New Testament

Revelation 11:2

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

At a Glance

In Revelation 11:2, the instruction is given not to measure the outer courtyard of the temple, which symbolizes a part of the sacred space that is not to be included in the divine measurements.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

But don't measure the outer courtyard — leave it out. It has been handed over to the Gentiles, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months.

KJVKing James Version

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 11:2, the instruction is given not to measure the outer courtyard of the temple, which symbolizes a part of the sacred space that is not to be included in the divine measurements. This area has been given over to the Gentiles, indicating that it will be trampled upon for a period of 42 months. This period signifies a time of oppression and domination over the holy city, which is often interpreted as Jerusalem. The mention of Gentiles suggests a time when non-Jewish nations will have authority over the sacred places, highlighting a significant spiritual and physical conflict. The 42 months can also be seen as a prophetic timeframe, linking to other biblical references of tribulation and testing. This verse emphasizes the distinction between what is sacred and what is profane, and it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the faithful during times of trial. Explore related judgment.

Key themes

Judgment

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 11:2 to your life

This verse encourages believers to recognize the spiritual battles that occur in their lives. It reminds us that even in times of oppression or when sacred things seem compromised, God is still in control. We should remain steadfast in faith, trusting in God's ultimate plan.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 11:2 mean?

Revelation 11:2 instructs not to measure the outer courtyard of the temple, indicating that this area has been given to the Gentiles who will trample it for 42 months. This symbolizes a time of oppression over the holy city, often interpreted as Jerusalem.

What is the significance of the 42 months in Revelation 11:2?

The 42 months mentioned in Revelation 11:2 represents a prophetic timeframe of oppression and tribulation, linking to other biblical references about trials faced by the faithful. It highlights a period when the holy city will be dominated by non-Jewish nations.

What does the term 'Gentiles' refer to in Revelation 11:2?

In Revelation 11:2, 'Gentiles' refers to non-Jewish nations or people who will have authority over the outer courtyard of the temple. This indicates a time when these nations will trample the holy city, symbolizing a significant spiritual conflict.

Why is the outer courtyard not measured in Revelation 11:2?

The outer courtyard is not measured in Revelation 11:2 because it symbolizes a part of the sacred space that is excluded from divine measurements, indicating its defilement and the authority of the Gentiles over it.

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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