King James Version

What Does Revelation 11:1 Mean?

Revelation 11:1 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

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 .

2

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. leave out: Gr. cast out

3

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. I will give: or, I will give unto my two witnesses that they may prophesy


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 from Revelation's vision of two witnesses and seventh trumpet - faithful testimony, christ's kingdom proclaimed employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 11:1 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐδόθη2 of 26

there was given

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

μοι3 of 26

me

G3427

to me

κάλαμος4 of 26

a reed

G2563

a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen

ὅμοιος5 of 26

like

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

ῥάβδῳ6 of 26

unto a rod

G4464

a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty)

καὶ7 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

8 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄγγελος9 of 26

the angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ειστήκει,10 of 26

stood

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

λέγων,11 of 26

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἔγειραι,12 of 26

Rise

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

καὶ13 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μέτρησον14 of 26

measure

G3354

to measure (i.e., ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e., allot by rule)

τὸν15 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ναὸν16 of 26

the temple

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

τοῦ17 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ18 of 26

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ19 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ20 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θυσιαστήριον21 of 26

the altar

G2379

a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)

καὶ22 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς23 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προσκυνοῦντας24 of 26

them that worship

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

ἐν25 of 26

therein

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ26 of 26
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 11:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 11:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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