King James Version

What Does Revelation 11:10 Mean?

Revelation 11:10 in the King James Version says “And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 11:10 · KJV


Context

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

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.

12

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The earth-dwellers' rejoicing and gift-giving parodies proper celebration, revealing their depravity. The testimony that 'tormented them' shows truth's convicting power—the gospel either draws or drives away. Their joy at silenced witnesses demonstrates hardened hearts celebrating suppression of conscience. Reformed theology affirms total depravity—unregenerate hearts love darkness and hate light (John 3:19-20). The gift-giving suggests celebration of perceived liberation from moral constraint. This reveals sin's enslaving power—rejoicing in rebellion rather than repenting at warning.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cultures exchanged gifts during festivals celebrating military victories or religious holidays. This imagery depicts worldwide celebration treating the witnesses' deaths as victory over threatening truth. The description parallels modern cultural celebration when Christian moral witness is suppressed or marginalized—revealing the natural heart's enmity against God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the world's celebration at silenced truth reveal the depth of human rebellion against God?
  2. In what ways might you be tempted to celebrate when conviction is silenced rather than heeded?

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

οἱ2 of 26
G3588

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

κατοικοῦντας3 of 26

them that dwelt

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ4 of 26

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς5 of 26
G3588

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

γῆς6 of 26

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

χάρουσιν7 of 26

shall rejoice

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

ἐπὶ8 of 26

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτοῖς9 of 26

them

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

καὶ10 of 26

And

G2532

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

εὐφρανθήσονται,11 of 26

make merry

G2165

to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e., rejoice

καὶ12 of 26

And

G2532

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

δῶρα13 of 26

gifts

G1435

a present; specially, a sacrifice

πέμψουσιν14 of 26

shall send

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

ἀλλήλοις15 of 26

one to another

G240

one another

ὅτι16 of 26

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὗτοι17 of 26

these

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

οἱ18 of 26
G3588

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

δύο19 of 26

two

G1417

"two"

προφῆται20 of 26

prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

ἐβασάνισαν21 of 26

tormented

G928

to torture

τοὺς22 of 26
G3588

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

κατοικοῦντας23 of 26

them that dwelt

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ24 of 26

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς25 of 26
G3588

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

γῆς26 of 26

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)


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 11:10 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 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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