What does Revelation 10:11 mean?

And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. Revelation 10:11

Explanation

Revelation 10:11 is part of the Apostle John’s visions wherein a mighty angel gives him a small scroll and instructs him to eat it, symbolizing the internalization and understanding of the message it contains. This verse has both a literal and symbolic character. Literally, the angel commands John to continue giving prophetic messages. Symbolically, it emphasizes the universality of the message he carries. It suggests that the prophecies are intended for a wide audience of “many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings,” indicating the global scope and significance of the prophetic revelation.

Historical Context

Revelation is commonly dated to the late first century, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. Christians faced persecution, and the book served as an encouragement to remain faithful in the midst of suffering. The prophetic call to John reflects the ongoing Christian mission to spread the Gospel, despite the circumstances. At the time, the Christian message was beginning to spread beyond the bounds of Judea and into the wider Roman Empire and beyond, encountering various cultures and languages.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives view this verse in varied lights. Preterists contend that Revelation and its prophecies relate to the early Christian period and the fall of Jerusalem, signifying historical events of that era. Futurists, on the other hand, believe this prophecy refers to events that will occur at the end of the world. Historicists take this as part of an ongoing fulfillment through church history, while Idealists view it as a symbolic representation of the church’s ongoing struggle between good and evil.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Revelation 10:11 calls believers to a mission of sharing their faith and the teachings of God with a diverse audience. This extends beyond cultural and language barriers, emphasizing inclusivity in the act of witnessing. The verse can inspire Christians to engage in evangelism, mission work, and the pursuit of justice for all nations, as it frames prophecy and the Word of God as being for all of humanity.

Cross-References

• Matthew 28:19 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
• Revelation 14:6 – “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,”
• Revelation 5:9 – “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”

Language Study

The phrase “prophesy again” (Greek: “προφητεύσεις πάλιν”) signifies a renewed or continued act of prophesying. “Before many peoples, and nations, and tongues” highlights the rich diversity of the audiences, using the Greek words “λαοῖς” (peoples), “ἔθνεσιν” (nations), “γλώσσαις” (tongues/languages), and “βασιλεῦσιν” (kings).

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The command to prophesy to diverse peoples parallels the universal outreach found in other religious traditions where a divine message or truth is imparted to various cultural groups. For example, in Islam, the Quran is said to be a guide for all of humanity. In the Ancient Near East, royal inscriptions and decrees were often made with an awareness of diverse subjects, although not always with the spiritual, inclusive purpose shown in Revelation.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly interact with scientific understandings as it pertains to faith and spiritual teachings rather than empirical evidence. However, the universal scope implied by the verse resonates with the modern appreciation of cultural diversity and globalization. Moreover, understanding ancient texts can be enriched by disciplines such as linguistics and anthropology.

Commentaries

Commentaries often approach Revelation 10:11 with the understanding that John’s prophetic mission symbolizes the church’s call to prophetic witness. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, for example, emphasizes the duty of the church to share God’s truths with all people. The Pulpit Commentary reflects on the sweetness and bitterness of the little book, representing the joys and tribulations of preaching the Gospel. Many see this verse as an encouragement for perseverance in spreading the Christian faith regardless of the scale of opposition or persecution.