a measuring rod A staff with a standardized length used for taking measurements

measure This suggests God’s protection of the people located within the measured area (compare Zech 2:1–5; Rev 21:15–17). Their preservation from spiritual harm recalls the sealing activity of ch. 7, where the 144,000 are protected prior to the opening of the seventh seal, the unleashing of the trumpet judgments, and the unleashing of the demonic forces of ch. 9 (see 9:4).

temple of God The Jerusalem temple could have been destroyed by the time John wrote his apocalypse. This temple may refer to a future rebuilt temple, the heavenly temple mentioned elsewhere in Revelation, or the church as God’s temple, either throughout history or in a final tribulation period (see note on 1:19; compare vv. 19; 1 Cor 3:16)

11:2 the courtyard outside of the temple Refers to the court of the Gentiles, the designated space for non-Jews visiting the temple. Gentiles who ventured beyond its confines into the holy place risked death if caught.

Gentiles Contrasted with those who worship in the sanctuary, the Gentiles here represent unbelievers, upon whom judgment is coming (compare Rev 11:1)

forty two months Restated in v. 3 as 1,260 days (compare 12:6; 13:5). Both figures define, according to traditions from Daniel, the length of the persecution of God’s people (e.g., Dan 7:25; 12:11–12). This could refer literally to a future tribulation or symbolically to the whole amount of time between Jesus’ first and second comings, when God’s people are under pressure from the nations (compare Rev 7:14).

11:3 my two witnesses The identity of these two figures is unknown. They may be symbolic of the overall witness of the Church during tribulation. Alternatively, these two witnesses may be actual prophets who come to earth and proclaim God’s message.

11:4 the two olive trees This echoes the reference in Zechariah to two anointed ones (Zech 4:11–14). These may be identified with the postexilic high priest Joshua and the Davidic descendant Zerubbabel, both of whom were instrumental in the temple restoration efforts (see Zech 4:1–14). John seems to be appropriating this tradition of priestly and kingly figures and reapplying it to his two witnesses.

the two lampstands Earlier in Revelation, lampstands are identified with the churches (Rev 1:12, 20). Only two of these churches (Smyrna and Philadelphia) were entirely faithful and received no rebuke. The two witnesses thus may be a symbol of the Church bearing faithful witness.

11:5 fire comes out of their mouth May be representative of the kind of condemnatory activity associated with the sword in Christ’s mouth (see 1:16; 2:12, 16; 19:15, 21).

11:6 to shut the sky Describes the ability to bring about drought-like conditions, similar to Elijah (see 1 Kgs 17:1).

over the waters Reminiscent of Moses (see Exod 7:17–21).

with every plague Recalls the exodus (see Rev 8:6 and note).

11:7 the beast See 13:1–10.

the abyss Where demons and fallen angels resided. See 9:1 and note.

will kill them They will be killed because of their prophetic ministry and message of Christ (see v. 6).

11:8 their dead bodies will lie in the street The ultimate shame (see Isa 5:25; Psalms of Solomon 2:27).

Sodom and Egypt Used metaphorically to highlight spiritual corruption. In biblical literature Egypt is vilified for its oppression and idolatry, and Sodom for its wickedness and immorality.

where also their Lord was crucified Refers to Jerusalem. However, since references to a great city are used throughout Revelation to describe Rome (figuratively called Babylon; see Rev 16–18), this phrase may also refer to Rome, since crucifixion was a distinctly Roman form of execution. It may even be that John has in mind all cities that oppose the work of God in the world.

11:9 peoples and tribes and languages and nations John is immediately fulfilling his prophetic responsibility (see 7:9; compare 10:11).

three and a half days Related to the 42 months of v. 2 and the 1,260 days of v. 3—both of which signify a three-and-a-half-year period.

11:10 will send gifts to one another Their deaths will be commemorated by a holiday.

11:11 the breath of life John refers to resurrection, whether the two witnesses are interpreted as two individuals or the entire Church. John likely borrows this phraseology from Ezek 37:5, 9–10.

11:12 Come up here Reminiscent of Enoch and Elijah being taken up to heaven (see Rev 11:3 and note; Gen 5:24; 2 Kgs 2:11; compare Rev 4:1 and note).

in a cloud See 10:1 and note; compare 1 Thess 4:17 and note.