Devine Scripture

Revelation 11:10

What does Revelation 11:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 11:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 11:10 means

The inhabitants of the earth celebrate the prophets’ death, exchanging gifts and rejoicing because the witnesses had “tormented” them—likely through convicting words and the plagues accompanying their message. This reveals hearts that prefer comfort in sin to the discomfort of truth. Their joy is not neutral; it is a moral judgment against God’s call to repent. Creating a holiday out of martyrdom exposes the depth of hostility to God’s authority. Yet this very scene of perverse festivity sets the stage for a more powerful joy: God’s vindication of His servants. The contrast between human laughter and heaven’s purposes makes the coming reversal all the more striking.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they that dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and make merry; and they shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwell on the earth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they that dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and make merry; and they shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwell on the earth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And those who are on the earth will have pleasure and delight over them; and they will send offerings one to another because these two prophets gave great trouble to all on the earth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and those dwelling upon the land shall rejoice over them, and shall make merry, and gifts they shall send to one another, because these--the two prophets--did torment those dwelling upon the land.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them and make merry: and shall send gifts one to another, because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt upon the earth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they that dwell upon the earth rejoice over them, and are full of delight, and shall send gifts one to another, because these, the two prophets, tormented them that dwell upon the earth.

Context

Following global scorn and exposure, the world’s party reaches its height: gifts are exchanged and rejoicing abounds. The narrative intentionally stretches the tension, showing how resolute the opposition is. But this peak of celebration precedes the nadir of human confidence. The next verse will introduce the breath of life from God, reversing the verdict. The movement from revelry to dread, then to heavenly summons and judgment, helps readers see that God’s timetable, not human triumphalism, defines history’s true center.

v.9And from among the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations do men look upon their dead bodies three days and a half, and suffer not their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb.

v.10This passage

v.11And after the three days and a half the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them that beheld them.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Kings 21:20

    And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee, because thou hast sold thyself to do that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah.

  • Esther 9:19

    Therefore do the Jews of the villages, that dwell in the unwalled towns, make the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

  • Jeremiah 38:4

    Then the princes said unto the king, Let this man, we pray thee, be put to death; forasmuch as he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.

  • Revelation 12:13

    And when the dragon saw that he was cast down to the earth, he persecuted the woman that brought forth the man child.

  • 1 Kings 22:18

    And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?

  • Psalms 13:4

    Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; Lest mine adversaries rejoice when I am moved.

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