New Testament

Revelation 11:1

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 11:1, the author describes a vision where he is given a measuring reed, similar to a rod, to measure God's temple and the altar.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

I was given a reed that could be used like a measuring rod, and someone said, "Get up and measure God's temple, the altar, and count the people who worship there.

KJVKing James Version

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 11:1, the author describes a vision where he is given a measuring reed, similar to a rod, to measure God's temple and the altar. This act symbolizes the importance of God's presence and the worshippers within the temple. The measuring signifies God's authority and the protection of His people. The angel's command to rise and measure indicates a divine instruction to assess the spiritual state of the temple and its worshippers. This passage highlights the significance of worship and the sacredness of the temple, emphasizing that God is aware of those who truly worship Him. The act of measuring can also imply a separation between those who are faithful and those who are not, reinforcing the idea of divine judgment and the preservation of the faithful amidst trials.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 11:1 to your life

This verse encourages believers to reflect on their worship and relationship with God. It reminds us that God values our devotion and that we should actively participate in worship. Measuring our spiritual lives can help us identify areas for growth and strengthen our faith.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 11:1 mean?

Revelation 11:1 describes a vision where the author is instructed to measure God's temple and the altar, symbolizing God's authority and the significance of worship. This act highlights the importance of recognizing true worshippers and God's protection over them.

What is the significance of measuring in Revelation 11:1?

Measuring in Revelation 11:1 signifies God's authority and the assessment of the spiritual state of His temple and worshippers. It implies a distinction between the faithful and those who are not, reinforcing themes of divine judgment and protection.

Who is the angel in Revelation 11:1?

The angel in Revelation 11:1 serves as a messenger from God, giving the command to measure the temple and the altar. This angel represents divine authority and guidance in assessing the worshippers and the sacred space.

How does Revelation 11:1 relate to worship?

Revelation 11:1 emphasizes the significance of worship by highlighting God's temple and the act of measuring those who worship there. It serves as a reminder that God values true devotion and is aware of the spiritual state of His people.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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