Revelation 11:2
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The instruction to "leave out" and "measure it not" the outer court, which is given to the nations, is a stark declaration that this seemingly part of God's space is actually designated for profane use. It signifies a separation not just of space, but of purpose, highlighting that not everything that looks like belonging to God truly does, and will be subjected to worldly powers.
but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is commanded to measure the temple, altar, and worshippers, symbolizing the preservation and assessment of God's true people. However, he is explicitly told to exclude the outer court and the holy city, as these areas are given over to the nations, who will trample them for a specific period. This exclusion signifies a separation between genuine believers and the corrupting influences of the world that will dominate for a set time.
Why does John get a measuring rod for the temple but is told to ignore the outer court? What does this outer area represent?
John is given a measuring rod to measure the temple, the altar, and the worshippers. This symbolizes God's ownership and preservation of His true people and His place of worship. However, he is specifically told to leave out and not measure the outer court, for it is 'given over to the nations.'
The Distinction:
The 'holy city' will be 'trampled under foot' for a specific period. What does this trampling signify, and why is the duration so precise?
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The verse states that the 'holy city' will be 'trodden under foot' by the nations for 'forty and two months.' This imagery is powerful and signifies a period of intense oppression, desecration, and subjugation.
Understanding the 'Trampling':
This period, though severe, is not endless. It is a season where the forces opposing God's purposes will seemingly triumph, but only for a time set by God. It's a reminder that even in the darkest periods of persecution, God’s ultimate control and purpose remain.
Understand the original words
ethnos · Greek Noun
In biblical contexts, often refers to the Gentiles or non-Jewish peoples, frequently characterized as being outside the covenant community or opposed to the kingdom of God. It highlights the distinction between the people of God and the world system.
pateō · Greek Verb
To treat with disrespect, tread down, or dominate. In apocalyptic literature, it signifies the temporary period of persecution or oppression inflicted upon the people of God by worldly powers.
This verse speaks to the profound trauma of Jerusalem's destruction by Gentile powers, a historical reality that deeply informed the early Christian understanding of divine judgment and the symbolic 'trampling' of the holy city.
c. 63 BC
Roman Rule Established in Judea
Rome conquers Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Roman authority over Judea, a significant shift from Jewish self-governance.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus and Early Church
The central events of Christian faith occur, leading to the formation of the early church which is seen as the new 'temple' in some interpretations.
c. AD 66-70— this verse
First Jewish-Roman War and Destruction of Jerusalem
The Jewish revolt against Rome culminates in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Second Temple, a catastrophic event with profound symbolic meaning for Jewish people and early Christians.
c. AD 110-120
Writing of the Book of Revelation
The Book of Revelation is believed to have been written during a period of persecution for Christians, likely under Roman rule, adding context to its apocalyptic imagery.
c. AD 132-135
Bar Kokhba Revolt and Hadrian's Reforms
A second major Jewish revolt is crushed by Rome, leading to further Roman control and significant changes to Jerusalem, including paganizing aspects of the city.
This passage describes a similar vision of measuring a temple, but for Ezekiel, it's about preservation and restoration, contrasting with Revelation's measuring for judgment or separation.
Luke 21:24Jesus prophesies that Jerusalem will be 'trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled,' echoing the imagery and timeframe found in Revelation.
Daniel 7:25This Old Testament passage introduces the concept of a period of persecution ('a time, and times, and a half') inflicted by a blasphemous power, which directly informs the 'forty-two months' mentioned in Revelation.
Romans 11:25Paul speaks of a 'partial hardening' that will come upon Israel until the full number of the Gentiles comes in, paralleling the idea of a period where the 'nations' or Gentiles have dominion over certain sacred aspects.
barnesRevelation 11:2: "But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months."
But the court which is without the temple - Which is outside of the temple proper, and, therefore, which does not strictly pertain to it. There is undoubtedly reference here to the "court of the Gentiles," as it was called among the Jews - the outer court of the temple to which the Gentiles had access,…
pulpitRevelation 11:2: "But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months."
Verse 2. - But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles; it hath been given (Revised Version). Not merely "leave out," but "cast out." The "court which is without the temple" was entered only by Jews. It seems, therefore, here to signify part…
The instruction to "leave out" and "measure it not" the outer court, which is given to the nations, is a stark declaration that this seemingly part of God's space is actually designated for profane use. It signifies a separation not just of space, but of purpose, highlighting that not everything that looks like belonging to God truly does, and will be subjected to worldly powers.
John is commanded to measure the temple, altar, and worshippers, symbolizing the preservation and assessment of God's true people. However, he is explicitly told to exclude the outer court and the holy city, as these areas are given over to the nations, who will trample them for a specific period. This exclusion signifies a separation between genuine believers and the corrupting influences of the world that will dominate for a set time.
John is commanded to measure the temple, altar, and worshippers, symbolizing the preservation and assessment of God's true people. However, he is explicitly told to exclude the outer court and the holy city, as these areas are given over to the nations, who will trample them for a specific period. This exclusion signifies a separation between genuine believers and the corrupting influences of the world that will dominate for a set time.
"but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months." — The instruction to "leave out" and "measure it not" the outer court, which is given to the nations, is a stark declaration that this seemingly part of God's space is actually designated for profane u…
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Last reviewed October 2026
