King James Version

What Does Revelation 11:8 Mean?

Revelation 11:8 in the King James Version says “And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 11:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

10

And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

Read Revelation 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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.

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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 11:8 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 · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

τὰ2 of 22
G3588

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

πτῶματα3 of 22

“dead bodies”

G4430

a ruin, i.e., (specially), lifeless body (corpse, carrion)

αὐτῶν4 of 22

“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

ἐπὶ5 of 22

“shall lie in”

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

τῆς6 of 22
G3588

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

πλατείας7 of 22

“the street”

G4113

a wide "plat" or "place", i.e., open square

πόλεως8 of 22

“city”

G4172

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

τῆς9 of 22
G3588

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

μεγάλης10 of 22

“of the great”

G3173

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

ἥτις11 of 22

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

καλεῖται12 of 22

“is called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

πνευματικῶς13 of 22

“spiritually”

G4153

non-physically, i.e., divinely, figuratively

Σόδομα14 of 22

“Sodom”

G4670

sodoma (i.e., sedom), a place in palestine

καὶ15 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

Αἴγυπτος16 of 22

“Egypt”

G125

aegyptus, the land of the nile

ὅπου17 of 22

“where”

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

καὶ18 of 22

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ19 of 22
G3588

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

κύριος20 of 22

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν21 of 22

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐσταυρώθη22 of 22

“was crucified”

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

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 11:8 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 11:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 23:14Revelation 18:10Revelation 18:21Ezekiel 16:53-55Hebrews 13:12Amos 4:11

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
SodomSettlement · Modern: south of the Lisan · 31.21°N, 35.45°E50 verses across 15 books
View all places in Revelation 11 →

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