What does Revelation 11:16 mean?

And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Revelation 11:16

Explanation

Revelation 11:16 describes a scene in the heavenly throne room where the “four and twenty elders,” who are seated before God, prostrate themselves and worship Him. The twenty-four elders are often interpreted as a representative group of redeemed humanity, potentially signifying the twelve patriarchs of Israel and the twelve apostles of the New Testament, thus encompassing both the Old and New Covenants. Their falling upon their faces is a sign of deep reverence and submission to the divine authority of God.

The act of worship here is significant as it comes in response to the great acts of God’s justice and redemption as described in Revelation. The verse comes after the seventh trumpet has been sounded, which heralds significant eschatological events, including God’s final victory over evil and the establishment of His kingdom on Earth.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is traditionally attributed to John of Patmos and was written in the late first century A.D. during a time of persecution for early Christians. The symbolism within Revelation often reflects the cultural and political realities of the time, particularly the Roman Empire’s influence. The imagery of the twenty-four elders may have parallels with various forms of ancient celestial or courtly assemblies.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer distinct interpretations of this verse:

• Preterist View: Argues that the events in Revelation primarily refer to the immediate historical context of John’s time and the impending destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

• Futurist View: Interprets this verse as a prophecy of events that will take place at the end of time, with the elders symbolizing the church’s triumphant worship in heaven following the final judgment.

• Idealist View: Sees Revelation’s imagery as symbolic representations of the timeless struggle between good and evil, with the elders representing the collective faithful who worship God throughout all ages.

• Historicist View: This perspective reads Revelation as a sweeping allegory of church history from the Apostolic Age to the end of time, with each event corresponding to a specific period.

Practical Applications

This verse teaches the significance of worship and humility before God, reminding believers that no matter their status, all are called to show reverence to the Divine. It encourages Christians to maintain a worshipful attitude and to acknowledge God’s sovereignty in all circumstances.

Cross-References

• Revelation 4:4: Describes the twenty-four elders sitting around the throne of God.
• Revelation 4:10-11: Details the elders casting their crowns before the throne in worship.
• Revelation 5:14: Again shows the elders falling down and worshipping Him who lives forever and ever.

Language Study

In this verse, the phrase “fell upon their faces” (Greek: “ἔπεσαν ἐπὶ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν”) implies an intentional and full prostration, which is a strong gesture of humility and awe. The word for worship (Greek: “προσκυνέω”) entails not just a physical act but also an attitude of deep respect and honor towards God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient Near East, prostration before a deity or monarch was a common practice, indicating subservience and veneration. The concept of a divine council or assembly of beings serving a supreme god is prevalent in various mythologies and can have parallels with the council of elders seen in Revelation.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific perspectives would not typically address the literal happening of such events, as they deal with supernatural occurrences beyond the purview of empirical science. However, scholars in fields like psychology and anthropology might explore the human inclination towards religious experiences and symbolic actions like worship and prostration.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Suggests that the elders falling before God represents the church paying divine honors to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and justice.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: Notes that the worship is specifically in response to the reign of the Lord becoming manifest.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Emphasizes the importance of this act of worship as a response to God’s salvific and judicial actions at the end of the age.