Revelation 10:11

KJV

And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G3004} unto me {G3427}, Thou {G4571} must {G1163} prophesy {G4395} again {G3825} before {G1909} many {G4183} peoples {G2992}, and {G2532} nations {G1484}, and {G2532} tongues {G1100}, and {G2532} kings {G935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”

Berean Standard Bible

And they told me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.”

American Standard Version

And they say unto me, Thou must prophesy again over many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 10:11 delivers a profound re-commissioning to the Apostle John, following his symbolic consumption of the little scroll. This verse marks a pivotal transition, shifting John's experience from personal revelation to an explicit divine mandate to resume and expand his prophetic ministry. He is tasked with proclaiming God's message of judgment and ultimate triumph to a vast, universal audience, encompassing all peoples, nations, languages, and rulers across the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic interlude of the mighty angel and the little scroll in [Revelation 10](/revelation/10 "Revelation 10 - The Little Scroll and John's Commission"). John has just been commanded to take the scroll from the angel's hand and eat it ([Revelation 10:8-9](/revelation/10-8-9 "Revelation 10:8-9 - John Eats the Scroll")). The act of eating the scroll, described in [Revelation 10:10](/revelation/10-10 "Revelation 10:10 - Sweet and Bitter"), results in a dual experience: it is "sweet as honey" in his mouth, symbolizing the delightful nature of receiving divine revelation, but "bitter" in his stomach, representing the often difficult and painful reality of proclaiming God's truth, especially concerning judgment and suffering. Having internalized this divine word, John is then given this renewed commission, indicating that the assimilation of truth is not an end in itself but a preparation for further, broader proclamation. This re-commissioning sets the stage for the subsequent visions detailing the final judgments and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). John, exiled to the island of Patmos ([Revelation 1:9](/revelation/1-9 "Revelation 1:9 - John on Patmos")), received these visions to encourage and warn the early church. The concept of a prophet receiving and then proclaiming a divine message was deeply rooted in Old Testament tradition (e.g., Ezekiel eating a scroll in [Ezekiel 2:8-3:3](/ezekiel/2-8-3-3 "Ezekiel 2:8-3:3 - Ezekiel Eats the Scroll")). The Roman Empire, with its vast array of "peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings," represented the dominant world power of the time, often hostile to the Christian faith. The message that John must prophesy "before" such a diverse and powerful audience underscores the universal scope and ultimate authority of God's word, which transcends all earthly boundaries and political structures.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 10:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it emphasizes the **divine imperative of prophecy and proclamation**. John's commission to "prophesy again" highlights that God's revelation is dynamic and requires ongoing declaration, not merely passive reception. Secondly, it reinforces the **universal scope of God's redemptive and judgmental plan**. The repeated phrase "peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings" is a characteristic apocalyptic formula in Revelation, appearing in contexts of universal worship ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Universal Worship of the Lamb"), [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude")) and universal opposition ([Revelation 11:9](/revelation/11-9 "The World Witnesses the Two Witnesses' Death"), [Revelation 13:7](/revelation/13-7 "The Beast's Authority Over All Nations")). Here, it signifies that the prophetic message of the Apocalypse is intended for all humanity, from the common person to those in positions of ultimate authority, underscoring God's sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** This word conveys a divine necessity or imperative. It indicates that John's renewed prophetic ministry is not optional but divinely mandated, a binding obligation from God. This necessity is rooted in God's sovereign plan and purpose for the unfolding of history and the revelation of His will.
* **prophesy (Greek, _prophēteúō'_):** In this context, "prophesy" encompasses more than merely foretelling future events. It refers to speaking forth the divine will, declaring God's truth, warnings, and purposes under inspiration. John's role is to articulate what he has seen and heard, interpreting God's actions and revealing the ultimate triumph of Christ.
* **again (Greek, _pálin'_):** This adverb signifies a repetition or renewal of action. It implies that John's prophetic work is not concluded but is entering a new, intensified phase. It suggests a re-commissioning for a continued or expanded ministry, building upon his previous prophetic experiences and now empowered by the internalization of the little scroll's message.
* **tongues (Greek, _glōssa'_):** While literally meaning "tongue," in this context, it signifies "language." Its inclusion in the list of "peoples, nations, and kings" emphasizes the linguistic diversity of the audience to whom John's prophecy must be proclaimed. It highlights the global reach of God's message, transcending all linguistic barriers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto me,"**: This phrase establishes the divine origin of the command. The "he" refers to the mighty angel who had just presented John with the little scroll and engaged him in the symbolic act of its consumption. This direct address underscores the personal and authoritative nature of the commission given to John.
* **"Thou must prophesy again"**: This is the core of the re-commissioning. "Thou" (John) is the recipient of the imperative. "Must" (Greek: _deî_) indicates a divine necessity and obligation, not a suggestion. "Prophesy" means to speak forth God's word, revealing His will and future plans. "Again" signifies a continuation or renewal of his prophetic ministry, now with a fresh mandate and a deeper understanding gained from eating the scroll.
* **"before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings."**: This comprehensive list defines the universal scope of John's renewed prophetic mission. "Peoples" (Greek: _laós_) refers to general populations; "nations" (Greek: _éthnos_) refers to ethnic or national groups, often implying Gentiles; "tongues" (Greek: _glōssa_) refers to different languages, emphasizing linguistic diversity; and "kings" (Greek: _basileús_) refers to those in positions of political authority. Together, these terms signify that the message of Revelation is intended for all humanity, across all societal strata, political boundaries, and cultural distinctions.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 10:11 employs several significant **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Merism**, seen in the phrase "peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings." This device uses a list of contrasting or complementary parts to represent a whole, effectively conveying the universal scope of John's commission. By listing diverse categories of humanity—from general populations to specific ethnic groups, linguistic communities, and political rulers—the text emphasizes that God's message is intended for *everyone*, without exception. This universal reach is further underscored by the **Repetition** of the conjunction "and" (Greek: _kai_) before each category, creating a cumulative effect that reinforces the expansive nature of the audience. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Commission**, a common literary motif in biblical prophecy where a prophet is explicitly called and empowered by God for a specific task, often involving the proclamation of a message. This commission serves to validate John's authority and the importance of the message he is about to deliver.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 10:11 stands as a powerful testament to the ongoing nature of God's revelation and the universal scope of His redemptive and judgmental purposes. It underscores that understanding divine truth is not an end in itself, but a preparation for proclamation. The bitter-sweet experience of the scroll, immediately preceding this commission, highlights the dual nature of God's word: delightful in its reception but often challenging and painful in its declaration, especially when it concerns judgment or suffering. Nevertheless, the divine imperative ("Thou must prophesy") affirms the non-negotiable call to share this truth, regardless of the difficulty, because it is for all humanity. This echoes the biblical principle that God desires all to hear His word and respond.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 10:11 serves as a profound call to every believer today, reminding us that receiving God's truth is always for the purpose of sharing it. Just as John was re-commissioned to "prophesy again," so too are Christians called to be active participants in God's ongoing mission to proclaim His message to the world. The "sweet" experience of encountering God's grace and promises should fuel our desire to share, while the "bitter" reality of a fallen world, resistance to the Gospel, and the difficult truths of sin and judgment should not deter us. This verse challenges us to consider the breadth of our own evangelistic and discipleship efforts. Are we limiting the scope of God's message, or are we actively seeking to share it with "peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings"—that is, with everyone we encounter, regardless of their background, status, or language? Our commission is as universal as God's love and His ultimate authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of God's truth have you found "sweet" in reception and "bitter" in proclamation, and how has this experience shaped your willingness to share?**
* **In what ways can you, personally or through your community, expand the reach of God's message to "peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings" in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does the divine imperative ("Thou must prophesy") challenge any complacency or fear you might have in sharing your faith?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for John to "prophesy again"?**

Answer: For John to "prophesy again" means he is receiving a renewed or intensified commission for his prophetic ministry. It implies that his previous prophetic activity, likely encompassing the earlier visions recorded in [Revelation 1-9](/revelation/1-9 "Revelation Chapters 1-9"), is not the end of his task. After internalizing the message of the little scroll, which signifies a deeper understanding of God's purposes, he is now mandated to continue speaking forth God's word, but with an expanded scope and perhaps a new phase of revelation. This "again" underscores the ongoing nature of divine revelation and the continuous call for God's servants to proclaim it.

**Why is the audience specified as "peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings"?**

Answer: This four-part phrase is a common apocalyptic formula in the book of Revelation, signifying universality. It emphasizes that the prophetic message is not limited to a specific group or region but is intended for all humanity. "Peoples" refers to general populations, "nations" to distinct ethnic or national groups (often including Gentiles), "tongues" to linguistic diversity, and "kings" to those in positions of political power. By listing these categories, the text powerfully communicates that God's message transcends all social, cultural, linguistic, and political boundaries, asserting His ultimate sovereignty over all creation and all earthly authorities. This echoes the universal scope of the Gospel itself, as seen in passages like [Matthew 24:14](/matthew/24-14 "Matthew 24:14 - The Gospel Preached to All Nations").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 10:11 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the supreme Prophet, the Word of God incarnate, and the King of kings. John's commission to "prophesy again" to all "peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings" directly mirrors the universal scope of Christ's own mission and the Great Commission He gave to His disciples. Jesus Himself declared that "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")), and on that basis, commanded His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). The message John is to proclaim, though containing elements of judgment and tribulation, ultimately points to the triumph of the Lamb of God, who "purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Redeemed from Every Nation")). Thus, John's prophetic task is not merely to foretell future events, but to bear witness to the cosmic reign of Christ, whose ultimate victory will be acknowledged by every tongue and before every king ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The "bitter" truth of judgment is necessary because of humanity's sin, but it leads to the "sweet" reality of Christ's redemptive work, offering salvation to all who believe, regardless of their earthly standing ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 37:4

Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

Jeremiah 1:9

Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

Jeremiah 1:10

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Revelation 17:15

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

Revelation 11:9

And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

Ezekiel 37:9

Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.

Revelation 14:6

¶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,