Revelation 11:6

KJV

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

KJV (with Strong's)

These {G3778} have {G2192} power {G1849} to shut {G2808} heaven {G3772}, that {G3363} it rain {G1026}{G5205} not {G3363} in {G1722} the days {G2250} of their {G846} prophecy {G4394}: and {G2532} have {G2192} power {G1849} over {G1909} waters {G5204} to turn {G4762} them {G846} to {G1519} blood {G129}, and {G2532} to smite {G3960} the earth {G1093} with all {G3956} plagues {G4127}, as often {G3740} as {G1437} they will {G2309}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They have the authority to shut up the sky, so that no rain falls during the period of their prophesying; also they have the authority to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.

Berean Standard Bible

These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish.

American Standard Version

These have the power to shut the heaven, that it rain not during the days of their prophecy: and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to smite the earth with every plague, as often as they shall desire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 11:6 describes the extraordinary, divinely delegated authority of the two witnesses, enabling them to execute powerful judgments reminiscent of Old Testament prophets. These include the ability to withhold rain from the heavens, transform water into blood, and inflict various plagues upon the earth with unwavering frequency. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His determined purpose to bring judgment upon a rebellious world during a critical period of prophetic fulfillment, validating the witnesses' message and calling humanity to repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 11:6 is situated within the broader narrative of the two witnesses, introduced in [Revelation 11:3](/revelation/11-3 "Revelation 11:3 - The Two Witnesses"). Immediately preceding this verse, the witnesses are described as God's "two olive trees" and "two candlesticks," standing before the God of the earth, empowered to prophesy for 1,260 days (or 42 months) while clothed in sackcloth. This period of their ministry coincides with the trampling of the holy city by the Gentiles ([Revelation 11:2](/revelation/11-2 "Revelation 11:2 - The Holy City Trampled")), setting the stage for a time of intense tribulation and divine confrontation. Verse 6 then elaborates on the specific, awe-inspiring powers granted to these witnesses, demonstrating the divine backing for their prophetic pronouncements and their role in God's end-time judgments. These powers are not merely for show but serve as a stark warning and a call to repentance for those who reject God's message.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery and powers described in Revelation 11:6 draw heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions, which would have been immediately recognizable to its original Jewish and early Christian audiences. The withholding of rain directly recalls the actions of Elijah, who famously prayed for a three-and-a-half-year drought during the reign of Ahab ([1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Prophesies Drought")). The turning of water to blood and the smiting of the earth with plagues are clear allusions to the plagues inflicted by Moses upon Egypt ([Exodus 7:19](/exodus/7-19 "Exodus 7:19 - The First Plague: Water to Blood")). In the Greco-Roman world, various deities were associated with control over natural elements and disease, but the biblical account consistently attributes such power to the one true God, Yahweh. The cultural context of divine judgment through natural phenomena and disease was well-established, making these signs potent demonstrations of God's authority and His active involvement in human history, particularly in times of widespread ungodliness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several major themes present in the book of Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that the powers exercised by the witnesses are not their own but are divinely bestowed, demonstrating God's ultimate control over creation, judgment, and the course of human events. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Continuity of God's Judgment and Warning**, echoing the methods and signs employed by God through His prophets in the Old Testament to confront sin and call for repentance. This connection underscores that God's character and methods remain consistent throughout history. Finally, the specific nature of the judgments points to the **Imminence and Severity of End-Time Judgment**, indicating that humanity is facing a period of intense divine wrath. These acts serve as a final, dramatic warning before the ultimate consummation of God's redemptive and judicial plans, urging a response of faith and obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Power (Greek, _exousía'_):** From G1849, this term signifies privilege, ability, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, often implying delegated influence or authority. Here, it underscores that the witnesses' formidable abilities are not inherent but are granted by God, emphasizing divine authorization rather than intrinsic might.
* **Rain (Greek, _bréchō'_):** From G1026, a primary verb meaning to moisten, especially by a shower. In this context, the power "to shut heaven, that it rain not" directly relates to the cessation of natural precipitation, a devastating judgment in an agrarian society, signifying divine control over life-sustaining elements.
* **Plagues (Greek, _plēgḗ'_):** From G4127, meaning a stroke, wound, or figuratively, a calamity. This word encompasses a wide range of afflictions and disasters, indicating that the witnesses have the authority to inflict comprehensive and varied forms of divine judgment upon the earth, mirroring the diverse plagues of Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy":** This clause establishes the first major power of the witnesses: the ability to control the weather, specifically to cause a drought. The phrase "in the days of their prophecy" explicitly links this judgment to the duration of their ministry, implying that the drought will persist for the entire 1,260 days (or 3.5 years) mentioned in [Revelation 11:3](/revelation/11-3 "Revelation 11:3 - The Two Witnesses"). This directly alludes to Elijah's power to stop rain, demonstrating God's sovereign control over the natural order and His use of His servants to execute judgment.
* **"and have power over waters to turn them to blood":** This second power directly parallels the first plague inflicted upon Egypt by Moses ([Exodus 7:19-21](/exodus/7-19-21 "Exodus 7:19-21 - The First Plague")). It signifies the ability to corrupt and render unusable a fundamental source of life, turning it into a symbol of death and judgment. This act would cause immense suffering and demonstrate the witnesses' divine authority over the very elements essential for human survival.
* **"and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will":** This final clause grants the witnesses comprehensive authority to inflict a wide array of judgments. "All plagues" suggests a full spectrum of divine chastisements, not limited to drought or bloodied water, but encompassing any form of calamity God deems fit. The phrase "as often as they will" emphasizes the discretionary and repeated nature of these judgments, highlighting the witnesses' active role in executing God's wrath and the relentless nature of the tribulation period for the unrepentant.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 11:6 is rich in **Allusion**, drawing direct parallels to the miraculous acts of Old Testament prophets. The power to "shut heaven, that it rain not" is a clear allusion to Elijah's drought ([1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah Prophesies Drought")), while the ability to "turn waters to blood" and "smite the earth with all plagues" alludes to Moses and the plagues upon Egypt ([Exodus 7:19](/exodus/7-19 "The First Plague: Water to Blood")). This **Typology** suggests that the two witnesses embody the spirit and power of these great prophets, signaling a climactic period of judgment akin to those in Israel's past. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** in the phrase "all plagues, as often as they will," emphasizing the comprehensive and unrestrained nature of their divinely granted power, conveying the absolute authority given to them. Furthermore, the description of these powers serves as **Symbolism** for God's ultimate sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to execute justice against rebellion, using His chosen instruments as visible manifestations of His wrath and a final call to repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The powers of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:6 serve as a stark reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to justice. These judgments are not arbitrary acts of vengeance but serve as divine warnings, designed to call a rebellious world to repentance before the final consummation of God's wrath. The echoes of Moses and Elijah underscore the continuity of God's methods of confronting sin and validating His prophetic word through powerful signs. The severity and comprehensive nature of the plagues highlight the gravity of humanity's rebellion and the terrifying consequences of rejecting divine authority, demonstrating that God will not be mocked and His purposes will ultimately prevail.

* [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "Elijah's Prophecy of Drought")
* [Exodus 7:19](/exodus/7-19 "The First Plague: Water to Blood")
* [James 5:17-18](/james/5-17-18 "Elijah's Prayer and the Rain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 11:6, while describing a future period of intense judgment, offers profound insights for believers today. It powerfully illustrates God's unyielding commitment to His prophetic word and His ultimate control over all creation. For those living in an age that often dismisses divine authority, this verse serves as a sober reminder that God is not passive; He actively intervenes in human history, and His warnings are to be taken with utmost seriousness. The delegated power of the witnesses also reminds us that God often works through His chosen servants, empowering them to deliver His message, even when it is unpopular or confronts prevailing societal norms. This should inspire us to live with a heightened sense of urgency, recognizing the gravity of sin and the necessity of repentance. It calls us to examine our own lives: are we heeding God's warnings? Are we living in a way that reflects His sovereignty and justice? Ultimately, this verse encourages a deeper trust in God's perfect plan, even amidst tribulation, knowing that His purposes will be fulfilled and His justice will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive nature of the witnesses' powers (over rain, water, and all plagues) deepen your understanding of God's absolute sovereignty?**
* **In what ways do the allusions to Moses and Elijah reinforce the continuity of God's character and methods of dealing with humanity throughout biblical history?**
* **Considering the severity of these judgments, what is the underlying message God is conveying to a rebellious world, and how should this impact our own sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**Who are the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11, and why are they given such extraordinary powers?**

Answer: The identity of the two witnesses is a subject of ongoing debate among scholars, with common interpretations suggesting they are literal individuals (perhaps Moses and Elijah, given their specific powers), symbolic representations of the Church's prophetic ministry, or two specific individuals raised up by God in the end times. Regardless of their exact identity, their extraordinary powers are explicitly stated as being "given" to them by God ([Revelation 11:3](/revelation/11-3 "Revelation 11:3 - The Two Witnesses")). These powers serve multiple critical purposes: to validate their prophetic message as divinely authorized, to confront the wickedness of the unrepentant world with undeniable signs, to call humanity to repentance, and to execute God's righteous judgments during the tribulation period. Their abilities are a visible demonstration of God's ultimate authority over creation and His determination to fulfill His prophetic word.

**What is the significance of the phrase "as often as they will" regarding the plagues?**

Answer: The phrase "as often as they will" (KJV) or "whenever they desire" (ESV) highlights the discretionary and repeated nature of the plagues the two witnesses can inflict. It signifies that their power is not a one-time event or limited to a fixed number of judgments, but rather a continuous and responsive authority. This emphasizes God's comprehensive control over the judgments and His willingness to use His witnesses to apply them with flexibility and persistence throughout their 1,260-day ministry. It underscores the relentless pressure of divine judgment upon an unrepentant world, indicating that the plagues will be a recurring and inescapable reality for those who reject God's call. This also implies a direct link between the witnesses' will (guided by God's will) and the execution of judgment, making them active agents in God's end-time plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 11:6 describes the delegated power of the two witnesses, it ultimately points to the supreme and inherent authority of Jesus Christ. The witnesses' ability to control rain, turn water to blood, and unleash plagues echoes the divine judgments of the Old Testament, but these are but a faint reflection of Christ's ultimate dominion. Jesus, as the incarnate God, demonstrated absolute authority over creation during His earthly ministry, calming storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), turning water into wine ([John 2:7-9](/john/2-7-9 "John 2:7-9 - Water into Wine")), and healing all manner of diseases ([Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Heals All Diseases")). More profoundly, the judgments executed by the witnesses foreshadow the ultimate judgment that will be carried out by Christ Himself upon His return. He is the one who holds "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and He is the Lamb who opens the seals and bowls of wrath ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lamb Who Opens the Seals"), [Revelation 16:1](/revelation/16-1 "Revelation 16:1 - The Seven Bowls of Wrath")). The temporary, divinely granted powers of the witnesses serve to prepare the world for the final, decisive reign of Christ, who will ultimately bring an end to all rebellion and establish His righteous kingdom, fulfilling all prophecy in His person and work ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

Luke 4:25

But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;

1 Kings 17:1

¶ And Elijah the Tishbite, [who was] of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, [As] the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

Exodus 7:17

Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that [is] in mine hand upon the waters which [are] in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

Exodus 7:25

And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.

Psalms 105:26

He sent Moses his servant; [and] Aaron whom he had chosen.

Psalms 105:36

He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.

James 5:16

Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.