Revelation 11:11
But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's not just a resurrection, but a breath of life from God that animates them, directly echoing the creation of humanity in Genesis. This divine exhale signifies not only revival but a fresh impartation of God's very life-force, bringing them to their feet to stand as powerful witnesses once more. The profound fear that grips the onlookers isn't just surprise; it’s a terrified recognition of God’s undeniable power and favor towards those He vindicates.
After their testimony and apparent death, a divine intervention occurs: a breath of life from God reanimates them. This resurrection, echoing Ezekiel's vision of dry bones, causes terror in the hearts of those who had witnessed their silencing and rejoiced in their demise. The event signals not only their vindication but also the impending judgment upon their enemies.
What does it mean for something 'dead' to be brought back to life by God's Spirit? This verse points to a powerful restoration.
The text vividly describes the two witnesses, who had been seemingly killed, receiving 'a breath of life from God.' This isn't just a physical resuscitation; it's a divine impartation of vitality.
God's Creative Power
Think back to Genesis, when God breathed into Adam the breath of life, making him a living soul. Here, the same creative, life-giving power is at work, but this time it's on those who have been silenced and persecuted.
Symbol of Enduring Truth
This event signifies that even when God's truth or His messengers appear defeated, they are not permanently vanquished. God's Spirit can and will reanimate His purposes, demonstrating that His work is unyielding and ultimately triumphant.
It's not enough for them to just come back to life; they 'stood up on their feet.' What's the significance of this posture?
The phrase 'they stood up on their feet' is more than just a physical action. It represents a return to their witness, their purpose, and their authority.
Restoration of Purpose
After their period of apparent death and silencing, their standing signifies a renewed ability to prophesy and testify. Their testimony is not just restored; it's vindicated.
Undying Testimony
This highlights the resilience of God's message. Even when suppressed, it has the divine capacity to rise again, empowered by God. The witnesses are not passive survivors; they are active participants in God's ongoing plan.
The revival of the witnesses doesn't just bring hope to them; it instills 'great fear' in those who witness it. Why fear?
Understand the original words
pneuma zōēs · Greek Noun
The life-giving power, spirit, or animating force of God that restores existence and vitality to the dead. In scripture, it represents the divine enablement that transforms human frailty into God's purposes.
phobos · Greek Noun
A reverential awe, trembling, or holy dread experienced by humans in the presence of God's manifest power or divine judgment. It signifies a recognition of God's supreme authority and sovereignty.
This passage alludes to powerful resurrections, both literal and metaphorical, showing that truth and God's witnesses, though seemingly silenced or destroyed, can be revived with divine power, striking terror into their persecutors.
c. 1400 BC
Vision of the Dry Bones
The prophet Ezekiel receives a vision of a valley filled with dry bones, which God breathes life into, symbolizing the restoration of Israel from exile.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified and, after three days, is resurrected, a foundational event demonstrating God's power over death.
c. 1514 AD
Declaration of End to Papal Opposition
A speaker at the Lateran Council V declared that resistance to papal rule and religion had ended, just before the Reformation began.
1517 AD
Martin Luther Posts Theses
Martin Luther nails his Ninety-five Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, sparking the Protestant Reformation and challenging papal authority.
Late 17th - Early 18th Century AD
This passage directly parallels the imagery of dry bones receiving 'breath' and standing on their feet, highlighting God's power to bring life where there is death and the fear that comes from witnessing such divine intervention.
Genesis 2:7This verse describes God breathing life into Adam, establishing the fundamental concept that 'breath of life from God' signifies divine animation and the restoration of existence.
John 3:8Jesus uses the analogy of the wind (which can be translated as 'spirit') being unseen but felt, connecting the divine 'Spirit of life' to a powerful, transformative force that brings about renewal and is recognized by its effects.
Romans 8:11This verse speaks of the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwelling in believers, assuring us that the divine power capable of overcoming death is available to bring spiritual life and resurrection.
ellicottRevelation 11:11: "And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them."
(11) And after three days . . . —Better, And after the three days and a half (not simply “three days and a half,”) a Spirit of life out of (from) God entered into (or, in; i.e., so as to be in) them, and they stood upon their feet; and a great fear fell upon those who beheld them. The vision of the dry bones will be rem…
barnesRevelation 11:11: "And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them."
And after three days and an half - See the notes on Revelation 11:9 . The Spirit of life from God - The living, or life-giving Spirit that proceeds from God entered into them. Compare the notes on Job 33:4. There is evidently allusion here to Genesis 2:7, where God is spoken of as the Author of life. The meaning is, tha…
It's not just a resurrection, but a breath of life from God that animates them, directly echoing the creation of humanity in Genesis. This divine exhale signifies not only revival but a fresh impartation of God's very life-force, bringing them to their feet to stand as powerful witnesses once more. The profound fear that grips the onlookers isn't just surprise; it’s a terrified recognition of God’s undeniable power and favor towards those He vindicates.
After their testimony and apparent death, a divine intervention occurs: a breath of life from God reanimates them. This resurrection, echoing Ezekiel's vision of dry bones, causes terror in the hearts of those who had witnessed their silencing and rejoiced in their demise. The event signals not only their vindication but also the impending judgment upon their enemies.
After their testimony and apparent death, a divine intervention occurs: a breath of life from God reanimates them. This resurrection, echoing Ezekiel's vision of dry bones, causes terror in the hearts of those who had witnessed their silencing and rejoiced in their demise. The event signals not only their vindication but also the impending judgment upon their enemies.
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The resurrection of the two witnesses isn't just a private miracle; it has public, impactful consequences, especially for their persecutors.
Divine Vindication
The fear arises from the realization that these witnesses are divinely protected and empowered. Their apparent death was not a victory for their enemies, but a prelude to God's intervention.
Awe and Judgment
This fear is a recognition of God's power and sovereignty. It's a fearful acknowledgment that God is for His witnesses and against those who oppose Him. It foreshadows divine judgment for those who fight against God's purposes.
Enemy's Unease
For those who rejoiced in the silencing of the witnesses, their revival would bring immense dread. They would realize their actions were futile and that divine retribution was possible, or even imminent.
Period of Religious Suppression
Many throughout Europe faced intense religious persecution, forcing some to prophesy in 'sackcloth'—a state of suffering and protest.
"But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them." — It's not just a resurrection, but a breath of life from God that animates them, directly echoing the creation of humanity in Genesis. This divine exhale signifies not only revival but a fresh impar…
