Revelation 11:13
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The sheer terror that grips the remaining survivors isn't just fear; it's a pivotal moment where their terror transforms into an acknowledgment of God's power, a reluctant but undeniable glorifying of the God of heaven. This isn't necessarily about immediate repentance, but a profound, awe-struck recognition of divine authority displayed through judgment.
And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Immediately following the miraculous resurrection and ascension of God's two witnesses, a massive earthquake shakes the city where they were martyred. This cataclysm kills a tenth of the city's population, serving as a dramatic divine judgment. In the aftermath, the survivors are gripped by terror and, unlike those who remained unrepentant earlier, they acknowledge God's sovereign power.
What happens when God's faithful witnesses are silenced? It's not silence, but an earth-shattering response!
The verse describes a 'great earthquake' immediately following the ascension of the two witnesses. In biblical prophecy, earthquakes aren't just natural disasters; they are powerful symbols.
Shaking the Foundations
Some perish, but others are profoundly changed. How can terror lead to glory?
The earthquake doesn't just destroy; it dramatically impacts those who remain. This event highlights a dual outcome of God's judgment:
The Double Effect of Judgment
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Understand the original words
seismos · Greek Noun
A sudden, violent shaking of the earth, often used in biblical prophecy as a sign of God's intervention, judgment, or the collapse of human systems in the presence of the Almighty.
doxan didomi · Greek Noun/Verb (phrase: gave glory)
To acknowledge God's character, sovereignty, and worthiness through worship, confession, or recognition of His divine power. In a judicial context, it serves as a final admission of God’s supreme reality.
Revelation 11:13 speaks of a great earthquake and a tenth of the city falling, with thousands killed, followed by the terrified remnant giving glory to God. This imagery likely draws from the collective memory of devastating events, particularly the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, but is used symbolically to depict divine judgment and the ultimate conversion of those who opposed God's witnesses.
c. 1st century AD
Roman Empire Dominates Jerusalem
The city of Jerusalem and the surrounding region are under Roman rule. This period sees various forms of religious and political tension between the Jewish population and their Roman overlords.
c. AD 62-64
Apostle Paul's Ministry and Imprisonment
During this time, the Apostle Paul is active in ministry, writing letters that address spiritual life, church order, and enduring persecution. His own experiences and those of early Christians often involve facing opposition.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome. Emperor Nero blames the Christians, initiating the first major imperial persecution against them.
c. AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman army brutally crushes a Jewish revolt, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple. This event profoundly impacts Jewish identity and Christian eschatology.
Late 1st Century AD— this verse
Book of Revelation Written
The Book of Revelation, with its symbolic language and visions, is believed to have been written by the Apostle John during a period of intense persecution, likely under Roman Emperor Domitian.
c. 180 AD
Irenaeus Mentions Revelation
Early Church Father Irenaeus writes about the Book of Revelation, confirming its circulation and early acceptance within Christianity, though interpretations of its symbolism were already varied.
This passage describes a future earthquake in Jerusalem, mirroring the one in Revelation 11, which serves as a divine judgment and a precursor to God's reign.
1 Kings 18:37-40This Old Testament account shows a dramatic moment where God's power is demonstrated through fire, leading to the conviction and execution of false prophets and a turning of the people back to God, echoing the awe and glory given to God in Revelation 11.
Acts 4:31After Peter and John boldly proclaimed Christ, the place where they were meeting was shaken, showing that divine intervention often accompanies bold witness, just as the earthquake follows the witnesses' resurrection.
Isaiah 4:4This prophecy speaks of God cleansing Jerusalem through a 'spirit of judgment and a spirit of burning,' a powerful image that parallels the purging effect of the earthquake and the subsequent glory given to God in Revelation 11.
barnesRevelation 11:13: "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven."
And the same hour - In immediate connection with their triumph. Was there a great earthquake - "An earthquake is a symbol of commotion, agitation, change; of great political revolutions, etc. See the notes on Revelation 6:12. The meaning here is, that the triumph of t…
clarkeRevelation 11:13: "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven."
A great earthquake - Violent commotions among the persecutors, and revolutions of states. Slain of men seven thousand - Many perished in these popular commotions. The remnant were affrighted - Seeing the hand of God's judgments so remarkably stretched out. Gave glory…
The sheer terror that grips the remaining survivors isn't just fear; it's a pivotal moment where their terror transforms into an acknowledgment of God's power, a reluctant but undeniable glorifying of the God of heaven. This isn't necessarily about immediate repentance, but a profound, awe-struck recognition of divine authority displayed through judgment.
Immediately following the miraculous resurrection and ascension of God's two witnesses, a massive earthquake shakes the city where they were martyred. This cataclysm kills a tenth of the city's population, serving as a dramatic divine judgment. In the aftermath, the survivors are gripped by terror and, unlike those who remained unrepentant earlier, they acknowledge God's sovereign power.
Immediately following the miraculous resurrection and ascension of God's two witnesses, a massive earthquake shakes the city where they were martyred. This cataclysm kills a tenth of the city's population, serving as a dramatic divine judgment. In the aftermath, the survivors are gripped by terror and, unlike those who remained unrepentant earlier, they acknowledge God's sovereign power.
"And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven." — The sheer terror that grips the remaining survivors isn't just fear; it's a pivotal moment where their terror transforms into an acknowledgment of God's power, a reluctant but undeniable glorifying o…
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Last reviewed October 2026
