What does Revelation 11:6 mean?

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. Revelation 11:6

Explanation

Revelation 11:6 discusses the powers granted to two prophets, often referred to as the Two Witnesses, during the events foretold in the Book of Revelation. This verse figuratively describes their divine authority to control the natural elements as a means to validate their prophecy and mission. To “shut heaven” and prevent rain is to show dominance over the weather, reminiscent of the prophet Elijah’s actions (1 Kings 17). The authority to turn waters into blood echoes the plague in Egypt (Exodus 7), and the power to “smite the earth with all plagues” mirrors the actions of Moses. The statement “as often as they will” implies a discretionary ability to use these powers, suggesting that their judgment aligns with divine will.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is believed to have been written by John of Patmos near the end of the first century AD. It was a time of persecution for early Christians under the Roman Empire. The book is apocalyptic literature, filled with symbolic imagery and prophecies concerning the end times and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The Two Witnesses are part of John’s vision, wherein they prophesy and perform miracles before eventually being martyred and resurrected.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer various insights into the role and identity of the Two Witnesses. The Preterist view often interprets the events in Revelation as fulfilled in the past, possibly seeing the witnesses as symbolic of the Christian Church or specific historical figures. Futurists may consider this verse a literal prophecy predicting future events. Historicists might see these witnesses as representing larger movements or periods in church history. Lastly, the idealist or symbolic view could read the Two Witnesses as emblems of the prophetic witness of the Church throughout the ages.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the divine backing that believers have when they are on a mission for God. While modern Christians do not typically claim the ability to control nature, the passage can be understood metaphorically to inspire steadfastness, courage in the face of adversity, and the responsibility to speak truth to power, knowing that ultimately, justice will prevail.

Cross-References

• James 5:17: “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.”
• Exodus 7:20: “And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.”
• Revelation 11:3-5: “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.”

Language Study

• “Shut heaven”: In Greek, the word used is “kleisō” (κλείσω), meaning “to close” or “to shut up.” This signifies the control over the heavens to withhold rain.
• “Rain not”: The term here is a negation of “brechō” (βρέχω), which means “to rain.”
• “Waters”: “Hydata” (ὕδατα) in Greek, often symbolizing the life-giving aspect of water but also the idea of turning something essential to life into a symbol of death when turned into blood.
• “Plagues”: The Greek “pataxai” (πατάξαι) refers more broadly to “strike” or “smite,” often used in the context of divine intervention or judgment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The imagery of prophets wielding control over nature and plagues draws parallels with ancient texts beyond the Bible. Similar themes occur in Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Greek mythology. In many religious traditions, deities and prophets have the capability to influence natural elements, underscoring the universal archetype of the powerful intermediary between the divine and the human world.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific viewpoint, the control of weather and the conversion of water to blood are not considered plausible as literal events. However, they can be understood metaphorically, or as representations of natural disasters that are woven into the narrative to indicate divine intervention. Cases of water bodies turning red can occur due to algal blooms, and extended periods of drought are natural phenomena that have been historically significant in shaping civilizations.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Revelation 11:6 offer a multitude of interpretations. Some suggest the literal powers of the Two Witnesses during the End Times, while others see them as symbolic representatives of the Church’s power to bring about spiritual transformation and divine judgment through the Gospel. Still, others view the verse in a historical context, possibly as a coded message to early Christians undergoing persecution. Modern interpreters often emphasize the visionary and metaphorical language, considering how such imagery was understood in its original context to convey a sense of hope and vindication for believers.