TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
KJV (with Strong's)
And G2532 the same G1722 G1565 hour G5610 was there G1096 a great G3173 earthquake G4578, and G2532 the tenth part G1182 of the city G4172 fell G4098, and G2532 in G1722 the earthquake G4578 were slain G615 G3686 of men G444 seven G2033 thousand G5505: and G2532 the remnant G3062 were G1096 affrighted G1719, and G2532 gave G1325 glory G1391 to the God G2316 of heaven G3772.
Complete Jewish Bible
In that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were awestruck and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Berean Standard Bible
And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand were killed in the quake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
American Standard Version
And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell; and there were killed in the earthquake seven thousand persons: and the rest were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
World English Bible Messianic
In that day there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the same houre shall there bee a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the citie shall fall, and in the earthquake shalbe slaine in nomber seuen thousande: and the remnant were sore feared, and gaue glorie to the God of heauen.
Young's Literal Translation
and in that hour came a great earthquake, and the tenth of the city did fall, and killed in the earthquake were names of men--seven thousands, and the rest became affrighted, and they gave glory to the God of the heaven.
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In the KJVVerse 30,886 of 31,102
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Commentary on Revelation 11 verses 3–13
3 ¶ And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
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.
10 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.
11 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.
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.
13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
In this time of treading down, God has reserved to himself his faithful witnesses, who will not fail to attest the truth of his word and worship, and the excellency of his ways. Here observe,
I. The number of these witnesses: it is but a small number and yet it is sufficient. 1. It is but small. Many will own and acknowledge Christ in times of prosperity who will desert and deny him in times of persecution; one witness, when the cause is upon trial, is worth many at other times. 2. It is a sufficient number; for in the mouth of two witnesses every cause shall be established. Christ sent out his disciples two by two, to preach the gospel. Some think these two witnesses are Enoch and Elias, who are to return to the earth for a time: others, the church of the believing Jews and that of the Gentiles: it should rather seem that they are God's eminent faithful ministers, who shall not only continue to profess the Christian religion, but to preach it, in the worst of times.
II. The time of their prophesying, or bearing their testimony for Christ. A thousand two hundred and threescore days; that is (as many think), to the period of the reign of antichrist; and, if the beginning of that interval could be ascertained, this number of prophetic days, taking a day for a year, would give us a prospect when the end shall be.
III. Their habit, and posture: they prophesy in sackcloth, as those that are deeply affected with the low and distressed state of the churches and interest of Christ in the world.
IV. How they were supported and supplied during the discharge of their great and hard work: they stood before the God of the whole earth, and he gave them power to prophesy. He made them to be like Zerubbabel and Joshua, the two olive-trees and candlestick in the vision of Zechariah, Zac 4:2, etc. God gave them the oil of holy zeal, and courage, and strength, and comfort; he made them olive-trees, and their lamps of profession were kept burning by the oil of inward gracious principles, which they received from God. They had oil not only in their lamps, but in their vessels - habits of spiritual life, light, and zeal.
V. Their security and defence during the time of their prophesying: If any attempted to hurt them, fire proceeded out of their mouths, and devoured them, Rev 11:5. Some think this alludes to Elias's calling for the fire from heaven, to consume the captains and their companies that came to seize him, Kg2 1:12. God promised the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 5:14), Behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people shall be wood, and it shall devour them. By their praying and preaching, and courage in suffering, they shall gall and wound the very hearts and consciences of many of their persecutors, who shall go away self-condemned, and be even terrors to themselves; like Pashur, at the words of the prophet Jeremiah, Jer 20:4. They shall have that free access to God, and that interest in him, that, at their prayers, God will inflict plagues and judgments upon their enemies, as he did on Pharaoh, turning their rivers into blood, and restraining the dews of heaven, shutting heaven up, that no rain shall fall for many days, as he did at the prayers of Elias, Kg1 17:1. God has ordained his arrows for the persecutors, and is often plaguing them while they are persecuting his people; they find it hard work to kick against the pricks.
VI. The slaying of the witnesses. To make their testimony more strong, they must seal it with their blood. Here observe, 1. The time when they should be killed: When they have finished their testimony. They are immortal, they are invulnerable, till their work be done. Some think it ought to be rendered, when they were about to finish their testimony. When they had prophesied in sackcloth the greatest part of the 1260 years, then they should feel the last effect of antichristian malice. 2. The enemy that should overcome and slay them - the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit. Antichrist, the great instrument of the devil, should make war against them, not only with the arms of subtle and sophistical learning, but chiefly with open force and violence; and God would permit his enemies to prevail against his witnesses for a time. 3. The barbarous usage of these slain witnesses; the malice of their enemies was not satiated with their blood and death, but pursued even their dead bodies. (1.) They would not allow them a quiet grave; their bodies were cast out in the open street, the high street of Babylon, or in the high road leading to the city. This city is spiritually called Sodom for monstrous wickedness, and Egypt for idolatry and tyranny; and here Christ in his mystical body has suffered more than in any place in the world. (2.) Their dead bodies were insulted by the inhabitants of the earth, and their death was a matter of mirth and joy to the antichristian world, Rev 11:10. They were glad to be rid of these witnesses, who by their doctrine and example had teased, terrified, and tormented the consciences of their enemies; these spiritual weapons cut wicked men to the heart, and fill them with the greatest rage and malice against the faithful.
VII. The resurrection of these witnesses, and the consequences thereof. Observe, 1. The time of their rising again; after they had lain dead three days and a half (Rev 11:11), a short time in comparison of that in which they had prophesied. Here may be a reference to the resurrection of Christ, who is the resurrection and the life. Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Or there may be a reference to the resurrection of Lazarus on the fourth day, when they thought it impossible. God's witnesses may be slain, but they shall rise again: not in their persons, till the general resurrection, but in their successors. God will revive his work, when it seems to be dead in the world. 2. The power by which they were raised: The spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet. God put not only life, but courage into them. God can make the dry bones to life; it is the Spirit of life from God that quickens dead souls, and shall quicken the dead bodies of his people, and his dying interest in the world. 3. The effect of their resurrection upon their enemies: Great fear fell upon them. The reviving of God's work and witnesses will strike terror into the souls of his enemies. Where there is guilt, there is fear; and a persecuting spirit, though cruel, is not a courageous, but a cowardly spirit. Herod feared John the Baptist.
VIII. The ascension of the witnesses into heaven and the consequences thereof, Rev 11:12, Rev 11:13. Observe, 1. Their ascension. By heaven we may understand either some more eminent station in the church, the kingdom of grace in this world, or a high place in the kingdom of glory above. The former seems to be the meaning: They ascended to heaven in a cloud (in a figurative, not in a literal sense) and their enemies saw them. It will be no small part of the punishment of persecutors, both in this world and at the great day, that they shall see the faithful servants of God greatly honoured and advanced. To this honour they did not attempt to ascend, till God called them, and said, Come up hither. The Lord's witnesses must wait for their advancement, both in the church and in heaven, till God calls them; they must not be weary of suffering and service, nor too hastily grasp at the reward; but stay till their Master calls them, and then they may gladly ascend to him. 2. The consequences of their ascension - a mighty shock and convulsion in the antichristian empire and the fall of a tenth part of the city. Some refer this to the beginning of the reformation from popery, when many princes and states fell off from their subjection to Rome. This great work met with great opposition; all the western world felt a great concussion, and the antichristian interest received a great blow, and lost a great deal of ground and interest, (1.) By the sword of war, which was then drawn; and many of those who fought under the banner of antichrist were slain by it. (2.) By the sword of the Spirit: The fear of God fell upon many. They were convinced of their errors, superstition, and idolatry; and by true repentance, and embracing the truth, they gave glory to the God of heaven. Thus, when God's work and witnesses revive, the devil's work and witnesses fall before him.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 3–13. Public domain.
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TiconiusAD 390
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 11:13
“In that hour there was a great earthquake.” By mentioning again the persecution, he confirms what he had said above. The Lord also expressed an opinion that is in harmony with this passage. He said, “In that hour let him who is on the housetop not come down to take whatever is in the house, nor let him who is in the field turn back.” When he says “in that hour,” he is indicating all time. “And a tenth of the city fell; seven thousand were killed in the earthquake.” The number ten and the number seven are perfect. Even were it not the case, it would be fitting to understand the whole from the part. He says that a tenth of the city, that is, all of it, fell, along with its builders who allowed the construction of perverse doctrine in the temple of their hearts. For there are two kinds of structures in the church. One structure is laid upon the Rock. The other structure is founded upon the sand and is not able to withstand the onslaught of present dangers. Rather, it crumbles straightway and topples with it whoever had not kept the faith of the true church with a pure heart. “The rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.” These are those who have been laid upon the Rock. When the unrighteous are dying from the earthquake, these fear lest they also become partakers with the unrighteous in this punishment. And through the confession of the Christian name and by the despising of their souls, they glorify the Lord, since they have been spared the torments of the unrighteous. The saint sang of this when he said, “The righteous will rejoice when he sees vengeance; he will wash his hands in the blood of the sinner.” For when the righteous sees the death of the sinner, he increases all the more in obedience to the commandments and does them with greater joy and purity, since he is himself being freed from the punishments of the wicked. As it is written, “When a just man sees the wicked punished, he becomes wise.”
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 11:13
It is possible that these things will happen at that time in a physical way. But we think that the “earthquake” symbolizes the transposition of those things that are shaking and tottering to something more firm and secure. That a “tenth of the city” falls refers to the corpse of impiety, which was not wise in the seizing of those prophets. The “seven thousand” who are killed signify those who remained attached to the seven days of the present life but did not wait for the eighth day of the resurrection and who must also be killed with “the second death” in Gehenna, namely, eternal punishment. Or, perhaps the seven thousand will be those Jews who were persuaded by the antichrist.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And in that hour there was a great earthquake, etc. With the terror of the judgment impending, the entire city of the devil built upon the sand will collapse with all its builders. For both the number ten and the number seven are perfect. But if it were not, the whole would have to be understood from the part.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. Who among men will boast that he has a pure heart when the powers of heaven will be shaken?
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And they gave glory to the God of heaven. These are the ones built upon the rock, who, while others fall from the earthquake, glorify the Lord with a righteous confession from their stability. For the righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance of the wicked. Some interpret the two prophets as Enoch and Elijah, who, preaching for three and a half years, will strengthen the hearts of the faithful against the soon-following perfidy of the Antichrist. After they are killed, the same period of persecution will ensue, and finally, with the conflict renewed, they will be overcome by the saints, who were believed to be dead in the protection of hiding places. These same prophets are said to rise for the unity of one body, and seeing them again, those who thought them dead will face a heightened persecution, causing many of those considered worthy of the septenary or denary number to fall, as Daniel says: He will confirm a covenant with many for one week, and in the midst of the week he will cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and in the temple will be the abomination of desolation (Daniel IX). And later: And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days (Daniel XII). This number covers approximately three years and six months. Indeed, Elijah once destroyed his adversaries with fire and, hiding for three and a half years, withheld the rains, and finally, after the false prophets were killed, through the sacrifice that had been taken away, he turned Israel back to the Lord.
Alcuin of YorkAD 804
COMMENTARY ON REVELATION
And at that hour there was made a great earthquake. After showing the resurrection, he recapitulates starting from the last persecution. It is not surprising if he calls the time shortened for the sake of the elect an hour, when he says elsewhere concerning all this time, Little children, it is the last hour. [1 John 2:18] Note also that he says it is a great earthquake because, according to the Lord's saying, there shall be a tribulation such as hath not been from the beginning. [Matt. 24:21] And the tenth part of the city fell. The tenth part of the city falls in those who do not belong to the number of the elect. The elect indeed, joining the nine orders of angels, make up for the fallen demons with their own multitude, and fill up the tenth place, which is that of their order. Therefore it is not the whole tenth that we should understand here, but a part of the tenth, which falls, that is the part which, not joining the nine orders of angels, by no means holds the place of the tenth order. And there were slain in the earthquake names of men seven thousand. By these we should understand the part that is now hiding among the lambs, but will be brought to publicly visible error when the last persecution takes place, and will be sent into the body of the beast to be devoured by it. The rest were cast into a fear, and gave glory to the God of heaven. Who are the rest he is talking about? Those who have remained in faith throughout? Or those who denied it, but came back to it afterwards? Or those who have been faithless, but will believe afterwards when Elijah and Enoch are preaching? We may actually understand all of these.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
Since all things are clearly evident and destined to occur perceptibly at that time, it is excessive to dwell on what has been acknowledged.
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 11:13 vividly portrays a climactic moment of divine judgment immediately following the miraculous resurrection and ascension of the two witnesses. As a powerful earthquake strikes Jerusalem, a tenth of the city collapses, and seven thousand people perish. This catastrophic event instills terror in the survivors, compelling them to acknowledge the supreme power and authority of God, a significant shift from the widespread defiance seen elsewhere in the apocalyptic narrative.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as the dramatic conclusion to the narrative segment concerning the two witnesses, which began in Revelation 11:3. Having completed their prophetic ministry, been slain by the beast, and then publicly resurrected and ascended into heaven (as described in Revelation 11:7-12), the earthquake and subsequent human response in Revelation 11:13 mark God's immediate vindication of His servants and a direct divine intervention. It precedes the sounding of the seventh trumpet in Revelation 11:15, which announces the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, underscoring the escalating intensity of God's judgments as the end-time events unfold. The sequence emphasizes cause and effect: the witnesses' ascension directly precipitates this judgment.
Historical & Cultural Context: The "city" mentioned is widely interpreted as Jerusalem, a city with profound historical and prophetic significance, central to both Old Testament prophecy and the unfolding events of Revelation. Its designation as the place where "their Lord was crucified" in Revelation 11:8 further solidifies this understanding. Earthquakes were recognized in the ancient world as powerful, often terrifying, natural phenomena, frequently associated with divine wrath or significant divine interventions (e.g., Exodus 19:18 at Mount Sinai; Matthew 27:51). The specific number "seven thousand" is likely symbolic, representing a significant, divinely determined portion rather than a literal census, reflecting the biblical use of numbers to convey completeness or divine action. The response of "giving glory to the God of heaven" echoes Old Testament instances where pagan rulers or nations, after experiencing God's power, were compelled to acknowledge His supremacy, even if not truly converting (e.g., Daniel 2:47).
Key Themes: Revelation 11:13 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within the Book of Revelation. Firstly, Divine Judgment is unequivocally displayed, demonstrating God's active involvement in human affairs and His righteous retribution against those who oppose His will and harm His servants. Secondly, the theme of God's Sovereignty is paramount; despite widespread rebellion and the apparent triumph of evil, God remains in absolute control, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. The earthquake is not random but a precise, timed act of God. Thirdly, the verse highlights the Human Response to Divine Power. While many in Revelation harden their hearts and blaspheme God even amidst judgment (as seen in Revelation 9:20-21 and Revelation 16:9), here, a "remnant" is "affrighted" into acknowledging God's glory. This nuanced response suggests that even forced acknowledgment can be a precursor to, or at least a recognition of, divine authority, offering a glimmer of hope for some amidst the pervasive spiritual darkness.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 11:13 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Symbolism is evident in the numbers "tenth part" and "seven thousand," which are not merely literal statistics but carry theological weight, indicating a divinely determined proportion and a significant, complete judgment. The "city" itself is symbolic, representing not only literal Jerusalem but also the rebellious world system. The earthquake functions as a powerful Sign or Portent, a dramatic physical manifestation of divine wrath and power, serving as a clear message from God. The phrase "gave glory to the God of heaven" demonstrates Divine Irony or Paradox, as those who previously defied God are now compelled by terror to acknowledge His majesty. This is not genuine worship but a forced, fear-induced recognition, highlighting the futility of human resistance against divine power. Furthermore, the event serves as a Foreshadowing of the ultimate, inescapable judgment that will compel all creation to acknowledge God's sovereignty, as prophesied in passages like Philippians 2:10-11.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 11:13 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over all creation. The earthquake and the resulting fear-induced acknowledgment of God's glory underscore that even in the midst of widespread rebellion and defiance, God remains actively engaged in human history, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine purposes. This forced recognition, while not necessarily repentance unto salvation, is a powerful testimony to God's undeniable power, demonstrating that His judgments are designed to elicit a response, whether it be genuine contrition or a reluctant, terror-stricken admission of His supremacy. It highlights that God will ultimately be glorified, even by those who initially resist Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 11:13 serves as a stark reminder that God's justice is inevitable and His power undeniable. For believers, this passage offers profound assurance that God is ultimately in control, even when the world seems to be spiraling into chaos and defiance. It reinforces the truth that He will vindicate His servants and His Word, and that His purposes will prevail regardless of human resistance. This should inspire confidence and steadfastness in our faith, knowing that our God is sovereign over all earthly powers and events. For those who have yet to acknowledge God, this verse is a sobering warning. It presents a choice: will we, like the "remnant," wait until overwhelming judgment compels us to acknowledge God out of fear, or will we respond now, willingly and in faith, to His invitations of grace and truth? The "glory" given under duress in Revelation 11:13 stands in stark contrast to the willing, joyful worship offered by those who truly repent and embrace God's salvation. It calls us to examine our own hearts and ensure our "giving glory" is born of love and devotion, not merely the terror of His righteous judgment.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is the "giving glory to the God of heaven" in Revelation 11:13 true repentance leading to salvation?
Answer: While the phrase "gave glory to the God of heaven" might initially sound like genuine repentance, the context strongly suggests it is not necessarily saving faith, but rather a forced acknowledgment born out of terror. The Greek word for "affrighted" (émphobos) indicates a state of extreme fear. Unlike other instances in Revelation where people genuinely repent (e.g., Revelation 7:9-10), here the acknowledgment is compelled by overwhelming divine judgment. It signifies a recognition of God's supreme power and authority, a concession to His undeniable existence and might, but not necessarily a turning from sin and a commitment to follow Christ. It's a profound shift from outright blasphemy, but it may fall short of the saving repentance called for in Acts 3:19.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 11:13, with its depiction of a terror-induced acknowledgment of God's glory, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, universal recognition of Christ's supreme authority. While the "remnant" in Jerusalem are compelled by an earthquake to give glory to the "God of heaven," the New Testament reveals that this ultimate glory belongs to Jesus Christ, the Son who fully reveals the Father. The day is coming when "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11). This future confession will encompass both willing worship from believers and a forced, undeniable acknowledgment from those who rejected Him, demonstrating that no one can ultimately stand against the Lamb of God. Just as the earthquake vindicated the two witnesses, Christ's resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:9-11) serve as the ultimate vindication of His divine identity and mission. The judgment in Revelation 11:13 is a glimpse of the final judgment where Christ, the righteous Judge (John 5:22), will receive all glory and honor, whether willingly given or compelled by the overwhelming display of His power and majesty.