King James Version

What Does Revelation 11:13 Mean?

Revelation 11:13 in the King James Version says “And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. of men: Gr. names of men

Revelation 11:13 · KJV


Context

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.

13

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. of men: Gr. names of men

14

The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The great earthquake killing seven thousand represents partial judgment leading survivors to fear and give glory to God. Unlike previous judgments where hearts remained hardened (9:20-21), this provokes proper response. The number seven thousand may echo 1 Kings 19:18's remnant who hadn't bowed to Baal, suggesting God preserves a faithful minority. 'Gave glory to God' could indicate genuine repentance or mere fear-driven acknowledgment. Reformed theology recognizes that God's judgments sometimes break hard hearts, bringing some to salvation. The tenth part destroyed shows measured judgment, not total annihilation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem experienced earthquakes throughout history, including at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51). The imagery would resonate with residents of seismically active regions. Earthquakes in Scripture often accompany divine appearances or judgments (Exodus 19:18, Ezekiel 38:19). The specific numbers suggest symbolic completeness—seven thousand, tenth part—rather than precise mathematics.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between fear-driven acknowledgment of God and genuine repentance?
  2. What role do God's judgments play in bringing some to salvation, and how should this inform your prayers during calamities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 35 words
καὶ1 of 35

And

G2532

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

ἐν2 of 35

in

G1722

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

ἐκείνῃ3 of 35
G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τῇ4 of 35
G3588

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

ὥρᾳ5 of 35

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἐγένοντο6 of 35

was there

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

σεισμῷ7 of 35

earthquake

G4578

a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake

μέγας8 of 35

a great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

καὶ9 of 35

And

G2532

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

τὸ10 of 35
G3588

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

δέκατον11 of 35

the tenth part

G1182

tenth

τῆς12 of 35
G3588

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

πόλεως13 of 35

of the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

ἔπεσεν14 of 35

fell

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

καὶ15 of 35

And

G2532

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

ἀπεκτάνθησαν16 of 35

were slain

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

ἐν17 of 35

in

G1722

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

τῷ18 of 35
G3588

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

σεισμῷ19 of 35

earthquake

G4578

a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake

ὀνόματα20 of 35
G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

ἀνθρώπων21 of 35

of men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

χιλιάδες22 of 35

thousand

G5505

one thousand ("chiliad")

ἑπτά23 of 35

seven

G2033

seven

καὶ24 of 35

And

G2532

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

οἱ25 of 35
G3588

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

λοιποὶ26 of 35

the remnant

G3062

remaining ones

ἔμφοβοι27 of 35

affrighted

G1719

in fear, i.e., alarmed

ἐγένοντο28 of 35

was there

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καὶ29 of 35

And

G2532

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

ἔδωκαν30 of 35

gave

G1325

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

δόξαν31 of 35

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

τῷ32 of 35
G3588

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

θεῷ33 of 35

to the God

G2316

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

τοῦ34 of 35
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ35 of 35

of heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)


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 11:13 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 11:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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