Revelation 11:2

KJV

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G2532} the court {G833} which {G3588} is without {G1855}{G2081} the temple {G3485} leave {G1544} out {G1854}, and {G2532} measure {G3354} it {G846} not {G3361}; for {G3754} it is given {G1325} unto the Gentiles {G1484}: and {G2532} the holy {G40} city {G4172} shall they tread under foot {G3961} forty {G5062} and two {G1417} months {G3376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the court outside the Temple, leave that out; don’t measure it; because it has been given to the Goyim, and they will trample over the holy city for forty-two months.

Berean Standard Bible

But exclude the courtyard outside the temple. Do not measure it, because it has been given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months.

American Standard Version

And the court which is without the temple leave without, and measure it not; for it hath been given unto the nations: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 11:2 provides a stark distinction within John's vision of the temple, delineating between that which is divinely protected and that which is subject to external, hostile forces during a specified period of tribulation. It prophesies that while an inner sanctuary remains secure under God's watchful eye, the outer court and the holy city itself will be delivered into the hands of the Gentiles, who will oppress it for a precise duration of forty-two months, signifying a time of intense suffering and desecration before God's ultimate intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments in the Book of Revelation, specifically following the command given to John to measure the temple of God, the altar, and its worshipers in [Revelation 11:1](/revelation/11-1 "Revelation 11:1 - Measuring the Temple"). The immediate literary flow establishes a clear dichotomy: what is measured is preserved, while what is excluded is exposed. This distinction sets the stage for the subsequent narrative concerning the two witnesses, whose prophetic ministry and suffering unfold during the same period of Gentile dominion, emphasizing God's continued witness even amidst global tribulation. The imagery of measuring and excluding is highly symbolic, pointing to divine preservation and permitted desecration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the temple and the holy city would have resonated deeply with John's Jewish-Christian audience, who understood the significance of Jerusalem and its temple as the dwelling place of God and the center of their religious life. While the Jerusalem temple had been destroyed in AD 70, John's vision transcends a literal rebuilding, speaking to a spiritual reality. The "Gentiles" (Greek: _éthnos_) refer to non-Jewish nations, often depicted in prophetic literature as hostile powers. The concept of a city being "trodden under foot" was a common biblical metaphor for conquest, desecration, and humiliation by foreign invaders, as seen in the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon and later by Rome. This cultural understanding underscores the severity of the prophesied oppression.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 11:2 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Preservation**, demonstrating that even when evil appears to triumph, God maintains ultimate control, preserving a "remnant" or true spiritual worshipers (the "measured" temple) from complete destruction. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Tribulation and Persecution**, detailing a period of intense suffering for God's people and the desecration of what is sacred, aligning with Jesus' own prophecies about Jerusalem being "trodden down by the Gentiles" in [Luke 21:24](/luke/21-24 "Luke 21:24 - Jerusalem Trodden Down"). Lastly, the specific timeframe of "forty and two months" introduces the crucial theme of **Prophetic Timeframes**, which appears repeatedly in apocalyptic literature, such as the 1260 days for the two witnesses' prophecy in [Revelation 11:3](/revelation/11-3 "Revelation 11:3 - The Two Witnesses' Prophecy") and the woman in the wilderness in [Revelation 12:6](/revelation/12-6 "Revelation 12:6 - The Woman in the Wilderness"), signifying a divinely appointed, limited period of suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies "to give" or "to grant," often implying a transfer of authority or permission. Here, it indicates that the outer court and the holy city are not seized by the Gentiles through their own power alone, but rather "given" over to them by divine allowance. This highlights God's sovereign hand in permitting even tribulation and desecration, serving His ultimate purposes.
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** This term refers to "a race," "a tribe," or specifically, "a foreign (non-Jewish) one," often implying pagan nations. In this context, it denotes the non-believing, hostile powers of the world who are granted temporary authority to oppress the holy city, symbolizing the forces opposed to God and His people.
* **tread under foot (Greek, _patéō'_):** This powerful verb means "to trample" or "to tread down," literally or figuratively. It conveys a sense of severe oppression, desecration, and humiliation. It implies not merely occupation, but active subjugation and contempt for what is sacred, emphasizing the harshness and destructive nature of the Gentile dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not;":** John is instructed to exclude the outer court from the divine measurement and protection applied to the inner temple, altar, and worshipers. This signifies a divine distinction, indicating that this specific area is not under God's immediate preservation in the same way, and is therefore vulnerable.
* **"for it is given unto the Gentiles:":** This clause provides the reason for the exclusion: the outer court has been divinely "given" or handed over to the Gentiles. This highlights God's sovereign permission for the non-believing nations to have authority over this symbolic space, implying a period of allowed dominion and desecration.
* **"and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months.":** This extends the Gentile dominion beyond the outer court to the entire "holy city" (Jerusalem), symbolizing the earthly representation of God's people or His spiritual dwelling. The phrase "tread under foot" denotes severe oppression and desecration. The duration of "forty and two months" (equivalent to 3.5 years or 1260 days) specifies a divinely appointed, limited period for this tribulation, emphasizing that the suffering has a set end.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 11:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "temple," "outer court," and "holy city" not necessarily referring to literal structures but representing spiritual realities—the true people of God, the broader community, or the earthly manifestation of God's presence. The act of "measuring" functions as a symbol of divine preservation and protection, while "leaving out" signifies divine permission for judgment or exposure. **Contrast** is evident in the sharp distinction between the measured (protected) and the unmeasured (exposed) areas, highlighting God's selective preservation amidst widespread tribulation. The phrase "tread under foot" is a vivid **metaphor** for severe oppression and desecration, evoking a powerful image of humiliation and conquest. Finally, the specific timeframe of "forty and two months" acts as a **prophetic number**, a recurring motif in apocalyptic literature that points to a limited period of tribulation, offering a sense of hope and a defined end to suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 11:2 profoundly illustrates the paradox of divine sovereignty amidst human suffering. It teaches that even when God's people or their symbolic representations face intense persecution and apparent defeat at the hands of hostile worldly powers, God remains utterly in control. The "giving over" of the outer court and the holy city to the Gentiles is not a sign of God's weakness or abandonment, but a divinely permitted act within His overarching plan, serving to refine His people and bring about His ultimate purposes. This passage underscores that tribulation has a divinely appointed limit, offering a powerful message of hope and endurance for believers throughout history, reminding them that the enemy's power is always circumscribed by God's decree.

* [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "The Little Horn's Time")
* [Revelation 13:5](/revelation/13-5 "The Beast's Authority")
* [Luke 21:24](/luke/21-24 "Jerusalem Trodden Down by Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 11:2 offers profound spiritual nourishment for believers navigating challenging times. It assures us that even when the world seems to overwhelm, when sacred spaces or principles are desecrated, and when the forces of evil appear to hold sway, God's sovereign hand is still at work. The distinction between the "measured" and the "unmeasured" reminds us that while we may experience the same external tribulations as the world, there is a spiritual reality of divine protection and preservation for those who truly belong to Christ. Our inner sanctuary, our relationship with God, remains secure even when our outward circumstances are chaotic. The "forty and two months" serves as a powerful reminder that all suffering, all tribulation, and all evil dominion has a divinely appointed end. This should cultivate perseverance, encouraging us not to lose heart but to fix our gaze on God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, knowing that our present trials are temporary and serve a higher purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "giving over" a portion of the holy city to the Gentiles challenge or affirm your understanding of divine sovereignty in times of suffering?**
* **In what ways might the "measured" part of the temple symbolize the true spiritual church today, and how does this offer comfort amidst worldly pressures?**
* **How does the knowledge that all tribulation has a "forty and two months" (a limited, divinely appointed) duration impact your perspective on current difficulties or global events?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "forty and two months" in biblical prophecy?**

Answer: The "forty and two months" (equivalent to 3.5 years or 1260 days) is a crucial prophetic timeframe that appears multiple times in apocalyptic literature, particularly in the books of Daniel and Revelation. It symbolizes a specific, limited period of intense tribulation, persecution, and the dominion of hostile powers against God's people or His earthly kingdom. This duration is often associated with the "time, times, and half a time" mentioned in [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's Persecution") and [Daniel 12:7](/daniel/12-7 "Daniel 12:7 - Time, Times, and Half a Time"), and is reiterated in Revelation for the two witnesses' prophecy ([Revelation 11:3](/revelation/11-3 "Revelation 11:3 - The Two Witnesses' Prophecy")) and the woman's flight into the wilderness ([Revelation 12:6](/revelation/12-6 "Revelation 12:6 - The Woman in the Wilderness")). While interpretations vary (literal vs. symbolic), its consistent use emphasizes that even the most severe periods of suffering are finite and under God's sovereign control, leading to His ultimate triumph.

**Does "the holy city" refer to literal Jerusalem or something else?**

Answer: While "the holy city" (Greek: _hágios pólis_) historically refers to Jerusalem, in the apocalyptic context of Revelation, its meaning often transcends a purely literal geographical location. It can symbolize the earthly manifestation of God's people, the Church, or the spiritual community that represents God's dwelling place on earth. The "treading under foot" of this city by the Gentiles signifies the persecution and desecration of what is sacred to God, whether it be His physical people, their spiritual heritage, or the principles of His kingdom. This dual interpretation allows for both historical fulfillment and ongoing spiritual relevance, indicating that God's people (the spiritual "Jerusalem") will face opposition from worldly powers throughout history, culminating in a final period of intense tribulation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 11:2, while depicting a period of tribulation and Gentile dominion, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus Christ. The distinction between the "measured" and "unmeasured" portions of the temple foreshadows Christ's work in establishing a new spiritual temple, not made with human hands, but comprised of believers. Jesus Himself is the true temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He consecrated a people for Himself, establishing a "holy nation" and "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")), who are the true worshipers measured and protected by God's grace. The "treading under foot" of the holy city by the Gentiles, though a period of suffering, ultimately points to the temporary nature of evil's dominion, which Christ decisively broke through His death and resurrection. His triumph over sin and death ensures that while His followers may experience tribulation in this world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")), the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). The "forty and two months" signifies a limited season of suffering that will give way to Christ's eternal reign, when all enemies will be put under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")). Thus, this verse ultimately testifies to Christ's sovereign authority, His preservation of His people, and His ultimate victory over all opposing powers, establishing His eternal kingdom where He will dwell with His redeemed forever ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")).

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

Revelation 12:6

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.

Luke 21:24

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Daniel 12:7

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

Revelation 11:3

¶ And I will give [power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Revelation 21:2

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Isaiah 52:1

¶ Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.