What does Revelation 11:1 mean?
"And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." - Revelation 11:1
Revelation 11:1 in the King James Version reads:
"And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein."
This verse is part of the book of Revelation, which is the final book of the New Testament. Written by the apostle John, the book of Revelation is a highly symbolic and apocalyptic work that describes the end times and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The verse in question is from the first part of Revelation 11, which describes the measuring of the temple of God.
The use of the word "reed" in this verse serves as a symbol of measurement and guidance. In biblical times, reeds were used as measuring tools and were often associated with the concept of divine order and judgment. The reed in this verse can be seen as a tool given to John by the angel as a means of measuring and assessing the temple of God. This symbolizes the idea that there is an established order and structure within the temple that must be carefully measured and observed.
The command to "measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein" can be interpreted as a directive for believers to assess and evaluate the spiritual state of the church. This suggests a need for self-reflection and examination of one's own faith and actions in relation to the divine. The temple and the altar, as sacred spaces of worship, represent the spiritual realm and the presence of God. Therefore, the act of measuring them implies a need for accountability and judgment within the religious community.
Furthermore, the mention of "them that worship therein" emphasizes the importance of the individuals who make up the congregation of believers. The measurement of the temple and the altar extends to include the people who are actively involved in worship and serving God. This highlights the idea that the spiritual assessment being described is not limited to the physical structure of the temple but also encompasses the attitudes and behaviors of those who participate in worship.
In terms of the broader context of the book of Revelation, this verse is significant in its portrayal of divine judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom. The act of measuring the temple and the altar can be understood as a symbol of God's sovereignty and his authority over all creation. It is a reminder that God's standards and divine order will ultimately prevail, and that there will be a day of judgment for all.
The theme of divine judgment and accountability is a recurring motif throughout the book of Revelation. The measuring of the temple and the altar serves as a reminder that all actions and beliefs are ultimately subject to evaluation and assessment by God. This reinforces the underlying message of the book, which is the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God in the face of persecution and tribulation.
In conclusion, Revelation 11:1 in the King James Version is a verse that carries profound symbolism and significance within the context of the book of Revelation. It serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual assessment and accountability within the religious community, as well as a portrayal of God's ultimate authority and sovereignty. The use of the reed as a measuring tool and the directive to assess the temple and the altar symbolize the idea of divine judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom. This verse thus conveys a powerful message about the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God in the face of adversity and the promise of ultimate victory for those who remain faithful.
Have questions about Revelation 11:1?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Revelation 11:1 Artwork
Revelation 11:1 - "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein."
"And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." - Revelation 11:1
Revelation 11:1-14 - "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. 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. 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. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And 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 on the earth. And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly."
Revelation 1:11
Revelation 1:11
Revelation 1:11
"And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. 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. 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. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And 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 on the earth. And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly." - Revelation 11:1-14
Revelation 21:11
Revelation 11:9
Revelation 21:11
Revelation 9:11
1 Kings 11:11-13
Revelations 7:11
Revelations 8:11-13
REVELATION 11:6. WATERS TURNING TO BLOOD
Revelation 16:11 - "And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds."
Revelation 11:14 - "The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly."
Revelation 11:4 - "These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth."
Revelation 1
Revelation 1:1
Revelation 1:1
Revelation 1:1
Revelation 1:1
1 Corinthians 11:19 - "For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you."
Revelation 12:11 - "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
Revelation 1:7
Revelation 1:7
Revelation 11:11 - "And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them."
Revelation 1:11 - "Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea."
Revelation 18:11 - "And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:"