Revelation 11:10

KJV

And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they that dwell {G2730} upon {G1909} the earth {G1093} shall rejoice {G5463} over {G1909} them {G846}, and {G2532} make merry {G2165}, and {G2532} shall send {G3992} gifts {G1435} one to another {G240}; because {G3754} these {G3778} two {G1417} prophets {G4396} tormented {G928} them that dwelt {G2730} on {G1909} the earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people living in the Land rejoice over them, they celebrate and send each other gifts, because these two prophets tormented them so.

Berean Standard Bible

And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them, and will celebrate and send one another gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them.

American Standard Version

And they that dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and make merry; and they shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwell on the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 11:10 vividly portrays the global reaction to the death of the two prophetic witnesses, depicting a widespread celebration among "those who dwell upon the earth." This verse highlights the intense animosity of the world toward God's messengers, who had "tormented" them with their challenging message and divine judgments. The scene of rejoicing, merry-making, and gift-giving underscores the profound relief and perverse joy experienced by humanity at the silencing of truth and the perceived end of divine interference, setting the stage for God's dramatic counter-response.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 11:10 immediately follows the dramatic account of the two witnesses' death in [Revelation 11:7-9](/revelation/11-7-9 "Revelation 11:7-9 - The Beast Kills the Witnesses"). After prophesying for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth, and wielding extraordinary power to inflict plagues, they are finally overcome and killed by the "beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit." Their bodies are left unburied in the street of the great city, "which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified." The preceding verses detail their powerful ministry, including their ability to shut up the heavens, turn waters to blood, and strike the earth with plagues, establishing them as formidable figures of divine judgment and truth. This verse, therefore, describes the world's jubilant response to their perceived defeat, directly contrasting with the solemnity and power of their ministry. The celebration is short-lived, however, as the narrative quickly shifts to their resurrection and ascension in [Revelation 11:11-12](/revelation/11-11-12 "Revelation 11:11-12 - The Witnesses Resurrected and Ascend"), followed by a great earthquake, demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty and the futility of human rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of public celebration and gift-giving upon the death of enemies or the removal of an oppressive force was a common cultural practice in the ancient world. Victories in war, the overthrow of tyrants, or the cessation of a plague often led to festivals and exchanges of gifts. In the Roman Empire, for instance, public holidays and games were held to commemorate significant events, often involving expressions of collective joy. The "earth dwellers" (οἱ κατοικοῦντες ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς) is a recurring phrase in Revelation, often referring to those who are spiritually bound to the earthly system, hostile to God, and resistant to repentance (e.g., [Revelation 3:10](/revelation/3-10 "Revelation 3:10 - The Hour of Trial"), [Revelation 6:10](/revelation/6-10 "Revelation 6:10 - The Cry of the Martyrs")). Their celebration is a stark portrayal of humanity's rebellion against divine authority, mirroring the historical rejection of prophets in Israel's past (e.g., [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). The "torment" inflicted by the prophets was not physical torture by them, but the spiritual and societal discomfort caused by their truth-telling and the plagues accompanying their ministry, which disrupted the status quo and exposed sin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **world's inherent hostility towards God's truth and His messengers**. The celebration is not merely relief but an active rejoicing over the silencing of a message that exposed their sin and called for repentance. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that "the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil," as seen in [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Love of Darkness"). Secondly, it underscores the **temporary triumph of evil**. While the world celebrates, this victory is fleeting and illusory, serving as a dramatic prelude to God's swift and decisive intervention. This theme is central to Revelation's message of ultimate divine victory, where the Lamb ultimately triumphs over all opposition (e.g., [Revelation 17:14](/revelation/17-14 "Revelation 17:14 - The Lamb Will Conquer")). Thirdly, the "torment" caused by the prophets emphasizes the **disruptive nature of divine truth**. God's word is not always comforting; it often convicts, challenges, and exposes, causing discomfort to those who resist its call, echoing the sharp, two-edged sword of God's word in [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living Word of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Earth (Greek, _gē'_):** This term, G1093, refers to the "terrene globe" but, in Revelation, often carries a specific theological nuance. "Those who dwell upon the earth" (οἱ κατοικοῦντες ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς) is a recurring phrase that typically denotes humanity in rebellion against God, those whose allegiances are solely to the earthly system and its values, rather than to heaven. They are contrasted with the heavenly inhabitants or God's faithful people. Their rejoicing signifies not merely a geographical location but a spiritual disposition of hostility towards God's kingdom.
* **Make Merry (Greek, _euphraínō'_):** This word, G2165, implies a state of being "in a good frame of mind" or "rejoicing." It denotes a deep, uninhibited joy and celebration, often associated with feasting and festivities. The use of this term here, alongside "rejoice" (chaírō), emphasizes the profound and public nature of their delight. It's not just a private sigh of relief, but a communal, almost holiday-like, expression of triumph over the prophets.
* **Tormented (Greek, _basanízō'_):** G928, meaning "to torture" or "to vex." This strong verb indicates that the presence, message, and miraculous plagues of the two prophets caused severe distress, affliction, and deep discomfort to the earth dwellers. Their prophetic ministry was not merely annoying but actively painful and disruptive to the ungodly status quo, leading to their profound relief and celebration at the prophets' demise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them,"**: This clause establishes the primary reaction of the world's inhabitants to the death of the two witnesses. The phrase "they that dwell upon the earth" identifies those who are spiritually aligned with the earthly system, characterized by their opposition to God's truth. Their "rejoicing" signifies a profound sense of relief and triumph, celebrating the silencing of voices that had challenged their wickedness and disrupted their comfort.
* **"and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another;"**: This part elaborates on the nature of their celebration, intensifying the imagery of jubilation. "Make merry" reinforces the idea of feasting and festive celebration. The act of "sending gifts one to another" is a cultural indicator of a holiday or a significant victory, akin to a public festival. This demonstrates the collective and widespread nature of their joy, treating the prophets' deaths as a cause for widespread public holiday and mutual congratulation.
* **"because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth."**: This final clause provides the explicit reason for the world's celebration. The "torment" refers to the severe distress and affliction caused by the prophets' uncompromising message, their call to repentance, and the plagues they inflicted (as described in [Revelation 11:5-6](/revelation/11-5-6 "Revelation 11:5-6 - The Power of the Two Witnesses")). The prophets' very existence and ministry were a source of deep discomfort and suffering for those who preferred to live in darkness, making their removal a cause for immense relief and celebration.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 11:10 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as what the world perceives as a victory—the death of God's messengers—is, in the broader divine narrative, merely a temporary setback before a greater display of God's power. The celebration of evil is set against the backdrop of God's ultimate sovereignty, making their joy tragically short-sighted. **Contrast** is also key, highlighting the stark opposition between the "earth dwellers" and God's prophets. The world's festive celebration stands in sharp contrast to the solemn, sackcloth-clad ministry of the witnesses, emphasizing the spiritual chasm between those aligned with God and those in rebellion against Him. The "sending of gifts" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a cultural practice but a perverse celebration of the suppression of truth, akin to celebrating a holiday of sin. This act underscores the depth of their animosity towards God's word and their collective relief at its perceived silencing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 11:10 powerfully illustrates the pervasive theme of humanity's rebellion against divine authority and the inherent opposition of the fallen world to God's truth. The "earth dwellers" represent those whose values and allegiances are entirely earthly, rejecting spiritual realities and divine intervention. Their celebration at the death of the prophets is a stark portrayal of the world's desire to silence any voice that exposes its sin or challenges its autonomy. This act of rejoicing over the demise of God's messengers is a profound theological statement about the spiritual depravity that prefers darkness to light, comfort over conviction, and self-indulgence over repentance. It underscores the cost of faithful witness in a hostile world, yet simultaneously foreshadows the ultimate futility of such worldly triumph in the face of God's sovereign plan.

* [John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "John 15:18-19 - The World's Hatred")
* [Matthew 5:11-12](/matthew/5-11-12 "Matthew 5:11-12 - Persecution for Righteousness")
* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalms/2-1-4 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Rebellion of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 11:10 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful message for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that faithful witness to God's truth will often be met not just with indifference, but with active hostility and even celebration from a world that prefers its own darkness. We should not be surprised when our adherence to biblical principles or our proclamation of the Gospel causes discomfort, opposition, or even scorn. Just as the prophets "tormented" the earth dwellers by exposing their sin and disrupting their comfort, so too can the light of Christ in us expose the darkness of the world. This verse calls us to cultivate a steadfast faith, understanding that true success in God's eyes is faithfulness, regardless of worldly reception. It encourages perseverance in the face of adversity, reminding us that the world's celebrations of evil are always temporary and ultimately futile. Our hope is not in the approval of the world, but in the ultimate vindication that comes from God, who has the final word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our faithful witness to Christ "torment" or challenge the prevailing values of our culture today?**
* **How does the world's celebration of the prophets' death challenge our expectations of how truth should be received?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the nature of spiritual warfare and the importance of unwavering commitment to God's word, even when unpopular?**
* **How can we maintain hope and steadfastness when it seems that evil is triumphing or that our efforts for God's kingdom are being rejected?**

### FAQ

**Who are "they that dwell upon the earth" mentioned in Revelation 11:10?**

Answer: In the book of Revelation, the phrase "they that dwell upon the earth" (οἱ κατοικοῦντες ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς) is a recurring and significant theological designation. It refers not merely to all human inhabitants of the planet, but specifically to those who are spiritually aligned with the worldly system, whose loyalties are bound to earthly powers and values, and who are fundamentally opposed to God and His kingdom. These are the ones who reject God's call to repentance, worship the Beast, and are hostile to God's divine interventions and His messengers. Their earthly focus contrasts sharply with God's people, who are often described as having their citizenship in heaven or as pilgrims on earth. This group's reaction to the prophets' death is therefore indicative of their spiritual rebellion and their preference for darkness over light, as seen in [Revelation 13:8](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - Those Who Worship the Beast").

**Why did they "rejoice and make merry" at the death of the two prophets?**

Answer: The earth dwellers rejoiced and made merry because the two prophets had "tormented" them. This "torment" was not physical torture inflicted by the prophets, but the severe distress, affliction, and discomfort caused by their powerful prophetic ministry. As described in [Revelation 11:5-6](/revelation/11-5-6 "Revelation 11:5-6 - The Powers of the Two Witnesses"), the prophets had the power to consume their enemies with fire, shut up the heavens so that it would not rain, turn waters to blood, and strike the earth with plagues. Their uncompromising message of repentance, coupled with these divine judgments, disrupted the ungodly status quo and exposed the sin of the earth dwellers, making their lives uncomfortable and challenging. Therefore, the death of the prophets was perceived as a liberation from this divine interference and a cause for immense relief and celebration, akin to a public holiday.

**Who are "these two prophets" whose death is celebrated?**

Answer: "These two prophets" refer to the two witnesses introduced earlier in [Revelation 11:3](/revelation/11-3 "Revelation 11:3 - The Two Witnesses"). While their exact identity is debated among scholars (some suggest Moses and Elijah, others Enoch and Elijah, or symbolic representations of the church), their role is clear: they are God's appointed messengers who prophesy for 1,260 days in sackcloth, bearing powerful witness to God's truth and executing divine judgments. They are described as "the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth" in [Revelation 11:4](/revelation/11-4 "Revelation 11:4 - The Two Olive Trees and Lampstands"), symbolizing their anointing by the Holy Spirit and their role as bearers of God's light and testimony. Their ministry is a direct challenge to the Beast and the world system, making them objects of intense hatred and, upon their death, perverse celebration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 11:10, depicting the world's jubilant celebration over the death of God's prophets, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the world's rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The "torment" the prophets inflicted upon the earth dwellers, through their truth-telling and judgment, foreshadows the even greater "torment" Jesus caused by exposing the sin of humanity and challenging the religious and political establishments of His day. Just as the world rejoiced at the silencing of the two witnesses, so too did the crowds and authorities rejoice at the crucifixion of Christ, believing they had finally rid themselves of the one who claimed to be God and exposed their wickedness (cf. [Luke 23:21-23](/luke/23-21-23 "Luke 23:21-23 - Crowd Demands Jesus' Crucifixion")). The sending of gifts parallels the sense of victory and relief felt by those who opposed Jesus, believing His death marked the end of His movement. However, just as the two witnesses were resurrected and ascended, proving their divine vindication (cf. [Revelation 11:11-12](/revelation/11-11-12 "Revelation 11:11-12 - The Witnesses Resurrected")), so too did Christ's resurrection and ascension demonstrate God's ultimate triumph over sin, death, and the world's rebellion (cf. [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). Thus, Revelation 11:10 serves as a stark reminder of the world's enduring hostility towards God's truth and His messengers, a hostility that culminated in the crucifixion of the Son of God Himself, yet was ultimately defeated by His glorious resurrection and enthronement (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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

1 Kings 18:17

¶ And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, [Art] thou he that troubleth Israel?

Psalms 35:24

Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

Psalms 35:26

Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.

Revelation 3:10

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Acts 7:54

¶ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their] teeth.

Acts 7:57

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

Acts 5:33

When they heard [that], they were cut [to the heart], and took counsel to slay them.