And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

REVELATION 11:19KJV
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Revelation 11:19 (KJV)

What does Revelation 11:19 mean?

Revelation 11:19 describes a vision in which God’s temple in heaven is opened, revealing the ark of His testament, followed by dramatic signs like lightning, voices, thunder, an earthquake, and great hail. This scene signals a moment of divine revelation and power, showing something previously hidden now made visible.

The book of Revelation is a vision given to John while he is exiled on the island of Patmos, addressed to early Christian communities facing hardship. In this verse, John sees the heavenly temple opened, which would have been a powerful image for readers familiar with the earthly temple in Jerusalem. The ark, a symbol of God’s covenant and presence, appears in the heavenly temple, emphasizing God’s faithfulness. The dramatic signs—lightning, voices, thunder, earthquake, and hail—often signal God’s direct action or judgment throughout the Bible.

The Greek behind Revelation 11:19

  • "Temple" (ναός, naos): This word refers specifically to the inner sanctuary, the most sacred part of the temple, not just the building in general. Here, it highlights the holiness and significance of what is being revealed.
  • "Ark" (κιβωτός, kibōtos): The ark was the chest that held the covenant tablets in the Old Testament. Its appearance in heaven underlines the idea of God’s promises and presence being real and enduring.
  • "Testament" (διαθήκη, diathēkē): This word means "covenant" or "agreement." Seeing the ark of His "testament" points to God’s ongoing relationship and promises to His people.
  • "Voices" (φωναί, phōnai) and "thunderings" (βρονταί, brontai): These words often signal God’s presence and power, echoing scenes from Mount Sinai and other moments of divine revelation.

Why Revelation 11:19 matters

  • Revelation 11:19 clarifies that the true center of God’s presence and covenant is not on earth, but in heaven, especially significant after the destruction of the Jerusalem temple.
  • The verse connects the dramatic signs (lightning, thunder, earthquake, hail) to moments in the Old Testament when God acted in judgment or revealed Himself, helping readers see a pattern of God’s power and faithfulness.
  • By showing the ark in heaven, Revelation 11:19 reassures readers that God’s promises remain secure and accessible, even when earthly symbols or institutions are gone.

Where else these words appear

“hail” Greek G5464 · used in 3 verses

  • Revelation 8:7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
  • Revelation 16:21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

“ark” Greek G2787 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
  • Luke 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
  • Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

“lightnings” Greek G796 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
  • Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
  • Revelation 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

“thunderings” Greek G1027 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 3:17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
  • Revelation 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
  • Revelation 10:4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.