Revelation – Chapter 11

New Testament19 Verses

Chapter Summary

Revelation 11 opens with the words: "And there was given me a reed, like unto a rod. And it was said to me: Arise, and measure the temple of God and the altar and them that…" Across its 19 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and worship and praise. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1And there was given me a reed, like unto a rod. And it was said to me: Arise, and measure the temple of God and the altar and them that adore therein.

2But the court which is without the temple, cast out and measure it not: because it is given unto the Gentiles. And the holy city they shall tread under foot, two and forty months:

3And I will give unto my two witnesses: and they shall prophesy, a thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.

4These are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks that stand before the Lord of the earth.

5And if any man will hurt them, fire shall come out of their mouths and shall devour their enemies. And if any man will hurt them, in this manner must he be slain.

6These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: And they have power over waters, to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

7And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the abyss shall make war against them and shall overcome them and kill them.

8And their bodies shall lie in the streets of the great city which is called spiritually, Sodom and Egypt: where their Lord also was crucified.

9And they of the tribes and peoples and tongues and nations shall see their bodies for three days and a half: and they shall not suffer their bodies to be laid in sepulchres.

10And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them and make merry: and shall send gifts one to another, because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt upon the earth.

11And after three days and a half, the spirit of life from God entered into them. And they stood upon their feet: and great fear fell upon them that saw them.

12And they heard a great voice from heaven, saying to them: Come up hither. And they went up to heaven in a cloud: and their enemies saw them.

13And at that hour there was made a great earthquake: and the tenth part of the city fell. And there were slain in the earthquake, names of men, seven thousand: and the rest were cast into a fear and gave glory to the God of heaven.

14The second woe is past: and behold the third woe will come quickly.

15And the seventh angel sounded the trumpet: and there were great voices in heaven, saying: The kingdom of this world is become our Lord's and his Christ's, and he shall reign for ever and ever. Amen.

16And the four and twenty ancients who sit on their seats in the sight of God, fell on their faces and adored God, saying:

17We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, who art and who wast and who art to come: because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and thou hast reigned.

18And the nations were angry: and thy wrath is come. And the time of the dead, that they should be judged and that thou shouldest render reward to thy servants the prophets and the saints, and to them that fear thy name, little and great: and shouldest destroy them who have corrupted the earth.

19And the temple of God was opened in heaven: and the ark of his testament was seen in his temple. And there were lightnings and voices and an earthquake and great hail.

Important Verses in Revelation 11

And there was given me a reed, like unto a rod. And it was said to me: Arise, and measure the temple of God and the altar and them that adore therein.

Revelation 11:1

And after three days and a half, the spirit of life from God entered into them. And they stood upon their feet: and great fear fell upon them that saw them.

Revelation 11:11

And the seventh angel sounded the trumpet: and there were great voices in heaven, saying: The kingdom of this world is become our Lord's and his Christ's, and he shall reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 11:15

And the temple of God was opened in heaven: and the ark of his testament was seen in his temple. And there were lightnings and voices and an earthquake and great hail.

Revelation 11:19

Historical Context

Revelation belongs to the New Testament and was composed for persecuted churches, lifted to see Christ's final victory. Chapter 11 of 22 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a apocalyptic vision revealing God's ultimate victory over evil with 19 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "And there was given me a reed, like unto a rod. And it was said to me: Arise, and measure the temple of God and the…" The chapter ends with: "And the temple of God was opened in heaven: and the ark of his testament was seen in his temple. And there were…" In terms of historical background, Written to seven churches of Asia suffering under Rome's demand for emperor worship, Revelation unveils history's hidden meaning through visions of heavenly liturgy: the Lamb who was slain stands victorious, and every… Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About AD 95, under the persecution of Emperor Domitian.

Who Wrote It

John, exiled on the island of Patmos; tradition identifies him with the Apostle

When It Was Written

About AD 95, under the persecution of Emperor Domitian

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense involves visions, symbols, and oracles addressed to communities under persecution or trial. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And there was given me a reed, like unto a rod. And it was said to me: Arise, and measure the temple of God and the altar and them that adore therein." The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2632). Here, Revelation reveals the Church's ultimate destiny (CIC 1042-1050). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize God's kingdom and kingship as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Behold, I am making all things new. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Revelation 11 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

Reflection for Today

Revelation Chapter 11, containing 19 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 1965). Here the emphasis falls on courage in witness to the Gospel, which shapes how the Church understands Christ's victory and the new creation.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 2340).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Revelation Chapter 11 about?

Revelation 11 contains 19 verses. It opens with "And there was given me a reed, like unto a rod. And it was said to me: Arise, and measure the temple of God and the…" and closes with "And the temple of God was opened in heaven: and the ark of his testament was seen in his temple. And there were…". The book as a whole is apocalyptic prophecy and epistle.

What is a key verse in Revelation 11?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And there was given me a reed, like unto a rod. And it was said to me: Arise, and measure the temple of God and the altar and them that adore therein." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Revelation and when?

John, exiled on the island of Patmos; tradition identifies him with the Apostle. About AD 95, under the persecution of Emperor Domitian.

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