Revelation 11 1

Revelation 11:1 kjv

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

Revelation 11:1 nkjv

Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.

Revelation 11:1 niv

I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers.

Revelation 11:1 esv

Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, "Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there,

Revelation 11:1 nlt

Then I was given a measuring stick, and I was told, "Go and measure the Temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers.

Revelation 11 verses

Revelation 11 1 Meaning

Revelation 11:1 marks a crucial transition, depicting John being given a measuring rod and commanded to measure God's temple, the altar, and the worshippers within. This act symbolizes a divine survey and demarcation, likely signifying God's preservation, protection, and discernment of His true spiritual temple (the Church or His faithful people) and their genuine worship during a period of intense tribulation. It separates what is sacred and under divine care from what will be given over to external forces.

Revelation 11 1 Context

Revelation 11:1 is situated as an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets, similar to the sealing of the 144,000 between the sixth and seventh seals (Rev. 7). This pause allows for a renewed commissioning of John, following his prophetic mandate in Revelation 10 to "prophesy again." The imagery of measuring signifies a moment of divine discernment before the final judgments escalate. Historically, measurement was a well-understood practice for construction, assessing damage, or demarcating property. In a spiritual context, it highlights God's accurate knowledge and oversight of His covenant people. The contrast between what is measured and what is cast out (the outer court in v.2) underscores a vital distinction between genuine faith and nominal affiliation in the face of tribulation.

Revelation 11 1 Word analysis

• And there was given me: (καὶ ἐδόθη μοι – kai edothē moi) Passive voice, indicating a divine origin or agency. The instrument for measuring is divinely provided. John is commissioned for a specific task.
• a reed: (κάλαμος – kalamos) Refers to a plant stalk, often used for writing or, as here, for measuring. It suggests an ordinary, accessible tool given for a profound purpose.
• like unto a rod: (ὅμοιος ῥάβδῳ – homoios rhabdō) The reed functions with the authority of a rod (a scepter or staff). A "rod" also signifies a shepherd's staff for guidance and protection (Ps. 23:4) or a king's scepter symbolizing authority (Heb. 1:8). The combination implies authoritative, divinely directed measurement.
• and the angel stood, saying: The critical textual witness (e.g., א, A, C) omit "the angel stood," implying the instruction came directly from the "voice from heaven" that had spoken to John in Rev. 10:8. Regardless, the command is from a divine source.
• Rise: (ἔγειρε – egeire) An imperative verb, commanding John to get up and act decisively. It signals an urgent, direct divine mandate for his prophetic activity.
• and measure: (μέτρησον – metrēson) To measure, assess, or demarcate. In biblical prophecy, measurement often signifies:
  • Preservation/Protection: God marking what is His to protect it from impending judgment (Zech. 2:1-5).
  • Inclusion/Exclusion: Differentiating what belongs to God from what is to be given over (as seen in Rev. 11:2).
  • Divine Ordering/Restoration: Establishing precise divine boundaries and order (Ezek. 40-43, Rev. 21:15).
• the temple of God: (τὸν ναὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ – ton naon tou Theou) Naos refers specifically to the inner sanctuary, the Holy Place and Holy of Holies, the sacred dwelling place of God, as distinct from the broader temple precincts (hierón). In the New Testament, naos primarily refers to Christ (Jn. 2:21) and His Church, the assembly of believers (1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:21). This likely indicates the true, spiritual church—believers indwelled by God's Spirit—rather than a literal rebuilt physical structure in Jerusalem.
• and the altar: (καὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον – kai to thysiastērion) Likely refers to the golden altar of incense, located within the Holy Place (naos), symbolizing the prayers of the saints (Rev. 8:3-4). This ties the true worship to intercession and devotion.
• and them that worship therein: (καὶ τοὺς προσκυνοῦντας ἐν αὐτῷ – kai tous proskynountas en autō) This explicitly states that the "measurement" is not merely of inanimate objects but includes the people who truly worship. This emphasizes that God's primary concern is His covenant people, the spiritual Israel, who are genuinely devoted to Him, aligning with John 4:23-24 (worship in spirit and truth). This reinforces the symbolic interpretation of the temple, focusing on the people rather than just a building.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod": Signifies divine empowerment and authorization for John's task. The rod's authority elevates the simple reed into a tool for sacred purposes, representing God's active involvement.
• "Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein": This is a direct, imperative command from God to identify and assess His authentic presence and His true worshippers. The ordered list (temple, altar, worshippers) shows a progression from God's dwelling, to their worship, to the people themselves—indicating that the people are the ultimate focus of God's attention and protection. It's an internal survey of divine possession and genuine allegiance.

Revelation 11 1 Bonus section

The vision of measuring connects directly to prophetic blueprints found in Ezekiel and Zechariah, where measurement signifies divine intent, either for reconstruction/restoration or demarcation for judgment/preservation. In Revelation 11, the primary purpose seems to be distinguishing those under God's protection from those who are not, setting the stage for the prophetic ministry of the Two Witnesses and the subsequent suffering and vindication of the faithful during a crucial period before the ultimate return of Christ. This "measuring" serves as a comforting assurance that despite the coming turmoil, God knows and protects His own.

Revelation 11 1 Commentary

Revelation 11:1 provides a pivotal directive amidst the intensifying judgments of Revelation. John is commissioned with a divine measuring rod, not for architectural blueprints, but for a spiritual assessment. The object of this measurement – "the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein" – refers to the inner sanctuary (naos) and the people, the core of true worship. This excludes the outer court, signifying that not all who appear associated with God are truly His, and some are given over to external forces.

This act of measuring is predominantly interpreted as a symbol of divine preservation, protection, and discernment. God identifies and seals His faithful ones (His spiritual temple, the Church) amidst impending tribulation, ensuring their spiritual security and ultimate salvation, even if they suffer physically (similar to the sealing of the 144,000 in Rev. 7). It emphasizes God's meticulous care for those who genuinely belong to Him and who worship Him in spirit and truth, affirming His sovereignty over His redeemed community even as the world faces increasing chaos. The "temple" here is the spiritual body of Christ, not a literal building in Jerusalem, aligning with New Testament theology where believers are God's dwelling place. The focus is on the sanctity and protection of the genuine remnant during the end times.