen, G2081) — from inside; also used as equivalent to G2080 (ἔσω) (inside) ναός (naós, G3485) — a fane, shrine, temple ἐκβάλλω (ekbállō, G1544) — to eject (literally or figuratively) ἔξω (éxō, G1854) — out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively μετρέω (metréō, G3354) — to measure (i.e. ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ἔθνος (éthnos, G1484) — a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me δύο (dýo, G1417) — "two" μάρτυς (mártys, G3144) — a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr" προφητεύω (prophēteúō, G4395) — to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office χίλιοι (chílioi, G5507) — a thousand διακόσιοι (diakósioi, G1250) — two hundred ἑξήκοντα (hexḗkonta, G1835) — sixty ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… περιβάλλω (peribállō, G4016) — to throw all around, i.e. invest (with a palisade or with clothing) σάκκος (sákkos, G4526) — "sack"-cloth, i.e. mohair (the material or garments made of it, worn as a sign of grief)
Open source ↗οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are δύο (dýo, G1417) — "two" ἐλαία (elaía, G1636) — an olive (the tree or the fruit) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λυχνία (lychnía, G3087) — a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively) ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… ἐνώπιον (enṓpion, G1799) — in the face of (literally or figuratively) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… θέλω (thélō, G2309) — to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 (βούλομαι)… ἀδικέω (adikéō, G91) — to be unjust, i.e. (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically) πῦρ (pŷr, G4442) — "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning) ἐκπορεύομαι (ekporeúomai, G1607) — to depart, be discharged, proceed, project ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) στόμα (stóma, G4750) — the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations);… κατεσθίω (katesthíō, G2719) — to eat down, i.e. devour (literally or figuratively) ἐχθρός (echthrós, G2190) — hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary… δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is… οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) ἀποκτείνω (apokteínō, G615) — to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
Open source ↗οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ἐξουσία (exousía, G1849) — privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively)… κλείω (kleíō, G2808) — to close (literally or figuratively) οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not βρέχω (bréchō, G1026) — to moisten (especially by a shower) ὑετός (hyetós, G5205) — rain, especially a shower ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… προφητεία (prophēteía, G4394) — prediction (scriptural or other) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… τελέω (teléō, G5055) — to end, i.e. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… μαρτυρία (martyría, G3141) — evidence given (judicially or genitive case) θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal ἀναβαίνω (anabaínō, G305) — to go up (literally or figuratively) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἄβυσσος (ábyssos, G12) — depthless, i.e. (specially) (infernal) "abyss" ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) πόλεμος (pólemos, G4171) — warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series) μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… νικάω (nikáō, G3528) — to subdue (literally or figuratively) ἀποκτείνω (apokteínō, G615) — to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πτῶμα (ptōma, G4430) — a ruin, i.e. (specially), lifeless body (corpse, carrion) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… πλατεῖα (plateîa, G4113) — a wide "plat" or "place", i.e. open square μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) πόλις (pólis, G4172) — a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size) ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same πνευματικῶς (pneumatikōs, G4153) — non-physically, i.e. divinely, figuratively καλέω (kaléō, G2564) — to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise) Σόδομα (Sódoma, G4670) — Sodoma (i.e. Sedom), a place in Palestine Αἴγυπτος (Aígyptos, G125) — Ægyptus, the land of the Nile ὅπου (hópou, G3699) — what(-ever) where, i.e. at whichever spot ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… βλέπω (blépō, G991) — to look at (literally or figuratively) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) λαός (laós, G2992) — a people (in general; thus differing from G1218 (δῆμος), which denotes one's own populace) φυλή (phylḗ, G5443) — an offshoot, i.e. race or clan γλῶσσα (glōssa, G1100) — the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired) ἔθνος (éthnos, G1484) — a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πτῶμα (ptōma, G4430) — a ruin, i.e. (specially), lifeless body (corpse, carrion) τρεῖς (treîs, G5140) — "three" ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… ἥμισυ (hḗmisy, G2255) — (as noun) half ἀφίημι (aphíēmi, G863) — an intensive form of , to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κατοικέω (katoikéō, G2730) — to house permanently, i.e. reside (literally or figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… χαίρω (chaírō, G5463) — to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εὐφραίνω (euphraínō, G2165) — to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e. rejoice πέμπω (pémpō, G3992) — to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas (as a stronger form… δῶρον (dōron, G1435) — a present; specially, a sacrifice ἀλλήλων (allḗlōn, G240) — one another ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) δύο (dýo, G1417) — "two" προφήτης (prophḗtēs, G4396) — a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… τρεῖς (treîs, G5140) — "three" ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… ἥμισυ (hḗmisy, G2255) — (as noun) half πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… ζωή (zōḗ, G2222) — life (literally or figuratively) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… πούς (poús, G4228) — a "foot" (figuratively or literally)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀναβαίνω (anabaínō, G305) — to go up (literally or figuratively) ὧδε (hōde, G5602) — in this same spot, i.e. here or hither εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. νεφέλη (nephélē, G3507) — properly, cloudiness, i.e. (concretely) a cloud ἐχθρός (echthrós, G2190) — hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed ὥρα (hṓra, G5610) — an "hour" (literally or figuratively) γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) σεισμός (seismós, G4578) — a commotion, i.e. (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake δέκατος (dékatos, G1182) — tenth πόλις (pólis, G4172) — a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size) πίπτω (píptō, G4098) — to fall (literally or figuratively) ἀποκτείνω (apokteínō, G615) — to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven
Open source ↗δεύτερος (deúteros, G1208) — (ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb) οὐαί (ouaí, G3759) — "woe" ἀπέρχομαι (apérchomai, G565) — to go off (i.e. depart), aside (i.e. apart) or behind (i.e. follow), literally or… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; τρίτος (trítos, G5154) — third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ταχύ (tachý, G5035) — shortly, i.e. without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly, or (by implication, of…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
They set out from Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah.