Revelation 11:5

KJV

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if any man {G1536}{G846} will {G2309} hurt {G91} them {G846}, fire {G4442} proceedeth {G1607} out of {G1537} their {G846} mouth {G4750}, and {G2532} devoureth {G2719} their {G846} enemies {G2190}: and {G2532} if any man {G1536} will {G2309} hurt {G91} them {G846}, he must {G1163} in this manner {G3779} be killed {G615}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If anyone tries to do them harm, fire comes out of their mouth and consumes their enemies — yes, if anyone tries to harm them, that is how he must die.

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone who wants to harm them must be killed.

American Standard Version

And if any man desireth to hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth and devoureth their enemies; and if any man shall desire to hurt them, in this manner must he be killed.

Commentary

### 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](/revelation/11 "Revelation 11 - The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet"), specifically detailing the ministry of the two mysterious witnesses. Preceding this, [Revelation 10](/revelation/10 "Revelation 10 - The Angel and the Little Scroll") describes John's commission to prophesy again, setting the stage for the witnesses' role. [Revelation 11:1-2](/revelation/11-1-2 "Revelation 11:1-2 - Measuring the Temple") 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](/revelation/11-3-4 "Revelation 11:3-4 - The Two Witnesses Introduced") 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](/revelation/11-6 "Revelation 11:6 - Witnesses' Power to Bring Plagues")) until their testimony is complete and they are ultimately overcome and killed by the beast ([Revelation 11:7](/revelation/11-7 "Revelation 11:7 - The Beast Kills the Witnesses")).
* **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](/2_kings/1-10-12 "2 Kings 1:10-12 - Elijah Calls Down Fire")), and Moses, who wielded power over the elements to bring plagues upon Egypt ([Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7-12 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues of Egypt")), 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](/jeremiah/5-14 "Jeremiah 5:14 - God's Word as Fire"), 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](/revelation/1 "The Book of Revelation - The Revelation of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **will hurt (Greek, _thélō'_):** From G2309, 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.
* **proceedeth (Greek, _ekporeúomai'_):** From G1607, 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.
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** From G1163, 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.

* [2 Kings 1:10-12](/2_kings/1-10-12 "Elijah Calls Down Fire on King Ahaziah's Soldiers")
* [Numbers 16:35](/numbers/16-35 "Fire Consumes the 250 Men Offering Incense")
* [Jeremiah 5:14](/jeremiah/5-14 "God's Word as Fire in Jeremiah")

### 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
* **How does the divine protection afforded to the two witnesses encourage you in your own witness for Christ, especially when facing opposition?**
* **In what ways might "fire proceeding from the mouth" symbolize the power of God's word in our lives today, even if not literally?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the seriousness of opposing God's work and His appointed messengers?**

### FAQ

**Is the "fire" in Revelation 11:5 literal or symbolic?**

Answer: 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](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")). 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](/jeremiah/23-29 "Jeremiah 23:29 - Is Not My Word Like Fire?"). 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](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became 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](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing His Word and Believing")). 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](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead")). 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](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Jesus Escapes the Crowd")). 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). 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](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Sword from Christ's Mouth")).

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

Jeremiah 5:14

Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.

2 Kings 1:10

And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I [be] a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

2 Kings 1:12

And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I [be] a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Hosea 6:5

Therefore have I hewed [them] by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments [are as] the light [that] goeth forth.

Numbers 16:28

And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for [I have] not [done them] of mine own mind.

Numbers 16:35

¶ And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.