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 11:6KJV
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Revelation 11:6 (KJV)

What does Revelation 11:6 mean?

Revelation 11:6 describes two witnesses who are given authority to stop rain, turn water into blood, and bring plagues upon the earth whenever they choose during the time they are prophesying. This verse highlights the extraordinary power and signs these witnesses display as part of their prophetic mission.

The scene is part of John’s vision in the book of Revelation, where he sees two special figures testifying in Jerusalem during a period of great turmoil. The verse draws on Old Testament imagery—like Elijah stopping rain and Moses turning water to blood—to show that these witnesses act with authority from God, performing dramatic signs to get people’s attention.

The Greek behind Revelation 11:6

  • The word ἐξουσία (exousia, "power" or "authority") emphasizes that the witnesses’ abilities are not natural but are given to them, highlighting their special commission.
  • The verb κλείω (kleió, "shut") is used for shutting heaven, echoing the story of Elijah, who prayed and stopped the rain, showing a direct link to prophetic authority over nature.
  • The verb πατάσσω (patassó, "smite") means to strike or afflict, underlining the active role these witnesses have in bringing plagues, not just predicting them.
  • The phrase ὁσάκις ἐὰν θέλωσιν (hosakis ean thelōsin, "as often as they will") stresses that the witnesses can use these powers repeatedly and at their own discretion, which is unusual and underscores their unique role.

Why Revelation 11:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the witnesses’ powers are not limited to a single event but can be exercised multiple times, showing the ongoing nature of their prophetic work.
  • The connection to Old Testament figures like Moses and Elijah helps readers see the continuity between God’s actions in the past and what is described in Revelation.
  • Understanding the authority and freedom given to these witnesses helps explain the seriousness of their message and the resistance they face, setting up the dramatic events that follow in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“often” Greek G3740 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

“rain” Greek G1026 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
  • Luke 7:38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
  • Luke 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

“rain” Greek G5205 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 14:17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
  • Acts 28:2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
  • James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

“smite” Greek G3960 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
  • Luke 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
  • Acts 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.