Revelation 11:12

Translations

Modern

And the witnesses heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched them.

Traditional

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

Literal

And they heard a loud voice out of heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in the cloud, and their enemies beheld them.

Latin

Et audierunt vocem magnam de cælo, dicentem eis: Ascendite huc. Et ascenderunt in cælum in nube: et viderunt illos inimici eorum.

Original

Greek

English

And the witnesses heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched them.

Notes

Revelation 11:12

they went up to heaven in a cloud: This event is similar to the way Jesus rose (or ascended) to heaven (see Acts 1:9). It also resembles other ascents found in Scripture (see 2 Kings 2:11–12; 1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Revelation 11:1–13

This section shows people choosing to ignore God's call to repent. Attempts to silence his messengers fail, and God wins.
Many have tried to identify the two witnesses in this chapter. Moses and Elijah, who appeared with Jesus at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:3; Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30), are likely candidates (see Revelation 11:6). They represent the law and the prophets. Others suggest Enoch and Elijah because they did not die (see Genesis 5:21–24; 2 Kings 2:11–12). Some think of Peter and Paul, or James and John.
More important than their identities is their role in confirming God's message through the testimony of two or three witnesses (see Deuteronomy 17:6). God provides a dual witness to the world about the coming judgment, making it clear that his word will come true (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:15–16).

Revelation 10:1–11:14

This interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets has two parts:

the seven thunders and the small scroll (Revelation 10:1–11), and
the two witnesses (Revelation 11:1–13).

The interlude ends with the announcement that the second terror is over (Revelation 11:14).

Theme notes and profiles

Elijah Visions

Related verses

2 Kings 2:11
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.
Acts 1:9
After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.
Revelation 4:1
After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.”
1 Thessalonians 4:17
After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.
Ephesians 2:5–6
…made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!
Revelation 12:5
And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was caught up to God and to His throne.
Revelation 3:21
To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Isaiah 60:8
Who are these who fly like clouds, like doves to their shelters?
2 Kings 2:1
Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal,
Luke 16:23
In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
2 Kings 2:5
Then the sons of the prophets at Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Revelation Elijah Numbers and Numerology

Topics

Ascension of Two Witnesses Martyrdom: General Scriptures Concerning Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Two Witnesses

Revelation 11:12

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Translations

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