And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

REVELATION 11:13KJV
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Revelation 11:13 (KJV)

What does Revelation 11:13 mean?

Revelation 11:13 describes a dramatic event where a powerful earthquake strikes, causing a tenth of a city to collapse and killing seven thousand people. The survivors, deeply frightened, respond by giving glory to the God of heaven.

This verse is part of John’s vision in the book of Revelation, where he records what he sees and hears about future events. Here, the focus is on the aftermath of judgment signs following the ministry and resurrection of the two witnesses. The survivors’ reaction—fear and giving glory to God—shows a moment of recognition or awe in response to God’s power, even among those who had not previously turned to Him.

The Greek behind Revelation 11:13

  • ἔπεσεν (epesen, “fell”): This word is used for the collapse or destruction of the city’s part, emphasizing the suddenness and severity of the disaster.
  • ἐφοβήθησαν (ephobēthēsan, “were affrighted”): The Greek here carries the sense of being terrified or struck with great fear, not just startled. It highlights the deep emotional impact of the event on the survivors.
  • ἔδωκαν δόξαν (edōkan doxan, “gave glory”): This phrase means to acknowledge or honor God’s greatness. In this context, it suggests a public recognition of God’s power, possibly out of fear or awe rather than heartfelt worship.

Why Revelation 11:13 matters

  • Revelation 11:13 clarifies that not everyone is destroyed in these judgments; some survive and have a chance to respond to God’s actions, which is a recurring theme in Revelation.
  • The verse highlights that fear can lead people to recognize God’s authority, even if their response is not necessarily full repentance or faith.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative, showing a turning point where the power of God is so evident that even those previously resistant are compelled to acknowledge Him.

Where else these words appear

“part” Greek G1182 · used in 3 verses

  • John 1:39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
  • Revelation 21:20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

“affrighted” Greek G1719 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 24:5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
  • Luke 24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
  • Acts 22:9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

“earthquake” Greek G4578 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Matthew 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
  • Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

“thousand” Greek G5505 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
  • Revelation 7:8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.