Devine Scripture

Revelation 11:1

What does Revelation 11:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 11:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 11:1 means

John is handed a measuring reed and told to measure the temple, the altar, and those who worship there. In Scripture, measuring often marks ownership, preservation, and assessment. Here it signals that God knows, claims, and guards His worshiping people even as judgments fall. The focus is not only on sacred space but on the worshipers themselves—God’s true community. Measuring the altar also highlights sacrifice and prayer at the heart of their life with God. This act assures beleaguered saints that their devotion is seen and bounded by God’s care. It also hints that what is inside God’s measure is distinguished from what lies outside and exposed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and one said, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and one said, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there was given to me a measuring rod: and one said, Go up and take the measure of the house of God, and the altar, and the worshippers in it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And there was given to me a reed like to a rod, and the messenger stood, saying, `Rise, and measure the sanctuary of God, and the altar, and those worshipping in it;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And there was given me a reed, like unto a rod. And it was said to me: Arise, and measure the temple of God and the altar and them that adore therein.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And there was given to me a reed like a staff, saying, Rise, and measure the temple ofGod, and the altar, and them that worship in it.

Context

This command opens a new vision after the interlude of chapter 10, just before the seventh trumpet sounds. It sets up a sharp contrast between the protected inner realm of worship and the vulnerable outer areas. The next verse will exclude the outer court and describe trampling by the nations. That frame prepares readers to understand the ministry of the two witnesses, whose work unfolds during a set period while the holy city is under pressure. The measuring establishes God’s sovereign limits amidst coming conflict.

v.1This passage

v.2And the court which is without the temple leave without, and measure it not; for it hath been given unto the nations: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 10:1

    And I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, arrayed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire;

  • 1 Corinthians 3:16

    Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

  • Ezekiel 42:15

    Now when he had made an end of measuring the inner house, he brought me forth by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east, and measured it round about.

  • Revelation 21:15

    And he that spake with me had for a measure a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

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