King James Version

What Does Revelation 11:2 Mean?

Revelation 11:2 in the King James Version says “But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 11:2 · 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

4

These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 11:2 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

But

G2532

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

τὴν2 of 26

which

G3588

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

αὐλὴν3 of 26

the court

G833

a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion

τὴν4 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἔξωθεν5 of 26

is without

G1855

external(-ly)

τὴν6 of 26

which

G3588

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

ναοῦ7 of 26

the temple

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

ἔκβαλε8 of 26

leave

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

ἔξω,9 of 26

out

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

καὶ10 of 26

But

G2532

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

μὴ11 of 26

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

αὐτὴν12 of 26

it

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

μετρήσῃς13 of 26

measure

G3354

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

ὅτι14 of 26

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐδόθη15 of 26

it is given

G1325

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

τὴν16 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἔθνεσιν17 of 26

unto the Gentiles

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

καὶ18 of 26

But

G2532

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

τὴν19 of 26

which

G3588

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

πόλιν20 of 26

city

G4172

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

τὴν21 of 26

which

G3588

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

ἁγίαν22 of 26

the holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

πατήσουσιν23 of 26

shall they tread under foot

G3961

to trample (literally or figuratively)

μῆνας24 of 26

months

G3376

a month

τεσσαράκοντα25 of 26

forty

G5062

forty

δύο26 of 26

and two

G1417

"two"


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 11:2 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 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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