TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
KJV (with Strong's)
Complete Jewish Bible
I was given a measuring rod like a stick and told, “Get up, and measure the Temple of God and the altar, and count how many people are worshipping there!
Berean Standard Bible
Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers there.
American Standard Version
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and one said, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
World English Bible Messianic
A reed like a rod was given to me. Someone said, “Rise, and measure God’s temple, and the altar, and those who worship in it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then was giuen me a reede, like vnto a rod, and the Angel stoode by, saying, Rise and mete the Temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Young's Literal Translation
And there was given to me a reed like to a rod, and the messenger stood, saying, `Rise, and measure the sanctuary of God, and the altar, and those worshipping in it;
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Commentary on Revelation 11 verses 1–2
1 ¶ And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
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 temple, built an outer court, and called it the court of the Gentiles. Some tell us that Adrian built the city and an outer court, and called it Aelia, and gave it to the Gentiles. 2. Why was not the outer court measured? This was no part of the temple, according to the model either of Solomon or Zerubbabel, and therefore God would have no regard to it. He would not mark it out for preservation; but as it was designed for the Gentiles, to bring pagan ceremonies and customs and to annex them to the gospel churches, so Christ abandoned it to them, to be used as they pleased; and both that and the city were trodden under foot for a certain time - forty and two months, which some would have to be the whole time of the reign of antichrist. Those who worship in the outer court are either such as worship in a false manner or with hypocritical hearts; and these are rejected of God, and will be found among his enemies. 3. From the whole observe, (1.) God will have a temple and an altar in the world, till the end of time. (2.) He has a strict regard to this temple, and observes how every thing is managed in it. (3.) Those who worship in the outer court will be rejected, and only those who worship within the veil accepted. (4.) The holy city, the visible church, is very much trampled upon in the world. But, (5.) The desolations of the church are for a limited time, and for a short time, and she shall be delivered out of all her troubles.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–2. Public domain.
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Shepherd of HermasAD 160
Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3
And then she again took hold of me by the hand, and raised me, and made me sit on the seat to the left; and lifting up a splendid rod, she said to me, "Do you see something great?" And I said, "Lady, I see nothing."
Victorinus of PettauAD 304
Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John
"And there was shown unto me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." A reed was shown like to a rod. This itself is the Apocalypse which he subsequently exhibited to the churches; for the Gospel of the complete faith he subsequently wrote for the sake of our salvation. For when Valentinus, and Cerinthus, and Ebion, and others of the school of Satan, were scattered abroad throughout the world, there assembled together to him from the neighbouring provinces all the bishops, and compelled him himself also to draw up his testimony. Moreover, we say that the measure of God's temple is the command of God to confess the Father Almighty, and that His Son Christ was begotten by the Father before the beginning of the world, and was made man in very soul and flesh, both of them having overcome misery and death; and that, when received with His body into heaven by the Father, He shed forth the Holy Spirit, the gift and pledge of immortality, that He was announced by the prophets, He was described by the law, He was God's hand, and the Word of the Father from God, Lord over all, and founder of the world: this is the reed and the measure of faith; and no one worships the holy altar save he who confesses this faith.
TiconiusAD 390
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 11:1-2
When he says “Rise,” he arouses the church, for John, who is an image of the church, did not hear these things sitting down but standing up. “Measure,” it says, “the temple and the altar and those who worship there.” He did not command that everyone be measured; rather, he commanded that a portion be prepared unto the end [time], so that what is said in the Gospel might be fulfilled, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” “But do not measure the court outside the temple, leave that out.” The court, which is outside the temple, although it seems to belong to the temple, in fact is not the temple, for it has no relation to the holy of holies. These are those persons who appear to be in the church but are outside of it.… Those persons who are outside the temple are also the nations who have never believed the gospel of the Lord. Both groups will trample his church.
Primasius of HadrumetumAD 560
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 11:2
He commands that the teaching of a false faith and the contagion of a sinful way of life among the heretics, Jews and Gentiles be expelled, for it is not right that such persons approach the holy of holies. For the apostle says, “What have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside whom you are to judge?” When all the Jews, heretics, and Gentiles incessantly attack the church by all means available, it is as though they are trampling upon the church. The number of the months signifies not only the time of the last persecution but also the entire time of Christianity. For there are six ages of the world and seven days by which all time moves by passing away and returning. Six times seven makes forty-two, and I believe that the passage refers to both of these [numbers].
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 11:1-2
We think that the church is called the “temple of the living God,” for in it we offer spiritual sacrifices to God. And I think that the “court outside” is the assembly of the unbelieving Gentiles and Jews, and so by virtue of their impiety they are unworthy to be measured by the angel. “For the Lord knows those who are his,” as it says, but he who knows all things is said not to know the transgressors. That the holy city, whether that be the new Jerusalem or the catholic church, will be trampled by the nations for forty-two months signifies, I believe, that at the appearance of the antichrist those who are faithful and trustworthy will be trampled and persecuted for three and a half years.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And a reed like a rod was given to me. In the reed, he received the ministry of writing the Gospel, which is not superfluous in vain elegance, but like a rod of righteousness, the rod of the kingdom of God (Hebrews I). For he describes the eternal kingdom of Christ.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And those who worship in it. Because not all who seem to worship in it do so, just as he who confesses me. Finally, he commands that a part not be counted, saying:
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar. He said rise, not because John was hearing these things while sitting, but because with this word he rouses the hearts of each one to measure the evangelical Scripture and deeds. For there they find how much each one advances and how much they conform to the divine rule.
Alcuin of YorkAD 804
COMMENTARY ON REVELATION
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod, saying: Arise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar and them that adore therein. He says this in the person of preachers in general. The reed represents metaphorically the divine preaching written by it, and it is called like unto a rod because holy preaching is not pliant but straight. The temple of God is the faithful, to whom it is said, You are the temple of the living God. [2 Cor. 6:16] The altar in the temple is the life of the religious among the people of the faithful, in whom the fire of holy devotion principally and continuously remains without declining. By them that adore therein he means in the temple and the altar, words by which they that adore therein are themselves represented. So, what does it mean to measure the temple and the altar with a reed, if not to bestow the grace of gifts through holy preaching? Which the Church certainly does in Christ, that is in its Head. Note also that he who must measure the temple of God, is told to arise, that is, to rise to high summits of virtues through the practice of work, so as to become higher than the building he is measuring.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
In the visions that had come before, the apparition revealed to the divine John the multitude of saints accompanying Christ and the divine throne they beheld, among whom those from the nations far outnumbered those from Israel. But now, another vision shows him how many, or rather how few, were esteemed in the time of the Old Covenant, and how many in the era of the New.
And see how cleverly this is depicted to him. He is given a measuring rod to measure the temple of God and the altar within the temple, clearly referring to the one in Jerusalem, and those who worship there. And he measured; for those who were counted were few, as in the times of old, who had found favor with God.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Revelation 11:1 marks a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision, introducing a divine mandate to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship within. This symbolic act, initiated by an angel and executed by John with a measuring reed, signifies God's sovereign distinction, preservation, and ownership of His faithful people and sacred space amidst impending global tribulation. It underscores that even in times of chaos and judgment, God maintains meticulous control, identifying and protecting those who truly belong to Him.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows the dramatic interlude of the mighty angel and the little scroll in Revelation 10, where John is commanded to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings. Specifically, it succeeds the declaration of the seventh trumpet's imminent sounding in Revelation 10:7, which heralds the completion of God's mystery. The transition to measuring the temple in Revelation 11:1 serves as a crucial bridge, shifting focus from the general pronouncements of judgment to a specific, localized scene involving God's people and their sanctuary, setting the stage for the narrative of the two witnesses and the fate of Jerusalem in Revelation 11:3-13. This act of measurement precedes the intense period of gentile trampling of the outer court, highlighting a divine separation between what is preserved and what is subjected to judgment.
Historical & Cultural Context: The act of measuring held significant meaning in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often signifying ownership, dedication, preparation for construction, or demarcation for preservation or judgment. Temples, as the focal points of religious life, were meticulously built and maintained according to divine specifications (e.g., the tabernacle and Solomon's temple). In the Greco-Roman world, measuring instruments like reeds or rods were common tools for surveyors and builders. For a Jewish audience, the concept of a temple was deeply ingrained, representing God's dwelling place and the center of worship. The distinction between the "naos" (inner sanctuary) and the "hieron" (broader temple complex) was well understood, with the "naos" signifying the most sacred space where God's presence was believed to reside. This cultural understanding informs the symbolic weight of John's vision, suggesting a divine act of assessment and setting apart.
Key Themes: The command to measure in Revelation 11:1 contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation. Firstly, it powerfully emphasizes Divine Preservation and Protection. Just as God marked His people for protection in Revelation 7:3-4, this measurement signifies a divine setting apart of what is sacred and precious to God, ensuring its security even amidst the tribulation. This echoes earlier prophetic visions like Ezekiel's detailed measurement of the new temple and Zechariah's vision of measuring Jerusalem, where measurement implies divine ownership and future restoration. Secondly, the measurement of "them that worship therein" highlights the Identification of True Worshippers. It underscores God's intimate knowledge of His faithful, distinguishing them from those who merely occupy religious space. This theme of divine discernment is crucial throughout Revelation, culminating in the separation of the righteous from the wicked. Finally, the meticulous nature of the measurement reinforces God's Sovereignty and Control. Despite the escalating judgments and chaotic events described in the preceding chapters, Revelation 11:1 asserts that God's plan is precise, intentional, and unfolding according to His perfect will, demonstrating that nothing occurs outside of His divine oversight.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 11:1 employs several significant literary devices. Symbolism is paramount, as the "reed like unto a rod" is not merely a physical tool but a symbol of divine authority and a standard of measurement for God's purposes. The "temple," "altar," and "them that worship therein" are also highly symbolic. While they can have literal interpretations, they primarily represent God's true dwelling place and His faithful people, particularly in the context of the New Covenant. The act of measurement itself is symbolic, signifying divine ownership, preservation, and discernment. It implies that what is measured is set apart, accounted for, and protected, contrasting with the unmeasured outer court that is given over to the Gentiles. The passage also utilizes personification through the angel, who stands and speaks, acting as a direct conveyer of God's will to John. The entire scene is presented as a prophetic vision, a common literary form in apocalyptic literature, where symbolic actions and figures convey profound theological truths about future events and God's ultimate plan.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 11:1 profoundly underscores God's meticulous care and sovereign distinction of His own, even amidst the escalating judgments of the tribulation. The act of measuring signifies divine ownership and protection, indicating that God knows precisely who belongs to Him and what sacred spaces are under His direct oversight. This is not a random act but a deliberate demarcation, separating the preserved from the profane, the true worshippers from those who are merely present. It assures believers that their spiritual identity and security in God are not subject to the world's chaos, but are divinely recognized and safeguarded. This divine census highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, ensuring that a remnant will endure and be preserved for His ultimate purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 11:1 offers profound assurance and a call to introspection for believers today. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, chaos, and a sense of impending doom, this verse reminds us that God remains meticulously sovereign and active. The act of measuring the temple and its worshippers signifies that God knows precisely who His true people are and that they are under His divine protection, even when the world around them faces tribulation. This should instill a deep sense of security and peace, knowing that our spiritual standing before God, defined by genuine worship and faithfulness, is what truly matters and is what God recognizes and preserves. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we among "them that worship therein" in spirit and truth, or are we merely physically present? Our focus should be on cultivating authentic devotion and living lives that reflect our allegiance to Christ, trusting that God's watchful eye is upon His faithful, preserving them for eternity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does the "temple" in Revelation 11:1 represent?
Answer: The "temple" (Greek: naós) in Revelation 11:1 is a subject of significant interpretive debate among scholars. Some interpret it literally as a rebuilt Jewish temple in Jerusalem during the end times, suggesting a future restoration of physical temple worship. Others view it symbolically, representing the spiritual temple of God, which is the Church—the community of believers (as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:16 and Ephesians 2:19-22). Given the highly symbolic nature of Revelation, and the specific use of naós (inner sanctuary) rather than hieron (the broader temple complex), the symbolic interpretation of God's true people, the Church, is often favored. The measurement of "them that worship therein" further supports this, emphasizing the people rather than just the physical structure.
Why is the act of "measuring" significant in this context?
Answer: The act of "measuring" in Revelation 11:1 is highly significant and carries multiple layers of meaning. Biblically, measuring often signifies divine ownership, demarcation, and preservation. It implies that what is measured is set apart by God for His specific purposes, often for protection or for a future rebuilding. In this apocalyptic context, it suggests that despite the impending tribulation and the trampling of the outer court by Gentiles (Revelation 11:2), God meticulously identifies and safeguards His true spiritual temple and His faithful worshippers. It's an act of divine census and discernment, ensuring that God's chosen ones are recognized and preserved through the judgments.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 11:1, with its vision of measuring the temple and its worshippers, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant reality. While the Old Testament temple was a physical structure where God's presence dwelt, the New Testament reveals that believers themselves are now the temple of the Holy Spirit and are built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Christ Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body. Thus, the measurement in Revelation can be understood as God's divine assessment and preservation of those who are "in Christ"—the true spiritual temple. Jesus, as our Great High Priest, continually intercedes for His people at the heavenly altar (Hebrews 7:25). The measurement of "them that worship therein" points to Christ's intimate knowledge of His own, as He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and whose foundation stands firm, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His". Ultimately, the preservation promised in Revelation 11:1 is secured by Christ's finished work on the cross, His resurrection, and His ongoing intercession, which guarantees the eternal security of all who truly worship God through Him.