Revelation 11:8 (KJV)

What does Revelation 11:8 mean?

Revelation 11:8 describes how the dead bodies of two witnesses will lie in the street of a "great city," which is symbolically called Sodom and Egypt, and is also the place where Jesus was crucified. This verse uses vivid imagery to show the rejection and humiliation of these witnesses in a city that represents spiritual corruption.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a vision to early Christians facing persecution. The "great city" is given symbolic names—Sodom and Egypt—to highlight its moral decay and oppression, while the mention of Jesus' crucifixion connects it to Jerusalem. The verse sets a dramatic scene of public disgrace for the witnesses, emphasizing the city's spiritual state rather than just its physical location.

The Greek behind Revelation 11:8

• The word πνευματικῶς (pneumatikōs), translated "spiritually," signals that the names "Sodom" and "Egypt" are not literal but symbolic, pointing to the city's moral and spiritual condition.
• The Greek word σταυρόω (stauroō), "crucified," directly links the location to the crucifixion of Jesus, anchoring the symbolism in a real historical event associated with Jerusalem.
• The term μεγάλη (megalē), "great," highlights the city's significance or influence, suggesting it is not just any city but one of major importance in the vision's context.

Why Revelation 11:8 matters

• This verse clarifies that the imagery in Revelation often uses symbolic language, so readers should look for deeper meanings rather than only literal interpretations.
• By connecting the "great city" to both Sodom, Egypt, and the crucifixion of Jesus, the verse ties together themes of sin, oppression, and rejection of God's messengers throughout the Bible.
• The public display of the witnesses' bodies underscores the hostility and spiritual blindness of the city, setting up the dramatic reversal that follows in the next verses.