New Testament

Revelation 11:3

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

At a Glance

In Revelation 11:3, God declares that He will empower two witnesses who will proclaim His message for a specific period of 1,260 days, symbolizing a time of trial and testimony.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

"I will give power to my 2 witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, dressed in sackcloth."

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 11:3, God declares that He will empower two witnesses who will proclaim His message for a specific period of 1,260 days, symbolizing a time of trial and testimony. The witnesses are described as being clothed in sackcloth, which signifies mourning and repentance. This imagery suggests that their message will be one of warning and call to repentance during a time of great tribulation. The number 1,260 days is often interpreted as a prophetic period, representing a time of intense spiritual conflict. The two witnesses are believed to symbolize faithful servants of God who stand firm in their testimony despite opposition. Their role is crucial in the unfolding events of the end times, as they bear witness to God's truth and power in a world that may reject it. This passage emphasizes the importance of prophetic voices in times of crisis and the assurance that God empowers His messengers to fulfill their mission, even in difficult circumstances. Explore related prophecy.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 11:3 to your life

This verse encourages believers to remain faithful in their witness for God, even when facing challenges. It reminds us that God empowers us to share His truth, and we should be prepared to stand firm in our faith, just like the two witnesses, regardless of the circumstances.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 11:3 mean?

Revelation 11:3 means that God will empower two witnesses to proclaim His message for 1,260 days, symbolizing a time of trial and testimony. They are dressed in sackcloth, indicating a message of mourning and repentance during a period of great tribulation.

What is the significance of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3?

The two witnesses in Revelation 11:3 symbolize faithful servants of God who testify to His truth despite facing opposition. Their role highlights the importance of prophetic voices during challenging times.

What does the 1,260 days represent in Revelation 11:3?

The 1,260 days in Revelation 11:3 is often interpreted as a prophetic period representing a time of intense spiritual conflict and trial for the faithful.

Why are the witnesses clothed in sackcloth in Revelation 11:3?

The witnesses are clothed in sackcloth in Revelation 11:3 to signify mourning and repentance, suggesting that their message is one of warning and a call to turn back to God.

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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