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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 11:3–13. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
In this time of treading down, God has reserved to himself his faithful witnesses, who will not fail to attest the truth of his word and worship, and the excellency of his ways. Here observe,
I.The number of these witnesses: it is but a small number and yet it is sufficient.
1.It is but small. Many will own and acknowledge Christ in times of prosperity who will desert and deny him in times of persecution; one witness, when the cause is upon trial, is worth many at other times.
2.It is a sufficient number; for in the mouth of two witnesses every cause shall be established. Christ sent out his disciples two by two, to preach the gospel. Some think these two witnesses are Enoch and Elias, who are to return to the earth for a time: others, the church of the believing Jews and that of the Gentiles: it should rather seem that they are God's eminent faithful ministers, who shall not only continue to profess the Christian religion, but to preach it, in the worst of times.
II.The time of their prophesying, or bearing their testimony for Christ.
A thousand two hundred and threescore days; that is (as many think), to the period of the reign of antichrist; and, if the beginning of that interval could be ascertained, this number of prophetic days, taking a day for a year, would give us a prospect when the end shall be.
III.Their habit, and posture:
they prophesy in sackcloth, as those that are deeply affected with the low and distressed state of the churches and interest of Christ in the world.
IV.How they were supported and supplied during the discharge of their great and hard work:
they stood before the God of the whole earth, and he gave them power to prophesy. He made them to be like Zerubbabel and Joshua, the two olive-trees and candlestick in the vision of Zechariah, Zac 4:2, etc. God gave them the oil of holy zeal, and courage, and strength, and comfort; he made them olive-trees, and their lamps of profession were kept burning by the oil of inward gracious principles, which they received from God. They had oil not only in their lamps, but in their vessels - habits of spiritual life, light, and zeal.
V.Their security and defence during the time of their prophesying:
If any attempted to hurt them, fire proceeded out of their mouths, and devoured them, Rev 11:5. Some think this alludes to Elias's calling for the fire from heaven, to consume the captains and their companies that came to seize him, Kg2 1:12. God promised the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 5:14), Behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people shall be wood, and it shall devour them. By their praying and preaching, and courage in suffering, they shall gall and wound the very hearts and consciences of many of their persecutors, who shall go away self-condemned, and be even terrors to themselves; like Pashur, at the words of the prophet Jeremiah, Jer 20:4. They shall have that free access to God, and that interest in him, that, at their prayers, God will inflict plagues and judgments upon their enemies, as he did on Pharaoh, turning their rivers into blood, and restraining the dews of heaven, shutting heaven up, that no rain shall fall for many days, as he did at the prayers of Elias, Kg1 17:1. God has ordained his arrows for the persecutors, and is often plaguing them while they are persecuting his people; they find it hard work to kick against the pricks.
VI.The slaying of the witnesses.
To make their testimony more strong, they must seal it with their blood. Here observe,
1.The time when they should be killed: When they have finished their testimony. They are immortal, they are invulnerable, till their work be done. Some think it ought to be rendered, when they were about to finish their testimony. When they had prophesied in sackcloth the greatest part of the 1260 years, then they should feel the last effect of antichristian malice.
2.The enemy that should overcome and slay them - the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit. Antichrist, the great instrument of the devil, should make war against them, not only with the arms of subtle and sophistical learning, but chiefly with open force and violence; and God would permit his enemies to prevail against his witnesses for a time.
3.The barbarous usage of these slain witnesses; the malice of their enemies was not satiated with their blood and death, but pursued even their dead bodies.
(1.)They would not allow them a quiet grave; their bodies were cast out in the open street, the high street of Babylon, or in the high road leading to the city. This city is spiritually called Sodom for monstrous wickedness, and Egypt for idolatry and tyranny; and here Christ in his mystical body has suffered more than in any place in the world.
(2.)Their dead bodies were insulted by the inhabitants of the earth, and their death was a matter of mirth and joy to the antichristian world, Rev 11:10. They were glad to be rid of these witnesses, who by their doctrine and example had teased, terrified, and tormented the consciences of their enemies; these spiritual weapons cut wicked men to the heart, and fill them with the greatest rage and malice against the faithful.
VII.The resurrection of these witnesses, and the consequences thereof. Observe,
1.The time of their rising again; after they had lain dead three days and a half (Rev 11:11), a short time in comparison of that in which they had prophesied. Here may be a reference to the resurrection of Christ, who is the resurrection and the life. Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Or there may be a reference to the resurrection of Lazarus on the fourth day, when they thought it impossible. God's witnesses may be slain, but they shall rise again: not in their persons, till the general resurrection, but in their successors. God will revive his work, when it seems to be dead in the world.
2.The power by which they were raised: The spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet. God put not only life, but courage into them. God can make the dry bones to life; it is the Spirit of life from God that quickens dead souls, and shall quicken the dead bodies of his people, and his dying interest in the world.
3.The effect of their resurrection upon their enemies: Great fear fell upon them. The reviving of God's work and witnesses will strike terror into the souls of his enemies. Where there is guilt, there is fear; and a persecuting spirit, though cruel, is not a courageous, but a cowardly spirit. Herod feared John the Baptist.
VIII.The ascension of the witnesses into heaven and the consequences thereof, Rev 11:12, Rev 11:13. Observe,
1.Their ascension. By heaven we may understand either some more eminent station in the church, the kingdom of grace in this world, or a high place in the kingdom of glory above. The former seems to be the meaning: They ascended to heaven in a cloud (in a figurative, not in a literal sense) and their enemies saw them. It will be no small part of the punishment of persecutors, both in this world and at the great day, that they shall see the faithful servants of God greatly honoured and advanced. To this honour they did not attempt to ascend, till God called them, and said, Come up hither. The Lord's witnesses must wait for their advancement, both in the church and in heaven, till God calls them; they must not be weary of suffering and service, nor too hastily grasp at the reward; but stay till their Master calls them, and then they may gladly ascend to him.
2.The consequences of their ascension - a mighty shock and convulsion in the antichristian empire and the fall of a tenth part of the city. Some refer this to the beginning of the reformation from popery, when many princes and states fell off from their subjection to Rome. This great work met with great opposition; all the western world felt a great concussion, and the antichristian interest received a great blow, and lost a great deal of ground and interest,
(1.)By the sword of war, which was then drawn; and many of those who fought under the banner of antichrist were slain by it.
(2.)By the sword of the Spirit: The fear of God fell upon many. They were convinced of their errors, superstition, and idolatry; and by true repentance, and embracing the truth, they gave glory to the God of heaven. Thus, when God's work and witnesses revive, the devil's work and witnesses fall before him.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
6 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.
"If any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies." That fire proceedeth out of the mouth of those prophets against the adversaries, bespeaks the power of the world. For all afflictions, however many there are, shall be sent by their messengers in their word. Many think that there is Elisha, or Moses, with Elijah; but both of these died; while the death of Elijah is not heard of, with whom all our ancients have believed that it was Jeremiah. For even the very word spoken to him testifies to him, saying, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." But he was not a prophet unto the nations; and thus the truthful word of God makes it necessary, which it has promised to set forth, that he should be a prophet to the nations.
This means that should anyone wish to harm the church, as one condemned he is consumed by a fire, which harms in the very same manner as a sort of reciprocal judgment. That is, he receives justly that very thing which he desired to inflict unjustly. Or, in a good sense this means that through the prayers of the church’s mouth one is consumed spiritually by fire so that one might be changed for the better, since when one is turned away from error, error ceases and one is saved.
Should anyone harm the church or wish to harm her, through the prayers of her mouth he shall be consumed by a divine fire either in the present age for his correction or in the future age for his damnation.
And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth, etc. If anyone harms the Church, he is consumed by the fire of judgment, reciprocating the harm. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword (Matthew XXVI). Hence, the Chaldean flame, which was cast on the children of God, consumed the ministers of impiety themselves. Or spiritually, by the prayers of the Church's mouth, one is consumed by spiritual fire to be changed for the better. Coals of fire, he says, you will heap upon his head (Romans XII).
And if any man will hurt them, fire shall come out of their mouths, and shall devour their enemies. And if any man will hurt them, in this manner must he be slain. What is symbolized by fire but holy preaching kindled by the firebrands of the Holy Spirit? It is not surprising if preaching makes the wicked die, since the apostles says, We are the good odour of Christ unto God in them that perish, etc. [2 Cor. 2:15] Alternatively, fire coming out of the mouths of the witnesses kills their enemies because the Church strikes those who persevere in evil with the lightning of anathema. Alternatively again, we may understand by the whole a part which is burned so as to be changed for the better. So out of the Church comes a fire of brightness by which the wicked are changed for the better.
And he says that those who wish to wrong them are defended by fire going forth from their mouths, and they have the authority to shut the sky so that no rain falls during the days of their prophecy. This is among the most probable; for if one of them had such authority, Elijah the Tishbite, even before completing the ministry of Christ, how unlikely would it be for him to precede Christ?
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Summary
Revelation 11:5 powerfully describes the divine protection and formidable authority granted to the two witnesses during their prophetic ministry in the eschatological period. It reveals that any attempt to harm these divinely appointed messengers will result in immediate and fatal judgment, as a consuming fire, symbolic of divine wrath, proceeds from their mouths to devour their adversaries, ensuring their mission is completed according to God's sovereign will.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the highly symbolic and apocalyptic narrative of Revelation 11, specifically detailing the ministry of the two mysterious witnesses. Preceding this, Revelation 10 describes John's commission to prophesy again, setting the stage for the witnesses' role. Revelation 11:1-2 introduces the measuring of the temple and the trampling of the outer court by Gentiles, indicating a period of judgment and separation. Immediately before verse 5, Revelation 11:3-4 introduces the two witnesses themselves, empowered by God to prophesy for 1,260 days, described as "two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth." Verse 5 then elaborates on the extraordinary power and divine protection afforded to them, which is further illustrated by the subsequent verses detailing their ability to bring plagues upon the earth (Revelation 11:6) until their testimony is complete and they are ultimately overcome and killed by the beast (Revelation 11:7).
Historical & Cultural Context
The imagery in Revelation, including that of fire and divine judgment, draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions. Prophets like Elijah, who called down fire from heaven to consume his enemies (2 Kings 1:10-12), and Moses, who wielded power over the elements to bring plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 7-12), serve as archetypes for the authority and power granted to these witnesses. The concept of "fire proceeding from the mouth" can also be understood in light of the powerful, destructive nature of God's spoken word, as seen in Jeremiah 5:14, where God declares, "I will make my words in your mouth a fire." In the Greco-Roman world, the idea of divine agents possessing supernatural powers was not entirely alien, but the specific nature and source of this power, rooted in the God of Israel, would have set these witnesses apart. The context is one of intense spiritual warfare and divine intervention in human affairs, characteristic of apocalyptic literature.
Key Themes
This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of Divine Protection and Sovereignty, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to safeguard His chosen messengers and ensure the completion of His prophetic plan, regardless of human opposition. The "fire from their mouth" underscores the theme of Prophetic Authority and Judgment, indicating that the witnesses are not merely speaking human words but are conduits for God's powerful and decisive judgment against those who resist Him. This imagery also ties into the theme of Consequences of Rebellion, vividly illustrating the severe and immediate repercussions for those who dare to oppose God's work and His appointed servants. The ultimate triumph of God's purposes, even amidst tribulation, is a foundational theme throughout the Book of Revelation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse), i.e., choose or prefer; by implication, to wish, i.e., be inclined to." This word emphasizes the deliberate, volitional intent of anyone who desires or chooses to inflict harm upon the witnesses. It's not an accidental offense but a hostile act born of a specific will or inclination to oppose them.
Meaning "to depart, be discharged, proceed, project; come forth, out of." This verb signifies the origin and direction of the fire, indicating that it genuinely emanates "out of their mouth." It implies a spontaneous, powerful outflow, directly linked to the witnesses' prophetic declarations and divine empowerment, rather than an external source.
Meaning "it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding); behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be) need(-ful), ought, should." This term conveys a sense of divine necessity or obligation. The killing of those who attempt to harm the witnesses is not merely a consequence but a divinely ordained, unavoidable outcome, emphasizing God's sovereign decree and the certainty of judgment.
Verse Breakdown
"And if any man will hurt them"
This opening clause sets the condition for the ensuing divine response. It speaks to any individual who harbors the deliberate intention ("will hurt") to inflict harm upon the two witnesses. The phrase "any man" (G1536, eí tis) highlights the universality of this warning; no one is exempt from the consequences of opposing God's messengers.
"fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies"
This describes the immediate and supernatural consequence. The "fire" (G4442, pŷr) is a powerful symbol of divine judgment and consuming wrath, not necessarily literal flames but a manifestation of God's destructive power. Its origin "out of their mouth" (G1537, ek G4750, stóma) links this destructive power directly to their prophetic declarations and the authority with which they speak God's word. This "fire" then "devoureth" (G2719, katesthíō, meaning to eat down or consume) those who are identified as "their enemies" (G2190, echthrós, an adversary, especially Satan, or one who is hostile), indicating complete and utter destruction.
"and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed"
This second clause reiterates the condition and explicitly states the finality of the judgment. The repetition of "if any man will hurt them" emphasizes the certainty of the consequence for any aggressor. The phrase "he must" (G1163, deî) conveys divine necessity—it is God's decree that this will happen. "In this manner" (G3779, hoútō) refers back to the preceding description of the fire and devouring, confirming that the method of death is directly tied to the supernatural judgment emanating from the witnesses. To be "killed" (G615, apokteínō, to kill outright, destroy) signifies the absolute and irreversible nature of this divine retribution.
Literary Devices
Revelation 11:5 employs several potent Literary Devices to convey its message. Symbolism is paramount, with "fire" representing divine judgment, purification, and the consuming power of God's presence and word, rather than literal flames. The "mouth" from which the fire proceeds symbolizes the source of prophetic utterance and divine authority, indicating that the judgment is enacted through the spoken word of the witnesses, empowered by God. The phrase "devoureth their enemies" uses Hyperbole to emphasize the totality and decisiveness of the destruction. The repeated phrase "And if any man will hurt them" functions as Parallelism, reinforcing the condition and underscoring the certainty of the consequence, creating a sense of inescapable divine retribution. This repetition also serves to highlight the Divine Retribution theme, where God's justice is swiftly and unequivocally meted out against those who oppose His chosen instruments.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 11:5 profoundly illustrates God's active protection of His servants and the severe consequences for those who oppose His divine will. It underscores the truth that God's messengers, especially during times of intense spiritual warfare, are not left defenceless but are endowed with supernatural power to fulfill their mission. This power is not their own, but a manifestation of God's sovereign authority and His commitment to ensure His prophetic word is delivered and His purposes are accomplished. The immediate and fatal judgment against their enemies serves as a stark warning against resisting God's work, emphasizing the gravity of the end-time events and the ultimate accountability before a holy God.
Reflection and Application
While Revelation 11:5 describes a specific, future event concerning the two witnesses, its underlying principles offer profound insights for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to protect those who faithfully proclaim His truth, even in the face of intense opposition and hostility. For contemporary Christians, this verse can instill a deep sense of comfort and courage, knowing that God is ultimately sovereign over all circumstances, and His purposes will prevail. We may not wield literal fire, but our words, when aligned with God's truth, carry spiritual authority and can have profound effects, both redemptive and, for those who reject them, condemnatory. It also serves as a solemn warning: resisting God's truth and His chosen instruments carries severe consequences. This passage calls us to consider the seriousness of our own response to God's word and His messengers, recognizing that to oppose them is to oppose God Himself. It encourages us to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's ultimate vindication and justice, knowing that our ultimate protection comes from Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is the "fire" in Revelation 11:5 literal or symbolic?
While the imagery is vivid, the "fire" in Revelation 11:5 is widely understood to be symbolic, representing the powerful, consuming, and destructive nature of divine judgment that accompanies the prophetic declarations of the two witnesses. In biblical literature, fire often symbolizes God's presence, purification, or wrath (e.g., Hebrews 12:29). The phrase "proceedeth out of their mouth" links this power directly to their spoken word, much like God's word is described as a "fire" in Jeremiah 23:29. It signifies that their words, empowered by God, carry immediate and fatal consequences for those who seek to harm them, demonstrating divine authority rather than a physical weapon.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 11:5, though describing the power of the two witnesses, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Christ. The authority and divine protection granted to the witnesses foreshadow the supreme authority of Jesus Christ, who is the very Word of God made flesh. While the witnesses wield destructive power against their enemies, Christ's primary mission was redemptive, though He too possesses ultimate power over all adversaries. His words, unlike any other, carry inherent divine power, not only to judge but also to give life and to forgive sins (John 5:24). The "fire" from the witnesses' mouths, representing judgment, points to Christ as the one who will ultimately judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1). Furthermore, the divine protection of the witnesses, ensuring their mission's completion, mirrors Christ's own invincibility until His appointed time for sacrifice (John 8:59). Ultimately, the triumph of the witnesses over their enemies, even after their temporary defeat, reflects Christ's definitive victory over sin, death, and Satan through His resurrection (Colossians 2:15). The power to "devour their enemies" is a temporal manifestation of the eternal victory that Christ secured, and which He will fully implement at His second coming, when He will strike down the nations with the "sword that comes out of his mouth" (Revelation 19:15).