King James Version

What Does Revelation 11:19 Mean?

Revelation 11:19 in the King James Version says “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were li... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 11:19 · KJV


Context

17

Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art , and wast , and art to come ; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

18

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. destroy the earth: or, corrupt the earth

19

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.... 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 11:19 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 · 32 words
καὶ1 of 32

And

G2532

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

ἠνοίγη2 of 32

was opened

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

3 of 32
G3588

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

ναῷ4 of 32

temple

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

τοῦ5 of 32
G3588

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

θεοῦ6 of 32

of God

G2316

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

ἐν7 of 32

in

G1722

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

τῷ8 of 32
G3588

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

οὐρανῷ9 of 32

heaven

G3772

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

καὶ10 of 32

And

G2532

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

ὤφθη11 of 32

there was seen

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

12 of 32
G3588

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

κιβωτὸς13 of 32

the ark

G2787

a box, i.e., the sacred ark and that of noah

τῆς14 of 32
G3588

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

διαθήκης15 of 32

testament

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

αὐτοῦ16 of 32

his

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

ἐν17 of 32

in

G1722

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

τῷ18 of 32
G3588

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

ναῷ19 of 32

temple

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

αὐτοῦ20 of 32

his

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

καὶ21 of 32

And

G2532

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

ἐγένοντο22 of 32

there were

G1096

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

ἀστραπαὶ23 of 32

lightnings

G796

lightning; by analogy, glare

καὶ24 of 32

And

G2532

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

φωναὶ25 of 32

voices

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

καὶ26 of 32

And

G2532

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

βρονταὶ27 of 32

thunderings

G1027

thunder

καὶ28 of 32

And

G2532

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

σεισμὸς29 of 32

an earthquake

G4578

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

καὶ30 of 32

And

G2532

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

χάλαζα31 of 32

hail

G5464

hail

μεγάλη32 of 32

great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide 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 11:19 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 11:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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