Revelation 11:12

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

And {G2532} they heard {G191} a great {G3173} voice {G5456} from {G1537} heaven {G3772} saying {G3004} unto them {G846}, Come up {G305} hither {G5602}. And {G2532} they ascended up {G305} to {G1519} heaven {G3772} in {G1722} a cloud {G3507}; and {G2532} their {G846} enemies {G2190} beheld {G2334} them {G846}.

Then the two heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up into heaven in a cloud, while their enemies watched them.

And the witnesses heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched them.

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they went up into heaven in the cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

Commentary

Context

Revelation 11:12 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the two witnesses, who have been prophesying for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth (Revelation 11:3). Having been killed by the beast that ascends from the bottomless pit (Revelation 11:7), their bodies lay in the street for three and a half days, celebrated by their enemies. However, in the preceding verse, Revelation 11:11, the "Spirit of life from God entered into them," and they stood on their feet, striking terror into those who saw them. Verse 12 describes their dramatic and public ascension to heaven, a powerful demonstration of divine vindication and triumph over their persecutors.

Key Themes

  • Divine Vindication and Exaltation: This verse powerfully illustrates God's ultimate vindication of His faithful servants. After enduring public humiliation and death, the witnesses are not only resurrected but also publicly exalted to heaven by a direct command from God. This act reverses their suffering and demonstrates God's sovereignty over life and death.
  • Ascension as a Symbol of Triumph: The ascension "in a cloud" carries significant biblical weight, often associated with divine presence, glory, and ultimate victory. It echoes other significant ascensions in scripture, such as Jesus' ascension to heaven and foreshadows the future catching up of believers, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
  • Public Spectacle and Judgment: The phrase "their enemies beheld them" emphasizes the undeniable nature of this miraculous event. It serves as a stark message to those who opposed God's witnesses, highlighting God's power and impending judgment on those who persecute His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "great voice from heaven" (Greek: phōnē megalē ek tou ouranou) underscores the divine authority and power behind the summons. It is not merely a suggestion but a commanding directive from God Himself. The use of "in a cloud" (Greek: en tē nephelē) is significant. In biblical contexts, clouds often signify God's presence (e.g., the pillar of cloud in the Exodus), His glory (e.g., at the Transfiguration, Matthew 17:5), and His means of transportation or appearing.

Practical Application

Revelation 11:12 offers profound encouragement for believers facing persecution or opposition. It reminds us that:

  • God's Faithfulness Prevails: Even in the darkest moments, when God's servants appear defeated, His ultimate plan and power will prevail. He is faithful to vindicate those who serve Him, even beyond death.
  • Hope in Ultimate Victory: The ascension of the witnesses provides a glimpse of the ultimate triumph awaiting the faithful. It assures us that suffering for Christ is not in vain, and God will grant ultimate victory and exaltation to His people.
  • Witness to the World: Just as the enemies beheld the ascension, our steadfastness and God's ultimate vindication serve as a powerful witness to a watching world, demonstrating the reality and power of God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 4:1

    ¶ After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

  • Acts 1:9

    And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

  • 2 Kings 2:11

    And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17

    Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

  • Ephesians 2:5

    Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

  • Ephesians 2:6

    And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:

  • Revelation 12:5

    And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne.
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