New Testament

Revelation 11:3

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

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

Compare translations
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.

What Revelation 11:3 means

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.

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

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Jesus on the shore calling James and John as they sit in their boat mending their nets, with older men in the boat behind them

Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

John the Apostle

An old color photograph of Nazareth spread across a hillside in Galilee.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Nazareth

The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Revelation 11:3

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Revelation 11:3

At a Glance — the Book of Revelation

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

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.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.