These witnessesThe term "witnesses" refers to individuals who testify or bear witness to the truth. In the context of Revelation, these witnesses are seen as prophetic figures who proclaim God's message during a time of great tribulation. The concept of witnesses is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, where two or more witnesses are required to establish a matter (
Deuteronomy 19:15). This emphasizes the reliability and truthfulness of their testimony.
are the two olive trees
The imagery of olive trees is drawn fromZechariah 4, where two olive trees supply oil to a lampstand, symbolizing God's provision and the anointing of His Spirit. Olive trees are a symbol of peace, prosperity, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In the context of Revelation, the two olive trees represent the anointed ones who are empowered by God to fulfill their prophetic mission.
and the two lampstands
Lampstands are symbolic of the church and its role as the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). In Revelation, lampstands are used to represent the churches (Revelation 1:20). The two lampstands here signify the presence of God's light and truth being proclaimed through these witnesses. They are tasked with shining God's light in a world overshadowed by darkness.
that stand before the Lord of the earth
Standing before the Lord indicates a position of service and authority. The phrase suggests that these witnesses have a divine commission and are under God's direct authority. The "Lord of the earth" emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation, reinforcing the idea that these witnesses operate under His command and protection. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's ultimate authority and judgment over the earth.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Two WitnessesThese figures are central to the prophecy in
Revelation 11. They are described metaphorically as "the two olive trees and the two lampstands," indicating their role as God's anointed messengers and bearers of light in a dark world.
2.
Olive TreesIn biblical symbolism, olive trees often represent peace, prosperity, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. They are a source of oil, which was used for anointing in the Old Testament.
3.
LampstandsThese are symbolic of the church or God's presence. In the context of Revelation, lampstands represent the light of God's truth shining in the world.
4.
The Lord of the EarthThis title refers to God, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority over all creation.
5.
Prophetic MinistryThe event of the two witnesses' ministry is a significant prophetic event, symbolizing God's continued witness and testimony to the world even in times of great tribulation.
Teaching Points
The Role of WitnessesBelievers are called to be witnesses of God's truth, much like the two witnesses in Revelation. This involves living out and proclaiming the gospel in a world that often opposes it.
Empowerment by the Holy SpiritJust as the olive trees symbolize the anointing of the Spirit, Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their mission. We must rely on His strength rather than our own.
Standing Firm in TribulationThe two witnesses stand before the Lord of the earth, indicating their steadfastness. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, even amidst trials and opposition.
The Sovereignty of GodThe title "Lord of the earth" reminds us of God's ultimate authority. In times of uncertainty, we can trust in His sovereign plan and purpose.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Revelation 11:4?
2.How do the "two olive trees" symbolize God's witnesses in Revelation 11:4?
3.What Old Testament connections exist for the "two lampstands" in Revelation 11:4?
4.How can believers today embody the witness role described in Revelation 11:4?
5.Why is it important to understand the imagery of Revelation 11:4 for faith?
6.How does Revelation 11:4 encourage perseverance in sharing the Gospel message?
7.What do the "two olive trees" symbolize in Revelation 11:4?
8.How do the "two lampstands" relate to the churches in Revelation?
9.Are the "two witnesses" literal or symbolic figures in Revelation 11:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Revelation 11?
11.Who are the two witnesses in Revelation?
12.Why doesn’t apostolic literature more explicitly reference Zechariah 4’s imagery, if it was crucial for understanding God’s plan, as some claim?
13.What is the biblical significance of the olive tree?
14.In Revelation 11:3-6, how do the two witnesses perform miracles that seemingly defy natural laws?What Does Revelation 11:4 Mean
These witnessesRevelation 11:3 has just introduced “My two witnesses,” and verse 4 continues the description. The word “witnesses” reminds us that God always provides testimony to His truth. • InDeuteronomy 19:15 God required at least two witnesses to establish a matter, showing that their paired ministry satisfies His own legal standard. • Jesus spoke of Himself and the Father as “two witnesses” inJohn 8:17-18, and He commissions His followers to be witnesses inActs 1:8. •Revelation 19:10 calls the testimony of Jesus “the spirit of prophecy,” so their witness is a prophetic proclamation of Christ during the final tribulation. While Scripture does not name them here, the earlier miracles described inRevelation 11:5-6 echo the ministries of Moses (turning water to blood,Exodus 7:20) and Elijah (shutting the sky,1 Kings 17:1), suggesting two literal men who will mirror those historic prophets.
are the two olive treesThe phrase reaches back toZechariah 4:2-3, 11-14, where two olive trees flank a golden lampstand, endlessly supplying oil so the lamp’s light never goes out. • Oil is a familiar symbol of the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13), so the picture is one of unfailing spiritual empowerment. •Romans 11:17 speaks of Gentiles being grafted into an olive tree, reminding us that God’s redemptive work always centers on Israel but graciously includes the nations. By calling the witnesses “olive trees,” Revelation emphasizes that their power and endurance flow directly from the Spirit, not from human strength.
and the two lampstandsLampstands hold up light so others can see, a theme Jesus applies to believers inMatthew 5:14-16. •Revelation 1:20 identifies lampstands with churches, signaling that God’s people are meant to shine in dark times. •Philippians 2:15 urges saints to “shine … as lights in the world,” just as these two end-time prophets do on a global stage. The witnesses are therefore living lamps: they not only possess the Spirit’s oil but also radiate truth publicly, confronting the world’s spiritual darkness during the tribulation.
that stand“Stand” portrays readiness, authority, and unwavering commitment. • Elijah declared, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand” (1 Kings 17:1), and Gabriel told Zechariah, “I stand in the presence of God” (Luke 1:19). •Ephesians 6:13-14 commands believers to “stand” against evil. The word underscores that the two witnesses are fixed, immovable, and divinely commissioned; no earthly power can topple them until their appointed work is finished (Revelation 11:7).
before the Lord of the earthThey minister “before” the One who owns everything, echoingPsalm 24:1, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” •Zechariah 6:5 pictures heavenly messengers “standing before the Lord of all the earth,” linking the scene to the same prophetic backdrop. •Revelation 1:5 calls Jesus “the ruler of the kings of the earth,” affirming His unrivaled sovereignty. The setting stresses that while the world’s powers seem dominant during the tribulation, the witnesses serve directly under the supreme authority of the risen Christ, giving their message universal weight.
summaryRevelation 11:4 paints a multifaceted portrait of the two witnesses: Spirit-empowered (“olive trees”), light-bearing (“lampstands”), steadfast (“stand”), and divinely authorized (“before the Lord of the earth”). Their literal, future ministry demonstrates God’s faithfulness to provide clear, Spirit-filled testimony to Christ even in earth’s darkest hour, assuring believers that His sovereign purposes will prevail.
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These are . . .--Translate,
These are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks which stand before the Lord of the earth. This is the verse which refers us to the vision of Zechariah for the basis of our present vision. There, as here, we have the two olive trees, which are explained to be "the two anointed ones which stand before the Lord of the whole earth." The explanation is supposed to refer to Zerubbabel and Joshua. or, as others think, to Zechariah and Haggai. At that time these men were the witnesses for God in their land and among their people. But the answer of the angel is general: "the olive trees are the two anointed ones which stand," &c. For the vision is general and age-long; it reminds us of the returned Jewish exiles, and of those who were then among them, as anointed witnesses, but it shows us that such witnesses are to be found in more than one era; for it is not Zerubbabel and Joshua who can exhaust the fulness of a vision which is the representation of the eternal truth that the oil of gladness and strength from God will rest on those who rely, not on might or power, but on God's Spirit. The fact that the witnesses are two is brought more prominently forward here than in Zechariah. There, though the olive trees are two, the candlestick is but one, with seven lamps; here there are two candlesticks spoken of as well as two olive trees. This amplification of the original vision is, perhaps, designed to remind us of the greater latitude of diversity in the new dispensation. Just as in the early chapters of this book we had seven golden candlesticks, which, though one in Christ, yet are spoken of as separate, so here the double aspect, the diverse though united efforts of the two witnesses. are brought into prominence. It may serve to remind us. that the witnesses are to be expected to keep their individuality and to use freely their diverse powers. It is not from one class or with one mode of action that the witnesses come: they may be of the statesman class, like Moses and Zerubbabel; of the prophetic or priestly like Zechariah and Haggai, like Aaron and the later Joshua (
Zechariah 3:1); for men may witness for God, according as the evils of their time and age require it in the State as well as in the Church. The work of Wilberforce, Clarkson, and Howard is a work and a witness for God as well as the work of Chrysostom, Athanasius, and Luther; for the witnesses are raised up to speak against the neglect of humanity as well as against errors in divinity; against a heartless as well as against a creedless Christianity, for both lead back to heathenism. These witnesses are burning and shining lights; in them is centred the light of their age; in them is found the token that the grace of God never fails, but as the Church's day so shall her strength be. Here, too, we have the pledge that from Him who is both Priest and King the civil rulers as well as the ecclesiastical rulers may draw grace according to their gifts; and from Him, too, all who are made kings as well as priests to God may derive the power to give the double witness of a life anointed by the Spirit of consecration and ruled by the sceptre of righteousness.
Verse 4. -
These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks. The "two olive trees" and the "two candlesticks" are here identical. Thus, while St. John uses the figure of Zechariah, he does not apply it in every detail. In the prophet, but one candlestick is mentioned. "The two olive trees," which supply the material for the candlesticks, are fit emblems of the Old and New Testaments; the candlesticks typify the Jewish and Christian Churches. These are identical so far as being God's witnesses; the Church derives her stores from the Word of God, the light of the Word of God is manifested through the Church.
Standing before the God of the earth;the Lord of the earth (Revised Version). The participle is masculine, though the preceding article and nouns are feminine, probably as being more in keeping with the masculine character under which the two witnesses are depicted. Perhaps he is described as the "Lord of the earth," since the witnesses are to prophesy before all the earth (cf. ver. 9 and
Matthew 24:14).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
These [witnesses]Οὗτοί(Houtoi)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.areεἰσιν(eisin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.theαἱ(hai)Article - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.twoδύο(dyo)Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1417:Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.olive treesἐλαῖαι(elaiai)Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1636:An olive tree; the Mount of Olives. Feminine of a presumed derivative from an obsolete primary; an olive.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theαἱ(hai)Article - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.twoδύο(dyo)Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1417:Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.lampstandsλυχνίαι(lychniai)Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3087:A lamp-stand. From luchnos; a lamp-stand.that standἑστῶτες(hestōtes)Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2476:A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.beforeἐνώπιον(enōpion)Preposition
Strong's 1799:Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.LordΚυρίου(Kyriou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.of theτῆς(tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.earth.γῆς(gēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093:Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.
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NT Prophecy: Revelation 11:4 These are the two olive trees (Rev. Re Apocalypse) 
