Revelation 11:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I will give {G1325} power unto my {G3450} two {G1417} witnesses {G3144}, and {G2532} they shall prophesy {G4395} a thousand {G5507} two hundred {G1250} and threescore {G1835} days {G2250}, clothed in {G4016} sackcloth {G4526}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Also I will give power to my two witnesses; and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, dressed in sackcloth.”

Berean Standard Bible

And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 11:3 introduces two divinely commissioned figures, known as the "two witnesses," who are empowered by God to prophesy during a specific and intense period of tribulation. Their ministry, lasting for 1,260 days, is characterized by a solemn and urgent call to repentance, symbolized by their attire of sackcloth, underscoring the gravity of their message amidst unfolding divine judgments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the apocalyptic unfolding of the Book of Revelation, specifically following the vision of the mighty angel and the "little scroll" in [Revelation 10](/revelation/10 "Revelation 10 - The Angel with the Little Scroll") and preceding the dramatic sounding of the seventh trumpet in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet Sounds"). It marks a crucial interlude within the sequence of divine judgments, shifting the narrative's focus from global catastrophes to God's persistent call for witness and repentance. The introduction of these two figures highlights that even amidst widespread rebellion and judgment, God actively raises up messengers to proclaim His truth and call humanity to account before the final consummation of His plan. Their ministry serves as a direct response to the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart prevalent during this period.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery and duration presented in Revelation 11:3 draw deeply from Old Testament prophetic traditions and ancient Near Eastern cultural practices. The concept of "witnesses" (Greek: *martys*) has roots in both legal testimony and prophetic proclamation, where individuals bore witness to God's truth, often at great personal cost. The wearing of "sackcloth" (Greek: *sakkos*) was a widely recognized cultural sign in the ancient world, signifying deep mourning, lamentation, humility, and most notably, repentance. Prophets like Jonah, Jeremiah, and Daniel often adopted such attire or called for its use to symbolize a desperate plea for divine mercy and a call for national repentance. The specific timeframe of "a thousand two hundred and threescore days" (1,260 days, equivalent to 42 months or 3.5 years) is a highly significant prophetic period, echoing the "time, times, and half a time" mentioned in [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn and the Saints") and [Daniel 12:7](/daniel/12-7 "Daniel 12:7 - The End of the Wonders"), and reappearing in other contexts within Revelation itself, such as the woman fleeing into the wilderness in [Revelation 12:6](/revelation/12-6 "Revelation 12:6 - The Woman and the Dragon"). This period consistently denotes a time of intense tribulation and persecution for God's people.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 11:3 contributes to several overarching themes within the book and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully emphasizes **Divine Commission and Sovereignty**, as God Himself "gives power" to these witnesses, underscoring that their authority and ability to prophesy derive solely from His divine will, even amidst chaotic global events. Secondly, it highlights the enduring necessity of **Prophetic Ministry**, as their primary task is to "prophesy," meaning to speak forth God's truth, both foretelling future events and forth-telling God's righteous demands and call to repentance. This demonstrates God's persistent desire for humanity to turn from sin. Thirdly, the **Symbolism of Sackcloth** is a profound theme, representing not only the somber nature of their message—a warning of impending judgment and a call to repentance—but also perhaps their own posture of humility and lament before God and a rebellious world. Finally, the **Precise Timing** of their ministry, 1,260 days, reinforces the theme of God's meticulous control over history and prophecy, assuring believers that even the most tumultuous periods are part of His predetermined plan, as also seen in [Revelation 13:5](/revelation/13-5 "Revelation 13:5 - The Beast's Authority").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Witnesses (Greek, _mártys'_):** This term (G3144) denotes one who gives testimony, either judicially or by bearing witness to truth. In a spiritual context, it refers to those who declare what they have seen, heard, or experienced concerning God's truth. The word is the root of "martyr," suggesting that bearing witness to Christ may involve suffering and even death, a reality that indeed unfolds for these two figures later in the chapter. Their role is to provide irrefutable testimony of God's word and judgments.
* **Prophesy (Greek, _prophēteúō'_):** The verb (G4395) means "to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office." It encompasses both the predictive aspect (foretelling) and, more broadly, the proclamation of God's revealed will and truth (forth-telling). In this context, it implies a powerful, divinely inspired declaration of God's message to a rebellious world, calling for repentance and revealing His righteous judgments.
* **Sackcloth (Greek, _sákkos'_):** This noun (G4526) refers to a coarse fabric, often made of goat's hair, typically worn as a garment of mourning, humility, or penitence. Its use here is highly symbolic, indicating the somber and urgent nature of the witnesses' message, which is a call to repentance in the face of impending judgment. It also conveys their own posture of lament over the world's sin and suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will give power unto my two witnesses":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin of the witnesses' authority and ability. The "I" refers to God Himself, emphasizing His sovereignty and active involvement in raising up these messengers. The "power" (Greek: *exousia*, though not explicitly in the Strong's for this word, it's implied by the context of "give power") is not inherent to the witnesses but is bestowed upon them by God, enabling them to perform their extraordinary ministry. Their identity as "my two witnesses" underscores their direct commission and allegiance to God.
* **"and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days":** This segment defines the primary function of the witnesses and the precise duration of their ministry. "Prophesy" signifies their role as divine spokespersons, proclaiming God's message. The period of "1,260 days" (equivalent to 42 months or 3.5 years) is a specific prophetic timeframe, indicating a limited but intense period of witness during the tribulation, consistent with other prophetic passages in Daniel and Revelation.
* **"clothed in sackcloth":** This final phrase describes the outward appearance of the witnesses, which carries profound symbolic meaning. Their attire of "sackcloth" signifies a message of mourning, lamentation, and a solemn call to repentance. It conveys the gravity of the spiritual state of the world they address and the urgency of their message, which is one of warning and a plea for humanity to turn back to God.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 11:3 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly with the "two witnesses" themselves, whose identity is debated (literal individuals, symbolic of the Church, or Israel). Their number "two" can symbolize sufficient legal testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15) or perhaps recall significant Old Testament figures like Moses and Elijah. The "sackcloth" is a potent symbol of mourning, repentance, and prophetic solemnity, immediately conveying the nature of their mission. The precise timeframe of "1,260 days" is also **symbolic**, representing a divinely ordained, limited period of intense tribulation and witness. The verse also utilizes **Divine Commissioning**, with God explicitly stating, "I will give power," which highlights His ultimate authority and active role in orchestrating end-time events. This serves to reassure the reader that even amidst chaos, God remains in control and continues to call people to Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 11:3 powerfully asserts God's unwavering commitment to provide a witness to humanity, even in the darkest hours of rebellion and judgment. It underscores the divine origin of true prophetic authority and the necessity of proclaiming God's truth, regardless of the cost. The ministry of the two witnesses, characterized by both power and profound humility (symbolized by sackcloth), serves as a stark reminder of humanity's need for repentance and God's persistent call for reconciliation. Their precise timeframe highlights God's sovereignty over history and His meticulous orchestration of prophetic events, assuring believers that His plan will unfold exactly as purposed. This verse also implicitly connects to the broader biblical theme of the suffering prophet, where God's messengers often face rejection and persecution for their faithfulness.

* [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's Reign")
* [Revelation 12:6](/revelation/12-6 "Revelation 12:6 - The Woman Flees to the Wilderness")
* [Matthew 24:14](/matthew/24-14 "Matthew 24:14 - The Gospel Preached to All Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ministry of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3 offers profound lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that God always has His witnesses, even in the most hostile environments. This should embolden us to stand firm in our faith and proclaim the Gospel, knowing that our power comes from God, not from ourselves or popular opinion. Secondly, their clothing of sackcloth challenges us to consider the posture of our own witness. Is our message accompanied by a spirit of humility, lament over sin, and a genuine call to repentance, both for ourselves and for the world around us? In a culture that often shies away from difficult truths, the witnesses' example calls us to courageously speak God's word, even if it means being unpopular or facing opposition. Finally, the precise duration of their ministry reminds us that God is sovereign over all time and events. This should cultivate a deep trust in His perfect timing and plan, encouraging us to persevere in our witness until He calls us home or returns.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine commissioning of the two witnesses encourage you in your own call to be a witness for Christ in the world today?**
* **What does the "sackcloth" attire of the witnesses teach us about the posture and message we should adopt when calling others to repentance?**
* **In what ways can we, like the two witnesses, rely on God's power rather than our own strength when facing opposition for our faith?**

### FAQ
**Who are the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11:3?**

Answer: The precise identity of the two witnesses has been a subject of much theological debate, and the text does not explicitly name them. There are several prominent interpretations:
1. **Literal Individuals:** Some believe they are two specific historical figures, most commonly Moses and Elijah, due to their miraculous powers (like turning water to blood, [Exodus 7:19](/exodus/7-19 "Exodus 7:19 - Moses Turns Water to Blood"), and calling down fire from heaven, [1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Elijah Calls Down Fire")). Others suggest Enoch and Elijah, as they are the only two biblical figures recorded as having been taken directly to heaven without experiencing death ([Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch Walked with God") and [2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah Taken by Whirlwind")), thus fulfilling the requirement to die later in [Revelation 11:7](/revelation/11-7 "Revelation 11:7 - The Beast Kills the Witnesses").
2. **Symbolic Representation:** Another view is that they symbolize the Church or Israel, or perhaps the faithful remnant of both, bearing witness to God during the tribulation. The "two" could signify the legal requirement for valid testimony ([Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Two or Three Witnesses")).
3. **Two Unknown Individuals:** A third perspective maintains that they are two literal, but as yet unknown, individuals whom God will raise up in the end times to fulfill this specific prophetic role.
Regardless of their exact identity, their function as powerful, divinely commissioned witnesses proclaiming God's truth and calling for repentance is clear.

**Why do they prophesy for "a thousand two hundred and threescore days"?**

Answer: The period of "a thousand two hundred and threescore days" (1,260 days) is a highly significant and recurring prophetic timeframe in both Daniel and Revelation. This duration is equivalent to 42 months (3.5 years) or "a time, times, and half a time" (one year + two years + half a year = 3.5 years). This period consistently marks a time of intense tribulation and persecution for God's people, or a specific duration of prophetic activity, within the broader eschatological narrative. For example, [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's Reign") speaks of the saints being given into the hand of the "little horn" for "a time, times, and the dividing of time." In Revelation, this period appears in various contexts: the trampling of the holy city for 42 months ([Revelation 11:2](/revelation/11-2 "Revelation 11:2 - The Holy City Trampled")), the woman fleeing into the wilderness for 1,260 days ([Revelation 12:6](/revelation/12-6 "Revelation 12:6 - The Woman in the Wilderness")), and the beast's authority to act for 42 months ([Revelation 13:5](/revelation/13-5 "Revelation 13:5 - The Beast's Authority")). The consistent use of this specific timeframe across these passages suggests a divinely appointed, limited period of intense prophetic activity and tribulation, underscoring God's sovereign control over the unfolding of end-time events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 11:3, while describing the ministry of two future witnesses, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Jesus is the quintessential and ultimate "faithful witness" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")), the one who perfectly bore testimony to God's truth, character, and redemptive plan. Like the two witnesses, He was divinely "given power" by the Father for His earthly ministry ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His entire life was a prophetic ministry, both forth-telling God's kingdom and foretelling future events, including His own death and resurrection. Just as the witnesses are clothed in sackcloth, symbolizing a call to repentance and lament over sin, Jesus came proclaiming "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry")). He also experienced profound suffering and rejection, ultimately culminating in His death, a path that the two witnesses also follow ([Revelation 11:7](/revelation/11-7 "Revelation 11:7 - The Beast Kills the Witnesses")). However, the most profound Christ-centered connection lies in their resurrection after three and a half days ([Revelation 11:11](/revelation/11-11 "Revelation 11:11 - The Witnesses Resurrected")), which powerfully foreshadows and participates in the triumph of Christ's own resurrection over death and sin. The power given to the witnesses is a manifestation of the same divine power that raised Christ from the dead and is now extended to His Church, enabling believers to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")). Thus, the ministry of the two witnesses is a powerful echo and continuation of Christ's own prophetic, suffering, and ultimately victorious witness.

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.

Revelation 11:2

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.

Deuteronomy 19:15

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Revelation 13:5

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months.

Isaiah 22:12

And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:

Acts 13:31

And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

Luke 24:48

And ye are witnesses of these things.