Revelation 11 4

Revelation 11:4 kjv

These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

Revelation 11:4 nkjv

These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.

Revelation 11:4 niv

They are "the two olive trees" and the two lampstands, and "they stand before the Lord of the earth."

Revelation 11:4 esv

These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.

Revelation 11:4 nlt

These two prophets are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of all the earth.

Revelation 11 verses

Revelation 11 4 Meaning

Revelation 11:4 identifies the two powerful prophetic figures, referred to as "my two witnesses" in the preceding verse, using Old Testament symbolism. They are described as "the two olive trees and the two lampstands," symbolizing their divine anointing by the Holy Spirit (olive trees) and their role as God's chosen instruments to shine His light and truth as a witness to the world (lampstands). Their position, "standing before the Lord of the earth," underscores their direct divine appointment, constant readiness for service, and the supreme authority of the God they represent over all creation.

Revelation 11 4 Context

Revelation chapter 11 details the two witnesses, introducing their powerful prophetic ministry during a critical period of judgment, preceding the seventh trumpet. The immediate context of verse 4 is Revelation 11:3, where "my two witnesses" are given authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, clad in sackcloth, implying a message of repentance and judgment. This verse further clarifies their identity through established biblical symbolism. The broader context of Revelation portrays a cosmic conflict between God and opposing evil forces, particularly the Beast. These witnesses, symbolized as olive trees and lampstands, embody divine resistance against earthly rebellion, standing as a direct counter-testimony to the false spiritual authorities that emerge. Historically, John’s audience, living under Roman imperial cult pressure, would grasp the polemical implications: these witnesses serve the Lord of the earth, not Caesar, affirming God’s ultimate sovereignty.

Revelation 11 4 Word analysis

• These are: (Greek: Houtoi eisin) - A definitive declaration, directly linking the symbolic imagery to the specific "two witnesses" previously mentioned in verse 3. It serves as an identification.
• the two olive trees: (Greek: hai duo elaiai) -
  • Significance: Drawn directly from Zechariah 4:2-3, 11-14. In that context, two olive trees supply oil to the lampstand. Oil universally symbolizes the Holy Spirit and anointing in biblical literature (e.g., for prophets, priests, kings).
  • Meaning: These witnesses are not just recipients but sources/conduits of divine anointing, constantly nourished and empowered by the Spirit for their ministry.
• and the two lampstands: (Greek: kai hai duo luchniai) -
  • Significance: Also from Zechariah 4, where the lampstand represents light, divine presence, and witnessing. In Revelation 1:20, lampstands represent churches as light-bearers.
  • Meaning: The witnesses are instruments of God's light and truth, standing as testimonies in the darkness. Their role is to illuminate and declare God's message.
• standing: (Greek: hestōtes) -
  • Significance: A perfect active participle, denoting a permanent state or a continuous action of standing. It implies a firm, established, and appointed position.
  • Meaning: This signifies their continuous availability for service, unwavering stance, and active ministry in the divine presence. It’s not a casual posture but one of readiness and divine commission.
• before: (Greek: enopion) -
  • Significance: "In the sight of," "in the presence of," indicating direct access, audience, and accountability to God.
  • Meaning: Their authority and power are derived directly from their intimate relationship with and service to the ultimate divine authority. Their ministry is enacted under the very gaze and direction of the Lord.
• the Lord of the earth: (Greek: tou Kyriou tēs gēs) -
  • Significance: Parallels Zechariah 4:14, "Lord of the whole earth." This title emphasizes God's universal sovereignty, not limited to Israel, but extending over all nations and creation.
  • Meaning: This serves as a powerful declaration of God's supreme authority, challenging any earthly powers (like the Beast) that claim dominion. The witnesses stand accountable only to the true sovereign Lord of the entire earth, giving their ministry unquestionable divine legitimacy and power against earthly opposition.

Revelation 11 4 Bonus section

• The interpretation of the two witnesses' specific identities remains a subject of ongoing discussion among scholars. While some identify them as two historical figures returned (e.g., Moses and Elijah due to the powers they wield in subsequent verses), others view them as representing a collective body (e.g., the faithful Church or a specific prophetic remnant) or the Law and the Prophets in symbolic form. Regardless of their literal identity, the symbolic imagery of the olive trees and lampstands firmly grounds their authority, sustenance, and purpose in the divine Spirit and God's sovereign plan.
• The emphasis on "standing before the Lord" evokes the imagery of angels or trusted servants in heavenly courts (e.g., Gabriel in Lk 1:19, or Job's accuser standing before God) as well as faithful prophets of old who presented themselves as God's messengers (e.g., Elijah in 1 Kgs 17:1). This underscores their special, direct commission from the ultimate Authority, granting them a unique position and mandate.
• The continuous supply of oil from the olive trees to the lampstand in Zechariah 4, "by My Spirit," means these witnesses do not rely on human effort or ingenuity but are entirely sustained by the power of God's Spirit, making them invincible until their appointed time of martyrdom.

Revelation 11 4 Commentary

Revelation 11:4 profoundly explains the nature and authority of the two witnesses by drawing deeply from Zechariah 4. By identifying them as "the two olive trees," the text highlights their perpetual anointing and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. Just as olive trees provide the oil, these witnesses are divinely sustained conduits of God's power and nourishment for spiritual work. Simultaneously, as "the two lampstands," they serve as radiant beacons of truth, reflecting God's presence and illuminating the darkness during a time of intense tribulation. Their purpose is to proclaim God's message and bear witness to His light. The phrase "standing before the Lord of the earth" emphasizes their direct divine appointment, constant readiness for service, and their exclusive allegiance to God's universal dominion, a defiant assertion against any usurping earthly powers. This imagery confirms their supernatural enablement and divine commission, ensuring their message is delivered with unchallengeable authority rooted in the Almighty's sovereignty over all creation.