Revelation 11:3

And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth."

Study Bible

And I will empower
The phrase "I will empower" signifies divine authority and enablement. The Greek word used here is "δίδωμι" (didōmi), which means to give or grant. This empowerment is not of human origin but is a direct endowment from God, emphasizing His sovereignty and the divine nature of the mission. In the biblical context, empowerment by God often precedes significant acts of prophecy or leadership, as seen with figures like Moses and Elijah.

my two witnesses
The "two witnesses" are central figures in this passage. The Greek word for witnesses is "μάρτυς" (martys), which can mean both witness and martyr. Historically, witnesses were those who testified to the truth, often at great personal cost. The number two is significant in biblical terms, as it fulfills the requirement for a valid testimony according to Jewish law (Deuteronomy 19:15). These witnesses are seen as prophetic figures, possibly representing the Law and the Prophets, or the Church and Israel, symbolizing the continuity and fulfillment of God's covenant.

and they will prophesy
The act of prophesying involves speaking forth the word of God. The Greek word "προφητεύω" (prophēteuō) means to speak under divine inspiration. This indicates that their message is not self-derived but is a direct revelation from God. Prophecy in the biblical sense often includes both foretelling future events and forth-telling God's truth to the present generation, calling for repentance and faithfulness.

for 1,260 days
The period of "1,260 days" is significant in apocalyptic literature, corresponding to three and a half years. This timeframe is often associated with periods of trial and tribulation. It is half of the perfect number seven, symbolizing incompleteness and a time of testing. This duration is also mentioned in Daniel and Revelation, indicating a period of intense spiritual conflict and divine intervention.

clothed in sackcloth
Sackcloth is a coarse material traditionally worn as a sign of mourning, repentance, or humility. The Greek word "σάκκος" (sakkos) reflects this cultural practice. The imagery of sackcloth indicates the somber and urgent nature of the witnesses' message. It is a call to repentance, echoing the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament where prophets like Jonah and Jeremiah wore sackcloth to signify the seriousness of their divine message and the need for the people to turn back to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Two Witnesses
These are prophetic figures empowered by God to deliver His message. Their identity is debated, with some interpretations suggesting they symbolize the Law and the Prophets, or specific historical figures like Moses and Elijah.

2. 1,260 Days
This period is significant in apocalyptic literature, representing a time of trial and tribulation. It is equivalent to 42 months or 3.5 years, often seen as a period of divine judgment or testing.

3. Sackcloth
A garment of mourning and repentance, indicating the somber and serious nature of the witnesses' message. It symbolizes humility and the call to repentance.

Teaching Points

Empowerment by God
The two witnesses are empowered by God, reminding us that true spiritual authority and power come from Him. We should seek God's empowerment in our own lives to fulfill His purposes.

The Role of Prophecy
The witnesses' role is to prophesy, highlighting the importance of speaking God's truth in a world that often rejects it. We are called to be bold in sharing the Gospel, even in the face of opposition.

Significance of Sackcloth
The sackcloth signifies repentance and mourning. As believers, we should live lives marked by humility and a continual turning away from sin.

Perseverance in Tribulation
The 1,260 days symbolize a period of trial. We are encouraged to persevere in faith during difficult times, trusting in God's ultimate plan and timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the empowerment of the two witnesses teach us about the source of spiritual authority and strength in our own lives?

2. How can the example of the two witnesses encourage us to be bold in sharing our faith, even when it is unpopular or met with resistance?

3. In what ways can we incorporate the symbolism of sackcloth into our daily walk with Christ, particularly in terms of repentance and humility?

4. How does the period of 1,260 days relate to other biblical themes of trial and perseverance, and what can we learn from this about enduring through our own challenges?

5. How do the connections between Revelation 11:3 and other scriptures like Zechariah 4 and Daniel 7 enhance our understanding of God's plan for His people during the end times?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Zechariah 4
The imagery of the two olive trees and lampstands in Zechariah parallels the two witnesses, suggesting a connection to God's anointed ones who stand by the Lord of all the earth.

Matthew 17
The appearance of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration of Jesus connects to the idea of the two witnesses as representatives of the Law and the Prophets.

Daniel 7 and 12
The time period of 1,260 days is echoed in Daniel's prophecies, linking to themes of end-times tribulation and God's ultimate victory.