11:3 11:3

Revelation 11:4

11:5 11:5

Bible Versions

These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
These {G3778} are {G1526} the two {G1417} olive {G1636} trees, and {G2532} the two {G1417} candlesticks {G3087} standing {G2476} before {G1799} the God {G2316} of the earth {G1093}.
These are the two olive trees and the two menorahs standing before the Lord of the earth.
These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.
These are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks, standing before the Lord of the earth.

Revelation 11:4 offers a deeply symbolic description of the two witnesses introduced in the preceding verse. These mysterious figures play a crucial role in God's prophetic timeline, delivering a powerful message during a period of intense tribulation.

Context

This verse is found within Revelation chapter 11, which details the measurement of the temple, the ministry of the two witnesses, their death, resurrection, and ascension, and the sounding of the seventh trumpet. Specifically, verse 4 identifies the symbolic nature of these two witnesses, drawing heavily on Old Testament imagery. They are empowered by God to prophesy for a specific period of 1,260 days, or three and a half years, during which they will perform mighty signs and judgments.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment: The imagery of "two olive trees" and "two candlesticks" (or lampstands) signifies a direct, continuous supply of divine power and anointing for their mission. They are not acting on their own authority but are sustained by God's Spirit.
  • Prophetic Witness: As "candlesticks," they are bearers of light and truth, illuminating God's message in a dark world. Their role is to testify to God's righteousness and coming judgment, calling humanity to repentance.
  • God's Sovereignty: Standing "before the God of the earth" emphasizes their direct commission and accountability to the Almighty, who holds ultimate authority over all creation and orchestrates events according to His divine plan.

Linguistic Insights

The profound symbolism of the "two olive trees" and "two candlesticks" is directly borrowed from the prophet Zechariah 4. In Zechariah's vision, the two olive trees supply oil directly to the lampstand, representing "the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth" (Zechariah 4:14). This imagery conveys a constant, supernatural flow of the Holy Spirit (oil) empowering God's chosen servants (the olive trees) to bear witness (the candlesticks) to His truth. The term "candlesticks" here refers to lampstands, which hold lamps to give light, symbolizing their role as purveyors of divine revelation.

Practical Application

While the exact identity of the two witnesses remains a subject of theological discussion, the principles conveyed by this verse are timeless. It reminds believers of the importance of being faithful witnesses for Christ in a world that often rejects divine truth. Just as these witnesses are divinely empowered, so too are believers equipped by the Holy Spirit to shine God's light and share His message. The verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to having a testimony on earth, even in the darkest of times, and His provision for those He calls to serve Him.

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.

  • Zechariah 4:11

    ¶ Then answered I, and said unto him, What [are] these two olive trees upon the right [side] of the candlestick and upon the left [side] thereof?

  • Zechariah 4:14

    Then said he, These [are] the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.

  • Zechariah 4:2

    And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all [of] gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which [are] upon the top thereof:

  • Zechariah 4:3

    And two olive trees by it, one upon the right [side] of the bowl, and the other upon the left [side] thereof.

  • Jeremiah 11:16

    The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, [and] of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.

  • Psalms 52:8

    But I [am] like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

  • Isaiah 54:5

    For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
 Back

Search Scripture