TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 11:14–19. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here the sounding of the seventh and last trumpet, which is ushered in by the usual warning and demand of attention: The second woe is past, and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. Then the seventh angel sounded. This had been suspended for some time, till the apostle had been made acquainted with some intervening occurrences of very great moment, and worthy of his notice and observation. But what he before expected he now heard - the seventh angel sounding. Here observe the effects and consequences of this trumpet, thus sounded.
I.Here were loud and joyful acclamations of the saints and angels in heaven. Observe,
1.The manner of their adorations: they rose from their seats, and fell upon their faces, and worshipped God; they did it with reverence and humility.
2.The matter of their adorations.
(1.)They thankfully recognize the right of our God and Saviour to rule and reign over all the world: The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, Rev 11:15. They were always so in title, both by creation and purchase.
(2.)They thankfully observe his actual possession of them, and reign over them; they give him thanks because he had taken to him his great power, asserted his rights, exerted his power, and so turned title into possession.
(3.)They rejoice that this his reign shall never end: He shall reign for ever and ever, till all enemies be put under his feet; none shall ever wrest the sceptre out of his hand.
II.Here were angry resentments in the world at these just appearances and actings of the power of God (Rev 11:18):
The nations were angry; not only had been so, but were so still: their hearts rose up against God; they met his wrath with their own anger. It was a time when God was taking a just revenge upon the enemies of his people, recompensing tribulation to those who had troubled them. It was a time in which he was beginning to reward his people's faithful services and sufferings; and their enemies could not bear it, they fretted against God, and so increased their guilt and hastened their destruction.
III.Another consequence was the opening of the temple of God in heaven.
By this may be meant that here is now a more free communication between heaven and earth, prayer and praises more freely and frequently ascending and graces and blessings plentifully descending. But it rather seems to intend the church of God on earth, a heavenly temple. It is an allusion to the various circumstances of things in the time of the first temple. Under idolatrous and wicked princes, it was shut up and neglected; but, under religious and reforming princes, it was opened and frequented. So, during the power of antichrist, the temple of God seemed to be shut up, and was so in a great degree; but now it was opened again. At this opening of it observe,
1.What was seen there: the ark of God's testament. This was in the holy of holies; in this ark the tables of the law were kept. As before Josiah's time the law of God had been lost, but was then found, so in the reign of antichrist God's law was laid aside, and made void by their traditions and decrees; the scriptures were locked up from the people, and they must not look into these divine oracles; now they are opened, now they are brought to the view of all. This was an unspeakable and invaluable privilege; and this, like the ark of the testament, was a token of the presence of God returned to his people, and his favour towards them in Jesus Christ the propitiation.
2.What was heard and felt there: Lightnings, voices, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. The great blessing of the reformation was attended with very awful providences; and by terrible things in righteousness God would answer those prayers that were presented in his holy temple, now opened. All the great revolutions of the world are concerted in heaven, and are the answers of the prayers of the saints.
Historical interpretation
Eight Centuries of Reception
8 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
(for towards that place are our prayers and oblations directed); the temple likewise
"And the temple of God was opened which is in heaven." The temple opened is a manifestation of our Lord. For the temple of God is the Son, as He Himself says: "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." And when the Jews said, "Forty and six years was this temple in building," the evangelist says, "He spake of the temple of His body."
"And there was seen in His temple the ark of the Lord's testament." The preaching of the Gospel and the forgiveness of sins, and all the gifts whatever that came with Him, he says, appeared therein.
When Christ the Lord was born, the temple of God was manifested in heaven, that is, in the church. The temple of God can be understood as the body of Christ, as the Lord himself said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” … Although the ark often signifies the church, here the ark is said to have appeared in the temple, and by adding the “ark of the covenant,” he indicates that there is something more exalted to be comprehended. Moreover, by saying “in heaven” he urges us to penetrate some mystery, so that this might be understood: the temple is the church, and the ark of the covenant is the mystery of the incarnation of Christ, who, like that ark, bore the tablets of the covenant within himself. For he came not to destroy the Law but to fulfill it, … as God promised through Jeremiah that the ark of the covenant would be taken from human hearts, certainly referring to that ark of the Hebrews, which was in Jerusalem. That is, [he promises] that the church will be called the throne of the Lord. He says, “When you have multiplied and increased in the land, says the Lord, they will no longer say ‘the ark of the covenant of the Lord,’ nor will it come to mind. In those days and at that time they will call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord, and all nations will be gathered to her in the name of the Lord.” … The lightning is those virtues by which Christ the Lord makes his apostles to shine. The voices and the thunder are the preaching of the apostles, who thunder to the peoples as though they were clouds. Hail always harms itself when it dashes against fruit and breaks apart, and it diminishes itself even as it causes ruin. So also the fierce multitude of the Gentiles persecutes the faith of Christ, yet afterward are themselves broken apart and become smaller or nonexistent.
By the opening of heaven and the vision of the covenant is shown the revelation of those blessings that have been prepared for the saints. According to the apostle, these blessings are hidden in Christ in whom the fullness of deity dwells bodily. And these things will be revealed when the punishments of Gehenna rain down upon the lawless and impious like terrifying voices and lightnings and thunder and hail. The earthquake signifies the transposition of present things.
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, etc. The temple of the Lord, once situated on earth, covered the ark of the covenant under a mystical veil; but now in the Church, which is the temple of the living God, whose citizenship is in heaven (Philippians III), with the veil of the old temple and the middle wall of partition torn apart by the Lord’s blood, the ark of His Incarnation is now revealed to the whole world. For just as heavenly manna in pure gold, so is divinity in the holy body.
And there were lightnings, voices, etc. All these are the virtues of the Church's illumination, proclamation, and wars. He mentioned these as having occurred in the description of the preaching of the seven angels from the advent of the Lord, when He stood upon the altar, but generally from the beginning to the end. Then he described in parts how they were done: thus also now, saying that the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the battles followed, stating:
And the temple was opened in heaven: and the ark of his testament was seen in his temple. This saying goes back to the beginning of faith, and describes the battles of the Church with new symbols. What indeed does God's temple signify but Christ, in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwells corporeally? [Col. 2:9] It is said to be open because Christ has already been born, suffered, been resurrected, and been elevated, and since it is in the Church that Christ is proclaimed to have done all this, consequently he is said to open the temple in heaven. The ark of the testament, in which the power of the two Testaments was written by God's finger, means the Church; according to Exodus, this ark has four golden rings with bars through them to be carried on, [Ex. 25:12-14] that is the four Gospels through which the Church is governed by the holy preachers. In it there is a golden pot with manna inside, that is the wisdom of the divine Word with the food of life; and also Aaron's rod, [Heb. 9:4] that is the proof of kingly priesthood. And there were lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and an earthquake, and great hail. Lightnings are miraculous signs, by which the minds of the unfaithful were struck so that they submitted to humility; whence the Psalmist: Thou wilt multiply lightnings, and trouble them. [Probably a variant of Ps. 143:6, but also reminiscent of Ps. 17:15.] It is appropriate for the voices, that is the preachers, to come after the lightnings, because, in order to bring the incredulous to faith by speaking, the preachers first displayed new miracles. After words there follow thunders in order for those who despise voices to be shaken by terror of the judgment. Then an earthquake, that is persecution, which is also indicated by hail; for just as hail gets crushed as it crushes the fruits of the earth, and the earth bears fruit again, when the furious multitude of the Gentiles tried to take the name of God away from the earth, it was itself reduced to naught, either by force or by being changed for the better — for quite many of them came to Christ's faith.
And he says that the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. He says that after these things were spoken, hidden blessings and, in addition, certain new mysteries were revealed to the saints; for this is the opening of the Ark of the Covenant. For he indicates that good things are hidden in the coming age, concealed from present human beings, as he says, "what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor has entered into the heart of man," which God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Cor. 2:9) And again, that there is some mystery and a different knowledge unknown to those now living, the Lord reveals by saying, "I will not drink again from the fruit of this vine until that day when I drink it new with you in the kingdom of my Father." (Matt. 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18)
The saints were deemed worthy of these things, but to the sinners there came flashes of lightning, voices, thunder, earthquakes, and great hail, which constitute the third woe, the future punishments known to us for the impious, and the word alludes to the signs from God.
Continue studying Revelation 11:19 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Revelation 11:19 marks a pivotal transition in John's apocalyptic vision, immediately following the declaration of God's universal reign. It unveils the heavenly temple, revealing the Ark of the Covenant, and ushers in a series of dramatic natural phenomena—lightnings, voices, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail—signaling the direct intervention of God's holy presence, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and the imminent commencement of His final judgments upon the earth. This verse serves as a powerful interlude, bridging the trumpet judgments with the subsequent bowl judgments and emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and history.
Context
Literary Context
Revelation 11:19 concludes the section detailing the seven trumpet judgments (Revelation 8:6-11:19) and serves as a dramatic climax to the sounding of the seventh trumpet. The preceding verses (Revelation 11:15-18) describe the heavenly proclamation that "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever!" This declaration is met with worship and thanksgiving from the twenty-four elders before God's throne, acknowledging His righteous judgment and the reward for His servants. Verse 19 then shifts the focus from this celebratory announcement to a profound visual revelation within the heavenly realm, signifying the direct and powerful manifestation of God's presence and the commencement of His final, decisive actions, thereby setting the stage for the intense visions of chapters 12-14 and the subsequent bowl judgments.
Historical & Cultural Context
The imagery in Revelation 11:19 draws heavily from Old Testament precedents, particularly the Tabernacle and Temple traditions, and theophanic manifestations. The "temple of God in heaven" echoes the earthly tabernacle and temples, which were earthly copies of a heavenly reality (Hebrews 8:5). The "Ark of his testament" (covenant) was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing God's throne, His presence among His people, and the enduring nature of His covenant promises (e.g., Exodus 25:10-22). Its appearance in the heavenly temple signifies the ultimate reality of God's covenant faithfulness, which transcends earthly structures. The accompanying phenomena—lightnings, voices, thunderings, an earthquake, and hail—are classic biblical signs of a theophany, a direct manifestation of God's awesome power and presence, often associated with judgment, as seen at Mount Sinai (e.g., Exodus 19:16-18) and frequently appearing around God's throne in Revelation (e.g., Revelation 4:5).
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores Divine Sovereignty, demonstrating that despite earthly chaos and the unfolding judgments, God remains in absolute control, actively engaged in His cosmic plan. The opening of the heavenly temple signifies direct access to God's holy presence and His ultimate authority. Secondly, the appearance of the Ark of the Covenant highlights God's Covenant Faithfulness. It assures believers that God's promises, both of salvation and judgment, are immutable and will be brought to their full fruition. This points to the ultimate fulfillment of His divine plan through Christ, the mediator of a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6). Thirdly, the dramatic natural phenomena emphasize Impending Judgment and Wrath. These are not random occurrences but divine signals, indicating that the time for God's conclusive actions against unrighteousness has arrived, initiating the final phase of His eschatological purposes as outlined in Revelation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word refers specifically to the inner sanctuary or dwelling place of God, as opposed to the broader temple complex (hierón). Its opening in heaven signifies direct, unhindered access to God's holy presence and the unveiling of His divine purposes.
While often translated "testament," the primary meaning here is "covenant." This emphasizes that the Ark is not merely a relic but a potent symbol of God's enduring covenant relationship with His people, signifying His promises, His law, and His faithfulness to both bless and judge according to His word.
Akin to a roar, this word describes the sound of thunder. In biblical contexts, thunder, often accompanied by lightning and earthquake, is a common sign of God's powerful, awe-inspiring presence and is frequently associated with divine judgment and theophany.
Verse Breakdown
"And the temple of God was opened in heaven,"
This signifies a dramatic unveiling of God's immediate presence and purposes. The heavenly temple, the true dwelling place of God, is made visible, indicating that God is about to act directly and decisively in history. It suggests a divine revelation of what has been hidden or inaccessible.
"and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament:"
The appearance of the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in Old Testament worship and the symbol of God's presence and covenant faithfulness, is profoundly significant. Its visibility in the heavenly temple underscores God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His righteous judgments, signaling that His covenant plan is reaching its culmination.
"and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail."
These powerful natural phenomena are classic biblical signs of a divine manifestation (theophany) and impending judgment. They evoke the scene at Mount Sinai where God descended in power (e.g., Exodus 19:16), signaling God's awesome power, His righteous anger, and the imminence of His final wrath upon the earth.
Literary Devices
Revelation 11:19 is rich in literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. Symbolism is paramount, with the "temple of God" representing God's holy presence and the center of His cosmic rule, and the "ark of his testament" powerfully symbolizing God's covenant faithfulness and His unchanging promises. The natural phenomena—lightnings, voices, thunderings, earthquake, and great hail—are not merely descriptive but are also highly symbolic, representing the awesome power and majesty of God, as well as His impending judgment and wrath. This imagery also creates a vivid Theophany, a manifest appearance of God, evoking the terrifying and glorious presence of God as seen in Old Testament accounts. Furthermore, the verse employs Foreshadowing, as these dramatic signs directly precede and anticipate the severity of the coming bowl judgments, setting a tone of divine finality and an escalation of God's righteous wrath against a rebellious world. The abruptness of the transition from heavenly worship to earthly cataclysm also creates a stark Juxtaposition, highlighting the immediate consequences of God's reign and judgment.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 11:19 serves as a theological linchpin, connecting the Old Testament covenant promises with their New Testament fulfillment and the eschatological consummation. The opening of the heavenly temple and the revelation of the Ark signify that God's ultimate plan, rooted in His eternal covenant, is now fully unveiled and ready for execution. This underscores the continuity of God's character and purposes throughout redemptive history: the same God who established a covenant with Israel and manifested His presence in the earthly tabernacle is now revealing His ultimate, heavenly reality and bringing His promises to their climactic fulfillment. The dramatic display of natural phenomena emphasizes His unchanging holiness and justice, signaling that the time for His decisive intervention and judgment has arrived.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 11:19 offers both a profound warning and immense comfort to believers living in a chaotic world. The unveiling of God's heavenly temple and the Ark of His covenant reminds us that despite appearances, God is sovereignly on His throne, actively overseeing all events. His covenant promises, both of salvation and judgment, are immutable and will be perfectly fulfilled. This should instill a deep sense of security and hope in those who trust in Him, knowing that the ultimate outcome of history is in His righteous hands. For those who reject His authority, the lightnings, thunderings, and earthquake serve as a solemn warning of impending judgment, calling for repentance and a turning to Christ before it is too late. This verse challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that earthly turmoil is temporary and that God's justice will ultimately prevail. It compels us to align our lives with His revealed will, to fear Him rightly, and to live in anticipation of the full establishment of His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "temple of God... opened in heaven" in this verse?
The opening of the "temple of God in heaven" signifies a direct and dramatic revelation of God's immediate presence and His divine purposes. In the Old Testament, the earthly temple was a shadow of a heavenly reality, the dwelling place of God's glory. Its opening in John's vision means that God is no longer hidden or distant; His holy presence is now unveiled, and His plans are about to be executed directly and decisively. It indicates that the time for God's ultimate intervention in human history has arrived, moving from the preparatory judgments to the final acts of His righteous wrath and the establishment of His kingdom. This imagery underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His active engagement in the unfolding eschatological events, making His presence and power visible and undeniable.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 11:19, while steeped in Old Testament imagery, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The "temple of God... opened in heaven" foreshadows Christ as the true and ultimate temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity (John 2:19-21). Through His death and resurrection, Christ has opened the way to the heavenly sanctuary, granting believers direct access to God's presence, a reality previously symbolized by the earthly temple and its veiled Holy of Holies (Hebrews 10:19-20). The "ark of his testament" (covenant) points directly to Jesus as the mediator of the New Covenant, established by His blood, which perfectly fulfills and supersedes the Old Covenant represented by the Ark (Luke 22:20 and Hebrews 8:6-13). The dramatic lightnings, thunderings, and earthquake, while signs of God's impending judgment, also highlight Christ's authority as the one through whom all judgment is committed (John 5:22). Thus, Revelation 11:19 powerfully proclaims that God's covenant faithfulness, His holy presence, and His final judgment are all perfectly embodied and executed in His Son, Jesus Christ, who is both the Lamb slain and the reigning King.