What does Revelation 11:8 mean?
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Revelation 11:8
Explanation
Revelation 11:8 contains a vision depicting the fate of two witnesses who prophesy and are subsequently killed. The “great city” where their bodies lie is described spiritually as “Sodom and Egypt,” and it is also the place where the Lord was crucified. Literally, this can be understood to mean that a city akin to Sodom in its wickedness and Egypt in its oppression is where these events take place. Spiritually, the city symbolically represents humanity’s spiritual decadence and rebellion against God. The reference to the crucifixion of the Lord identifies the city with Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified. However, by calling it “Sodom and Egypt,” the text emphasizes its moral state rather than its geographic identity.
Historical Context
The Book of Revelation was written toward the end of the first century A.D., likely during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. As part of apocalyptic literature, it contains visions of the end times given to John of Patmos. The historical context centers around the early Christian community, which was experiencing persecution and suffering under the Roman Empire. The imagery used intertwines historical places known for their sinfulness and oppression—Sodom (associated with sexual immorality and pride) and Egypt (associated with the enslavement of God’s people)—with the contemporary experiences of the audience.
Theological Insights
Theologically, this verse reflects God’s ability to use even the most deplorable conditions to achieve His purposes. From a premillennialist perspective, it could be seen as a literal prophecy of future events. A symbolic interpretation, held by amillennialists, views such descriptions as allegorical, representing the ongoing struggle between good and evil. The designation of Jerusalem as spiritually akin to Sodom and Egypt can also be seen as an indictment of its failure to live up to its calling as a holy city.
Practical Applications
In a practical sense, this verse highlights the reality of opposition and persecution in the life of faith. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast and faithful even when facing societal decay and moral corruption. The idea that the place where the Lord was crucified can also be called “Sodom and Egypt” reminds Christians of the power of redemption and transformation—no person or city is beyond God’s reach.
Cross-References
- Revelation 11:3-7 describes the mission and testimony of the two witnesses, providing context for their death.
- Genesis 19:1-29 details the story of Sodom, offering insight into why it symbolizes depravity.
- Exodus 1:8-14 describes the Israelites’ bondage in Egypt, helping to understand the symbolism of oppression.
- Luke 13:33 suggests that Jerusalem is the city where prophets are often killed.
Language Study
Key words in the original Greek text include:
- “Great city” (πόλις μεγάλη, polis megalē) – A term often denoting a significant urban center, which in this context carries an added spiritual dimension.
- “Spiritually” (πνευματικῶς, pneumatikōs) – Indicative of a figurative rather than a literal understanding.
- “Sodom” (Σόδομα, Sodoma) – Referring to the city in the Old Testament known for its grievous sin.
- “Egypt” (Αἴγυπτος, Aigyptos) – Symbolizing the place of Israel’s slavery and suffering.
- “Crucified” (σταυροῦ, staurou) – The past passive participle of “to crucify,” connecting the location to the death of Jesus.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In ancient near-eastern cultures, cities like Sodom and Egypt held particular connotations. Sodom was infamous even beyond the Hebrew Bible for its immorality. Egypt, in many ancient records, was a symbol of both cultural marvel and oppressive regimes. The juxtaposition of such places with Jerusalem in Revelation can be seen as a profound critique, comparable to other ancient myths where cities fell due to their moral failures, such as the fall of Troy in Greek myth.
Scientific Perspectives
From a scientific perspective, Revelation 11:8 is challenging to address directly as apocalyptic literature relies heavily on symbolism and imagery rather than empirical descriptions. However, discussions around the historical geography of the mentioned cities, the impact of societal collapse on civilizations, and the psychological effects of persecution could be relevant to understand the context better.
Commentaries
Scholars and theologians propose a variety of interpretations for Revelation 11:8. Some commentators argue that the two witnesses symbolize the Old and New Testaments or the Law and the Prophets, indicating that God’s message will be temporarily silenced but not destroyed. Others suggest they represent the church’s faithful witness through persecution. Still, others see the verse as explicitly referring to future eschatological events. Many agree that the “great city” is a representation of human society in rebellion against God, with Jerusalem bearing the weight of historical, prophetic rejection and divine judgment.
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