New Testament
Revelation 11:7
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the focus is on two witnesses who have been proclaiming God's message.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
When they have finished delivering their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will wage war against them, overpower them, and kill them.
And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the focus is on two witnesses who have been proclaiming God's message. Once they complete their mission, a powerful entity referred to as 'the beast' will emerge from the abyss. This beast symbolizes evil and opposition to God. It will engage in a fierce battle against the witnesses, ultimately overpowering and killing them. This moment signifies a critical point in the spiritual conflict between good and evil, illustrating that even faithful witnesses can face severe persecution. The verse highlights the reality of suffering for those who stand for truth, as well as the temporary nature of their defeat, which sets the stage for future divine justice. The imagery of the bottomless pit suggests a source of great evil, emphasizing the seriousness of the conflict. This passage serves as a reminder of the challenges believers may face in their testimony and the ultimate victory of God over evil, even when circumstances seem dire.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 11:7 to your life
This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of opposition. It reminds us that sharing our testimony may lead to challenges, but we can trust that God is aware of our struggles. Our faithfulness can inspire others, even when we face difficulties.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Who are the two witnesses in Revelation 11:7?
The two witnesses in Revelation 11:7 are often interpreted as symbolic figures representing God's faithful messengers during the end times. They are tasked with delivering God's message and testifying to the truth. While their specific identities are debated, they embody the spirit of prophecy and witness, demonstrating the importance of standing firm in faith despite opposition.
What does the 'beast' represent in this verse?
In Revelation 11:7, the 'beast' symbolizes a powerful force of evil that opposes God and His messengers. It is often associated with the Antichrist or a manifestation of satanic influence in the world. The beast's emergence from the bottomless pit signifies its origin from a place of chaos and destruction, highlighting the intense spiritual warfare between good and evil.
What does the phrase 'bottomless pit' mean?
The 'bottomless pit' in Revelation 11:7 refers to a place of confinement for evil spirits and demonic forces. It symbolizes a source of great evil and chaos, suggesting that the beast's power comes from a deep, dark place. This imagery emphasizes the seriousness of the spiritual conflict and the reality of evil's influence in the world.
Why do the witnesses face persecution in this verse?
The witnesses face persecution in Revelation 11:7 because they are proclaiming God's truth in a world that often rejects it. Their testimony challenges the status quo and exposes the darkness represented by the beast. This persecution serves as a reminder that standing for truth can lead to suffering, but it also highlights the importance of faithfulness in the face of adversity.
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