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 11:6KJVWhat 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.