New Testament
Revelation 11:8
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 11:8, the verse describes a scene where the bodies of two witnesses lie in the streets of a significant city, referred to as Sodom and Egypt.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city — the one symbolically called Sodom and Egypt — where our Lord was crucified.
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 11:8, the verse describes a scene where the bodies of two witnesses lie in the streets of a significant city, referred to as Sodom and Egypt. This symbolic naming suggests a place characterized by moral decay and oppression, contrasting with the holiness of Christ. The mention of where our Lord was crucified indicates that this city is Jerusalem, highlighting the spiritual corruption that has taken root there. The imagery of dead bodies signifies the rejection of God's messengers and the consequences of turning away from divine truth. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual battles faced by believers and the ultimate triumph of God's justice, even in the face of persecution and disbelief.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 11:8 to your life
This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when facing rejection or persecution. It reminds us that standing for truth may lead to suffering, but God ultimately prevails. We should be vigilant and support those who proclaim God's message, knowing that their efforts are significant in His plan.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 11:8 mean?
Revelation 11:8 describes the bodies of two witnesses lying in a city symbolically called Sodom and Egypt, indicating a place of moral decay and spiritual corruption, which is understood to be Jerusalem.
What is the significance of Sodom and Egypt in Revelation 11:8?
Sodom and Egypt symbolize places known for their wickedness and oppression, highlighting the spiritual decline of the city where Christ was crucified, emphasizing the rejection of God's messengers.
What does the mention of dead bodies in Revelation 11:8 represent?
The dead bodies in Revelation 11:8 represent the rejection and persecution of God's prophets, illustrating the consequences of turning away from divine truth and the spiritual battles faced by believers.
Why is Jerusalem referred to as Sodom and Egypt in Revelation 11:8?
Jerusalem is referred to as Sodom and Egypt in Revelation 11:8 to illustrate its moral corruption and the oppression of God's messengers, contrasting its historical significance with its spiritual state.
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.
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