King James Version

What Does Revelation 11:9 Mean?

Revelation 11:9 in the King James Version says “And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shal... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 11:9 · KJV


Context

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.

11

And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'peoples and kindreds and tongues and nations' emphasizes the universal scope of witnessing their deaths. The refusal to allow burial adds insult and dishonor, treating the witnesses as criminals unworthy of basic human dignity. This public spectacle demonstrates the world's hatred of God's testimony. The three-and-a-half-day period parallels Christ's time in the tomb, foreshadowing resurrection. Reformed theology sees martyrdom as seed of the church; apparent defeat precedes vindication. The world's celebration proves temporary, while witnesses' victory is eternal.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Denying burial was severe dishonor in ancient cultures, reserved for criminals and enemies. Public display of corpses demonstrated complete victory over opponents. The universal observation ('peoples and kindreds') became literally possible through modern communications. This vision predicted global awareness of the church's apparent defeat before resurrection vindication.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that the church's apparent defeat is temporary encourage perseverance in faithful witness?
  2. What does the world's celebration over dead witnesses reveal about natural humanity's attitude toward God's truth?

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

βλέψουσιν2 of 27

shall see

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ3 of 27

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

τῶν4 of 27
G3588

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

λαῶν5 of 27

the people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

καὶ6 of 27

And

G2532

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

φυλῶν7 of 27

kindreds

G5443

an offshoot, i.e., race or clan

καὶ8 of 27

And

G2532

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

γλωσσῶν9 of 27

tongues

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

καὶ10 of 27

And

G2532

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

ἐθνῶν11 of 27

nations

G1484

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

τὰ12 of 27
G3588

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

πτώματα13 of 27

dead bodies

G4430

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

αὐτῶν14 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

ἡμέρας15 of 27

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

τρεῖς16 of 27

three

G5140

"three"

καὶ17 of 27

And

G2532

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

ἥμισυ18 of 27

an half

G2255

(as noun) half

καὶ19 of 27

And

G2532

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

τὰ20 of 27
G3588

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

πτώματα21 of 27

dead bodies

G4430

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

αὐτῶν22 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

οὐκ23 of 27

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀφήσουσιν24 of 27

shall

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τεθῆναι25 of 27

to be put

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

εἰς26 of 27

in

G1519

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

μνῆματα27 of 27

graves

G3418

a memorial, i.e., sepulchral monument (burial-place)


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 11:9 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 11:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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