Revelation 11:11

KJV

And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} after {G3326} three {G5140} days {G2250} and {G2532} an half {G2255} the Spirit {G4151} of life {G2222} from {G1537} God {G2316} entered {G1525} into {G1909} them {G846}, and {G2532} they stood {G2476} upon {G1909} their {G846} feet {G4228}; and {G2532} great {G3173} fear {G5401} fell {G4098} upon {G1909} them which saw {G2334} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But after the three-and-a-half days a breath of life from God entered them, they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.

Berean Standard Bible

But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered the two witnesses, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell upon those who saw them.

American Standard Version

And after the three days and a half the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them that beheld them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 11:11 marks a dramatic and pivotal moment in the apocalyptic narrative, depicting the miraculous resurrection of the two martyred witnesses. After their bodies lay lifeless for three and a half days, the divine "Spirit of life from God" supernaturally enters them, causing them to stand upright. This awe-inspiring display of God's sovereign power over death immediately instills profound fear in all who witness it, serving as a powerful vindication of God's faithful servants and a stark warning to His adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of a crucial interlude within the unfolding trumpet judgments in the book of Revelation. Immediately preceding this, the two prophetic witnesses, empowered by God, had completed their 1,260-day ministry, during which they prophesied and inflicted plagues upon the earth ([Revelation 11:3-6](/revelation/11-3-6 "The Ministry of the Two Witnesses")). Their powerful testimony was met with fierce opposition, culminating in their brutal murder by the beast that ascends from the abyss ([Revelation 11:7](/revelation/11-7 "The Beast Kills the Two Witnesses")). The world, relieved by their demise, celebrated their deaths, exchanged gifts, and refused to allow their bodies to be buried, leaving them exposed in the street of the "great city" (spiritually identified with Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified, [Revelation 11:8-10](/revelation/11-8-10 "The World Rejoices Over the Death of the Two Witnesses")). Revelation 11:11 directly follows this global celebration, presenting a sudden and astonishing reversal that shatters the jubilation of God's enemies and sets the stage for the subsequent divine judgment and the sounding of the seventh trumpet.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of "three days and an half" is significant. In Jewish culture, it was generally believed that the soul lingered near the body for three days after death, after which decay would set in, making resurrection impossible. By allowing the witnesses' bodies to remain unburied and exposed for this specific duration, the narrative emphasizes the absolute finality of their death from a human perspective, making their subsequent resurrection undeniably miraculous and divine. The public display of their corpses was a profound act of dishonor and triumph by their enemies, typical of ancient warfare where the bodies of defeated foes were left unburied to be scavenged, denying them a proper burial and the peace of the afterlife. The global rejoicing and exchange of gifts mirror ancient pagan festivals celebrating victory over enemies, highlighting the world's deep-seated animosity towards God's truth and His messengers. The location, "the street of the great city," is symbolically linked to Jerusalem, underscoring the spiritual rebellion found even in the place where God's presence was once most evident.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and biblical theology. First, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Resurrection Power**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over life and death, even in the face of overwhelming human and demonic opposition. It echoes other biblical accounts of God's life-giving power, such as the vision of the [dry bones in Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel's Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones"), where the Spirit of God brings a vast army back to life. Second, it highlights the **Vindication of God's Faithful Servants**. The resurrection of the Two Witnesses serves as God's public declaration of their righteousness and the truth of their message, turning their apparent defeat into a glorious triumph and silencing their mockers. Finally, the "great fear" that falls upon the onlookers emphasizes the theme of **Divine Judgment and Awe**. This miraculous event forces the world to confront the reality of God's power and the certainty of His ultimate justice, demonstrating that His plans cannot be thwarted and His authority is supreme.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** (G4151) This term, derived from a word meaning "to blow" or "breathe," refers to a current of air, breath, or wind. In a theological sense, it denotes the vital principle, the rational soul, or, as here, a divine spirit. The phrase "the Spirit of life from God" explicitly identifies the source of the witnesses' reanimation as God Himself, emphasizing that this is not a natural resuscitation but a supernatural infusion of divine life, akin to the breath of life given at creation.
* **Life (Greek, _zōḗ'_):** (G2222) This word signifies life in its fullest, most essential sense, often referring to spiritual and eternal life as opposed to mere physical existence (which is often denoted by _psychē_). Its use here, in conjunction with "Spirit," underscores that the life restored to the witnesses is not merely a return to their previous mortal state but a demonstration of God's ultimate life-giving power, hinting at a quality of life that transcends human understanding of death.
* **Entered (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** (G1525) This verb means "to come in," "to go in," or "to enter." Its active use here, "the Spirit... entered into them," conveys a direct, deliberate, and powerful action. It highlights the immediate and undeniable divine intervention, signifying that the resurrection was not a gradual process or a natural phenomenon, but an instantaneous act of God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after three days and an half":** This specific timeframe underscores the public and undeniable nature of the witnesses' death, exceeding the period during which a natural resurrection might be conceivable. It highlights the world's certainty of their demise, making the subsequent resurrection all the more miraculous and impactful. This period also symbolically represents a limited time of tribulation or oppression, often seen as half of a perfect seven.
* **"the Spirit of life from God entered into them":** This is the core of the miracle. It explicitly identifies the source of their reanimation: the life-giving Spirit originating directly from God. This divine infusion of life is supernatural, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over death and His power to restore what is lost, echoing the creation of Adam when God breathed the breath of life into him.
* **"and they stood upon their feet":** This clause describes the immediate and physical manifestation of their resurrection. Their standing upright signifies not only life restored but also vindication, strength, and readiness for action. It is a public, undeniable spectacle, directly confronting the world's prior celebration of their death.
* **"and great fear fell upon them which saw them":** The reaction of the onlookers is one of profound terror and awe. This "great fear" (Greek, _phóbos_) is not merely fright but a deep, overwhelming sense of dread and reverence in the face of undeniable divine power. It signifies the sudden realization that they have defied not just two prophets, but the Almighty God Himself, whose power far surpasses their own.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 11:11 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The narrative structure itself exhibits a profound **Dramatic Reversal**, moving from the world's triumphant celebration of the witnesses' death in the preceding verses to their instantaneous and public resurrection. This creates a stark **Contrast** between human power and divine omnipotence, highlighting the ultimate futility of opposing God. The "three days and an half" serves as **Symbolism**, representing a limited period of tribulation and emphasizing the finality of death from a human perspective, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of God's intervention. The phrase "the Spirit of life from God" is a potent **Metonymy**, where "Spirit" stands for the divine, life-giving power and presence of God Himself, directly responsible for the reanimation. The entire scene is a powerful **Theophany**, a visible manifestation of God's power and presence, designed to evoke a sense of **Awe and Terror** in the witnesses, underscoring the unchallengeable authority and justice of the Almighty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 11:11 profoundly affirms God's ultimate sovereignty over life and death, serving as an undeniable testament to His power to vindicate His faithful servants and execute His divine plan. This miraculous resurrection demonstrates that no human or demonic power can thwart God's purposes or permanently silence His truth. It underscores the biblical truth that God is the source of all life and has the final word over all creation, including the grave. The fear that grips the onlookers is a theological response to the sudden, undeniable manifestation of divine power, a foretaste of the awe and terror that will grip all who have opposed God when His full judgment is revealed. This event also foreshadows the broader resurrection of believers, assuring God's people that their ultimate hope is secure in His life-giving power, even in the face of martyrdom.

* [Ezekiel 37:1-14](/ezekiel/37-1-14 "Ezekiel's Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones")
* [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "Jesus on the Resurrection of the Dead")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "The Spirit of God Giving Life to Mortal Bodies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 11:11 offers both profound encouragement and a solemn warning. For believers, it is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest hours of persecution, apparent defeat, or death, God has the final word. Our hope is not in human strength or worldly success, but in the unfailing power of God who can raise the dead. This verse calls us to persevere in our witness, knowing that our faithfulness, even unto death, will ultimately be vindicated by God. It assures us that God's plan of salvation and judgment will unfold precisely as He has purposed, regardless of human opposition. For those who oppose God and His messengers, this scene serves as a sobering and terrifying warning. It reveals the immense power of the God they defy and the certainty of His ultimate justice. The "great fear" that fell upon the onlookers is a call to repentance, urging all to recognize God's supreme authority and to align themselves with His truth before the final judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the resurrection of the Two Witnesses encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when facing significant opposition or apparent failure?**
* **What does the "great fear" of those who witnessed the resurrection teach us about the impact of God's undeniable power on a skeptical or hostile world?**
* **In what ways can we, as followers of Christ, embody the spirit of the Two Witnesses by boldly proclaiming God's truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous?**

### FAQ
**Who are the Two Witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11?**

Answer: The identity of the Two Witnesses is a subject of much debate among biblical scholars. While some interpret them as literal individuals (e.g., Moses and Elijah, or Enoch and Elijah, due to their unique departures from earthly life and their association with specific miracles), others view them symbolically as representing the faithful church, the Law and the Prophets, or the entire body of believers bearing witness to Christ during a time of intense tribulation. Regardless of their precise identity, they embody the prophetic ministry of God's people, empowered by His Spirit to proclaim truth and judgment to a rebellious world, even unto martyrdom, as described in [Revelation 11:3-6](/revelation/11-3-6 "The Ministry and Power of the Two Witnesses").

**Why do the Two Witnesses remain dead for exactly "three days and an half"?**

Answer: The period of "three days and an half" is highly symbolic in apocalyptic literature. It represents half of a perfect seven, often signifying a limited, incomplete, or truncated period of tribulation or oppression. In this context, it emphasizes the absolute finality of their death from a human perspective, as it extends beyond the typical three-day period after which decay would undeniably set in, making their resurrection undeniably miraculous. This specific duration also parallels the "time, times, and half a time" mentioned in [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "The Little Horn and the Saints") and [Revelation 12:14](/revelation/12-14 "The Woman and the Dragon"), which equates to 3.5 years (1,260 days), the duration of their prophetic ministry. It highlights God's precise timing and His ultimate control over all events.

**What is the significance of "the Spirit of life from God" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the Spirit of life from God" is profoundly significant as it explicitly identifies the divine source of the witnesses' resurrection. It emphasizes that their reanimation is not a natural event or a human achievement, but a direct, supernatural act of God's creative and life-giving power. This echoes the original act of creation when God breathed the "breath of life" into Adam ([Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "God Breathes Life into Adam")), signifying a divine re-creation and restoration. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over death and His ability to bring life out of seemingly hopeless situations. This divine Spirit is the very power that gives life, both physical and spiritual, and its manifestation here serves as a powerful testament to God's ultimate authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic resurrection of the Two Witnesses in Revelation 11:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the "Spirit of life from God" entered the witnesses, it was by the power of the Holy Spirit that Christ Himself was raised from the dead, demonstrating His divine sonship and conquering sin and death once and for all ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Christ is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), and His resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. The vindication of the Two Witnesses, standing triumphantly upon their feet, foreshadows the ultimate vindication of Christ, who was exalted to the highest place, and the future vindication of His church, which will reign with Him. The "great fear" that fell upon those who saw the witnesses' resurrection points to the universal recognition of Christ's supreme authority when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Thus, Revelation 11:11 is not merely an isolated miracle but a powerful echo of Christ's victory over the grave and a prophetic assurance of His ultimate triumph and the resurrection hope for all His followers.

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

Genesis 2:7

And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Ezekiel 37:5

Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

Ezekiel 37:14

And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD.

Acts 5:5

And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

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.