What does Revelation 11:11 mean?

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And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. Revelation 11:11

Explanation

Revelation 11:11 describes a moment of miraculous revival in the narrative of the two witnesses. According to the preceding verses, these two prophets had been slain by the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit and their bodies lay exposed in the streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days. While their death is a cause for celebration among their detractors, this verse signals a dramatic turn of events. The “Spirit of life from God” enters into their lifeless bodies, reviving them and causing them to stand on their feet. This resurrection instills a deep sense of fear among those who witness it, likely because it confirms the divine authority and validation of the witnesses’ message.

Historical Context

Revelation, traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, was written toward the end of the first century AD. It is a book rich with apocalyptic imagery and was intended to deliver a message of hope to the early Christian communities suffering persecution under Roman rule. The vivid imagery and prophecies in this section of Revelation echo the trials and ultimate triumph of God’s faithful.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Revelation 11:11 is rife with implications. For premillennialist interpreters, the resurrection of the witnesses is a literal event that will take place during the end times. Amillennialists and postmillennialists generally interpret such passages more symbolically, seeing it as a representation of the church’s victories over persecution and death. The concept of God’s power to give life also echoes the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is central to Christian faith, suggesting that God’s redemptive power is not confined to Jesus but extends to His faithful servants as well.

Practical Applications

On a practical level, this verse can inspire believers in the power of hope and perseverance. It emphasizes that, regardless of how hopeless a situation may appear, the ultimate victory belongs to God. It serves as a reminder to stand firm in one’s faith even in the face of persecution and adversity, trusting in God’s promise of restoration and life.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 37:5-6 – This passage describes the dry bones receiving life, symbolizing the revivification of Israel.
Daniel 12:2 – Refers to the resurrection of the dead at the end of days.
John 11:25 – Jesus speaks of being the resurrection and the life.
Acts 2:24 – Describes God raising Jesus, liberating him from the agony of death.

Language Study

The phrase “Spirit of life from God” is significant in the original Greek. The word for “Spirit” (πνεῦμα, pneuma) can refer to breath, wind, spirit, or the Holy Spirit, signifying divine intervention or presence. “Life” (ζωή, zōē) in the context of the Greek New Testament often connotes eternal life or life that comes from God. This indicates a direct act of God imparting life to that which was once dead.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In cultural and religious comparisons, the concept of revivification is common in various mythologies. For example, in ancient Egyptian mythology, the god Osiris is resurrected after being killed by Set. In various indigenous or animistic traditions, spirits or deities are sometimes believed to grant life to the dead. The difference in the biblical narrative is that such power is attributed solely to the one true God and is tied to an overarching narrative of divine justice and redemption.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, physical resurrection from death after three and a half days is not deemed possible due to irreversible cellular and brain damage. Such narratives are, therefore, typically understood metaphorically or as supernatural claims outside the scope of scientific inquiry, reflecting religious beliefs rather than empirical phenomena.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various perspectives on Revelation 11:11. Some scholars suggest that the two witnesses represent the Old and New Testaments, the Law and the Prophets, or a literal return of historical prophets such as Moses and Elijah. Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the miraculous nature of this event, highlighting God’s power to confound and instill fear in the wicked. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary relates this passage to covenant faithfulness, suggesting it’s an assurance that God will not forsake His people even in death. Many modern scholars tend to emphasize the symbolic significance of the verse within the larger apocalyptic narrative, pointing to its function as a message of hope and divine vindication.