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.

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}.

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

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

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

Revelation 11:3 introduces two enigmatic figures central to the prophetic narrative of the end times, often referred to as the "two witnesses." This verse sets the stage for their powerful, yet somber, ministry during a specific period of tribulation.

Context

This verse is situated within a highly symbolic and apocalyptic section of the Book of Revelation, following the vision of the angel with the little book (Revelation 10) and preceding the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15). The narrative shifts focus from global judgments to God's specific plan for witnessing during a period of intense divine judgment and human rebellion. The identity of these two witnesses has been a subject of much theological discussion, with theories ranging from literal individuals (like Moses and Elijah) to symbolic representations of the Church or Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Commission and Power: God Himself "gives power" to these witnesses, underscoring that their authority and ability to prophesy come directly from Him. This highlights divine sovereignty even amidst chaotic events.
  • Prophetic Ministry: Their primary task is to "prophesy," meaning to speak forth God's truth and message. This includes both foretelling future events and forth-telling God's will, calling people to repentance.
  • Specific Timeframe: The duration of their ministry is precisely stated as "a thousand two hundred and threescore days" (1,260 days), which is equivalent to 42 months or three and a half years. This period is significant in biblical prophecy, appearing in other contexts related to the tribulation period (e.g., Daniel 7:25, Revelation 12:6, Revelation 13:5).
  • Humility and Repentance: Their clothing, "sackcloth," is highly symbolic. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sackcloth was worn as a sign of deep mourning, humility, repentance, or distress. It signifies the somber nature of their message—a call to repentance and a warning of impending judgment—and perhaps their own personal posture before God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "prophesy" is prophēteuō (προφητεύω), which means to speak under divine inspiration, to proclaim a divine message, or to interpret the divine will. It's not solely about foretelling the future but primarily about speaking God's word to His people. The term "sackcloth" (Greek: sakkos, σάκκος) refers to a coarse material, typically made from goat's hair, used for garments of mourning and penitence. Its use here emphasizes the gravity and urgency of the witnesses' message and the spiritual state of the world they address.

Significance and Application

Revelation 11:3 reassures believers that even in the darkest times, God will raise up faithful witnesses to proclaim His truth. Their ministry, though met with resistance and ultimately leading to their death (Revelation 11:7), demonstrates God's persistent desire for humanity to repent. For us today, the verse reminds us of the enduring power of God's word and the call to be His witnesses in a world that often rejects divine truth. It encourages steadfastness in proclaiming the Gospel, even when the message is difficult or unpopular, and highlights God's precise timing in all prophetic events.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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