King James Version

What Does Revelation 11:6 Mean?

Revelation 11:6 in the King James Version says “These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 11:6 · KJV


Context

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The witnesses' powers parallel Moses (turning water to blood, Exodus 7:19) and Elijah (shutting heaven from rain, 1 Kings 17:1), identifying them as prophet-figures representing the church's testimony. Power to 'smite the earth with all plagues' demonstrates their authority in declaring God's judgments. Reformed theology sees the church as prophetic witness, proclaiming both salvation and judgment. The accumulation of these powers emphasizes the witnesses' complete authority during their testimony period. Their ministry combines Law (Moses) and Prophets (Elijah), pointing to Christ's fulfillment of both.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3), representing Law and Prophets testifying to Him. First-century Jewish expectation anticipated their return before Messiah. This vision asserts the church continues their prophetic function—testifying to Christ and pronouncing judgment on rejection. The plagues recall Egypt's judgment, warning of similar consequences for gospel rejection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the church today continue the prophetic ministry of declaring both God's invitation and warning?
  2. What does the combination of Moses and Elijah's powers teach about the unity of Law and Prophets in testifying to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
οὗτοι1 of 34

These

G3778

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

ἔχουσιν2 of 34

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐξουσίαν3 of 34

power

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

κλεῖσαι4 of 34

to shut

G2808

to close (literally or figuratively)

τὸν5 of 34
G3588

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

οὐρανόν6 of 34

heaven

G3772

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

ἵνα7 of 34
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ8 of 34
G3361

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

βρέχῃ9 of 34

it rain

G1026

to moisten (especially by a shower)

ὑετὸς10 of 34
G5205

rain, especially a shower

ἐν11 of 34

in

G1722

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

ἡμέραις12 of 34

the days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

αὐτὰ13 of 34

of 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

τῆς14 of 34
G3588

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

προφητείας15 of 34

prophecy

G4394

prediction (scriptural or other)

καὶ16 of 34

and

G2532

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

ἐξουσίαν17 of 34

power

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ἔχουσιν18 of 34

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐπὶ19 of 34

over

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

τῶν20 of 34
G3588

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

ὑδάτων21 of 34

waters

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

στρέφειν22 of 34

to turn

G4762

to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὰ23 of 34

of 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

εἰς24 of 34

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αἷμα25 of 34

blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

καὶ26 of 34

and

G2532

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

πατάξαι27 of 34

to smite

G3960

to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally)

τὴν28 of 34
G3588

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

γῆν29 of 34

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)

πάσῃ30 of 34

with all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

πληγῇ31 of 34

plagues

G4127

a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity

ὁσάκις32 of 34

as often

G3740

how (i.e., with g0302, so) many times as

ἐὰν33 of 34

as

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

θελήσωσιν34 of 34

they will

G2309

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


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 11:6 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 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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