Revelation 11:19
What does Revelation 11:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 11:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 11:19 means
Heaven’s temple opens, revealing the ark of God’s covenant. This vision signals access to God’s holiest presence and the faithfulness of His promises. The ark embodies the covenant relationship—law, mercy, and atonement. Its appearance at this climactic moment assures that God’s judgments flow from steadfast love and righteousness. The accompanying lightning, voices, thunder, earthquake, and hail are classic signs of divine theophany and judgment. Heaven is not distant; it has broken in. The opened temple means that the unseen reality now governs the seen. God’s covenant faithfulness stands at the center as He brings history to its appointed end under His revealed rule.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And there was opened the temple of God that is in heaven; and there was seen in his temple the ark of his covenant; and there followed lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and an earthquake, and great hail.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And there was opened the temple of God that is in heaven; and there was seen in his temple the ark of his covenant; and there followed lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and an earthquake, and great hail.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the house of God which is in heaven was open; and the ark of his agreement was seen in his house, and there were flames and voices and thunders and an earth-shock and a rain of ice.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And opened was the sanctuary of God in the heaven, and there was seen the ark of His covenant in His sanctuary, and there did come lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and an earthquake, and great hail.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the temple of God was opened in heaven: and the ark of his testament was seen in his temple. And there were lightnings and voices and an earthquake and great hail.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the temple ofGod in the heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen in his temple: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Context
This closing scene crowns the seventh trumpet’s proclamation with a vision of God’s holy presence and covenant. It seals the message that the eternal kingdom is not an abstraction but anchored in God’s faithfulness to His people and His law. The storm-theophany signals that judgment proceeds from His throne. As the chapter ends, the stage is set for the next cycle of visions, but readers are left with assurance: heaven’s sanctuary is open, God’s covenant is in view, and His reign is manifest amid earth-shaking events.
v.18And the nations were wroth, and thy wrath came, and the time of the dead to be judged, and the time to give their reward to thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear thy name, the small and the great; and to destroy them that destroy the earth.
v.19This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 9:18
Behold, to-morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the day it was founded even until now.
- Revelation 4:5
And out of the throne proceed lightnings and voices and thunders. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God;
- Revelation 11:15
And the seventh angel sounded; and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is becomethe kingdomof our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever.
- Numbers 4:15
And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp is set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting.
- Revelation 15:5
And after these things I saw, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
- Isaiah 32:19
But it shall hail in the downfall of the forest; and the city shall be utterly laid low.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Revelation 11
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Revelation 11.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About God as King
Explore how the Bible reveals God as the sovereign King, ruling over all creation with justice and love
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After a Miscarriage
A holy ache the world rarely names — scripture for the weight you're carrying.