What does Revelation 11:3 mean?

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. Revelation 11:3

Explanation

Revelation 11:3 speaks of two witnesses who are given power by God to prophesy for a period of 1,260 days, which is equivalent to three and a half years (a “time, times, and half a time” in prophetic biblical terms, with a “time” being a year). These witnesses are described as being clothed in sackcloth, a traditional garment of mourning and penitence in the Bible, symbolizing their role in calling for repentance and conveying a message of judgment. In a deeper sense, the two witnesses represent voices of truth and righteousness in a time of widespread unbelief and opposition, given divine authority to speak against the prevailing spiritual corruption.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, attributed to the Apostle John, was written around 95 AD during a time of persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire. The imagery in Revelation is apocalyptic, meaning it uses symbolic language and visions to convey messages about the end times and the ultimate victory of good over evil. The concept of two witnesses comes from a tradition of Jewish law where the testimony of two witnesses was required for a legal matter to be established.

Theological Insights

The identity of the two witnesses has been the subject of much theological debate. Some interpretations consider them to be literal individuals—possibly historical figures like Moses and Elijah, who represent the Law and the Prophets. Other interpretations view the witnesses symbolically, such as representing the Christian church or the Old and New Testaments. From a preterist view, which sees Revelation as describing events in the ancient world, the witnesses might symbolize the faithful Christians of the first century. In contrast, a futurist view, which sees Revelation as predicting events still to come, might see the two witnesses as prophets who will appear in the end times.

Practical Applications

The role of the two witnesses serves as a challenge to believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution or societal opposition. The attire of sackcloth underlines the call to humility and repentance. Christians can find inspiration in the witness of these figures to speak God’s truth boldly, with the understanding that divine authority backs them, and that their actions should be grounded in a spirit of penitence and sincerity.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:14 (KJV): “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
• Zechariah 4:11-14 (KJV): Refers to two olive trees and two lampstands that might be parallel to the two witnesses of Revelation.
• Deuteronomy 17:6 (KJV): “At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, “witnesses” is translated from the word “μάρτυσιν” (martysin), which can mean witnesses in a legal sense or martyrs in the context of dying for one’s faith. “Prophesy” comes from “προφητεύσουσιν” (prophēteusousin), indicating the delivery of a divine message. “Sackcloth” is translated from “σάκκον” (sakkon), a coarse material typically made from black goat’s hair, and it is often associated with mourning and repentance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Clothing of mourning, such as sackcloth, is not exclusive to the Jewish or Christian traditions; similar expressions of grief and penitence can be found in other cultures. The concept of divine witnesses is also seen in other religions; for example, in Islam, there is a belief in two angels who record a person’s good and bad deeds.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse, like much of Revelation, uses symbolic language and is not aimed at conveying scientific information. However, modern readers often seek to understand the ways in which the ancient apocalyptic imagery can coexist with contemporary scientific knowledge, particularly in the context of eschatology and the idea of witnessing events that affect the entire world.

Commentaries

Different biblical scholars and theologians offer varying perspectives on Revelation 11:3. Some argue for a literal interpretation that predicts future events as part of a divine plan. Others suggest a more symbolic or allegorical reading, understanding the two witnesses as embodiments of the Christian testimony throughout history. Dispensationalist commentators often see the two witnesses’ 1,260 days of prophecy as a literal half of the seven-year tribulation period, whereas historicists might view it as symbolic of a more extended period of church history.