King James Version

What Does Revelation 11:5 Mean?

Revelation 11:5 in the King James Version says “And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

Revelation 11:5 · KJV


Context

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.

5

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

6

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

7

And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The witnesses' power to consume enemies with fire from their mouths parallels Elijah's ministry (2 Kings 1:10-12) and Jeremiah's commission (Jeremiah 5:14). This represents the Word's power to judge and condemn—the gospel's two-edged nature (Hebrews 4:12). Reformed theology emphasizes that gospel proclamation both saves the elect and hardens the reprobate. The witnesses' supernatural protection during their testimony period demonstrates God's sovereignty over His messengers' timing. None can silence God's testimony until its appointed completion. The 'hurt' refers to premature silencing before their mission concludes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century prophets faced violent opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities. This vision encouraged believers that God's witnesses would complete their testimony despite threats. The Elijah imagery recalled Israel's prophetic tradition, asserting continuity between Old Testament prophets and Christian witnesses. The 1,260 days (v. 3) represents complete testimony before judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of protection during testimony's appointed time encourage boldness in witness?
  2. What does the Word's power to judge (fire from mouths) teach about the seriousness of gospel proclamation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

And

G2532

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

εἴ2 of 27
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις3 of 27
G5100

some or any person or object

αὐτὸν4 of 27

their

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

θέλῃ5 of 27

will

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἀδικῆσαι6 of 27

hurt

G91

to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)

πῦρ7 of 27

fire

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

ἐκπορεύεται8 of 27

proceedeth

G1607

to depart, be discharged, proceed, project

ἐκ9 of 27

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ10 of 27
G3588

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

στόματος11 of 27

mouth

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

αὐτὸν12 of 27

their

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

καὶ13 of 27

And

G2532

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

κατεσθίει14 of 27

devoureth

G2719

to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς15 of 27
G3588

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

ἐχθροὺς16 of 27

enemies

G2190

hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)

αὐτὸν17 of 27

their

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

καὶ18 of 27

And

G2532

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

εἴ19 of 27
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις20 of 27
G5100

some or any person or object

αὐτὸν21 of 27

their

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

θέλῃ22 of 27

will

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἀδικῆσαι23 of 27

hurt

G91

to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)

οὕτως24 of 27

in this manner

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

δεῖ25 of 27

he must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

αὐτὸν26 of 27

their

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

ἀποκτανθῆναι27 of 27

be killed

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy


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 11:5 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 11:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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