Revelation 11:10 — “The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse paints a sobering and even shocking picture. After the two witnesses are killed, the people of the world don’t mourn—they celebrate. They treat the death of God’s prophets like a holiday. They even go so far as to exchange gifts, like it’s a festival or victory party.
Why? Because these two witnesses “had tormented those who live on the earth.” Their message of truth, repentance, and judgment was uncomfortable. The world didn’t want to hear it. Instead of being convicted and turning to God, they hardened their hearts. And when the voices of truth were finally silenced, they rejoiced.
This verse shows the deep resistance the world has toward God’s truth. It isn’t just disagreement—it’s open celebration when that truth is pushed aside.
Historical Context
In the Roman Empire, Christians were already being seen as troublemakers. They refused to worship the emperor or go along with the culture, and their refusal to conform was viewed as a threat. When Christians suffered or died, many in society believed it was justice or even a cause for relief.
In the Old Testament, prophets were often hated for speaking God’s truth. Elijah, Jeremiah, and others were attacked not for doing evil, but for pointing out the sin in their nation. Most people would rather silence truth than change their ways.
This mindset has existed in every generation: when people love sin, they hate those who expose it.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that the world’s values and God’s values often stand in complete opposition. What the world celebrates may be the very thing that grieves the heart of God.
The celebration here shows how far people will go to resist repentance. Rather than turning to God when confronted with truth, they cheer when the truth-tellers are gone. It’s a warning about the power of a hardened heart.
It also reminds us that being faithful to God may bring not just rejection, but outright hostility. But it’s also a reminder that temporary celebration by the world is not the same as victory. God’s truth will rise again.
Literary Analysis
John uses vivid imagery and emotional contrast. The death of the witnesses, a tragic moment for heaven, is treated as a holiday by earth. The exchanging of gifts echoes festive occasions, almost like a counterfeit Christmas.
The phrase “tormented those who live on the earth” doesn’t mean the prophets were cruel. It means their words caused deep discomfort—because the truth of God always confronts sin. This discomfort should have led to repentance, but in this case, it led to rebellion.
The phrase “inhabitants of the earth” in Revelation often refers to people who are aligned with the world system, not with God. Their joy is a sign of spiritual blindness.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 3:19-20 – “People loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil… everyone who does evil hates the light.”
- 1 Kings 18:17 – Ahab called Elijah the “troubler of Israel” because he spoke against sin.
- Amos 5:10 – “There are those who hate the one who upholds justice in court and detest the one who tells the truth.”
- Luke 6:22-23 – Jesus said we are blessed when people hate us and exclude us for His name.
- Matthew 23:30-31 – Jesus exposes how people honor dead prophets but reject the living ones.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that faithfulness to God will not always be met with applause. There may come times when standing for truth brings ridicule, and when silence would be easier, the world might cheer if we stopped talking.
It also warns us not to be too quick to celebrate what the world celebrates. We must weigh everything by the truth of God’s Word. Just because something is popular or widely accepted doesn’t mean it’s good or right.
At the same time, this verse is an encouragement to keep going—even when truth is unpopular. God sees, and He will bring justice.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is not soft approval of everything people do. True love confronts sin. The two witnesses were an act of love—calling people to turn back to God. But the world didn’t want love; it wanted comfort, pleasure, and approval.
A loving God doesn’t force repentance. He offers it. And when people reject it, He doesn’t rejoice in judgment, but He allows people to make their choice. God’s love is patient, but He will not be mocked forever.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus was also rejected by the world. The people shouted “Hosanna!” one day and “Crucify him!” the next. When He was finally killed, many likely believed they had silenced a nuisance. But just like with the witnesses in Revelation, Jesus’ story did not end with death.
Jesus warned that the world would hate His followers because it first hated Him (John 15:18-20). This verse fulfills that warning. But it also points forward to resurrection and final victory—just like with Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do people often react with anger or mockery when confronted with God’s truth?
- How do I respond when truth makes me uncomfortable? Do I repent—or resist?
- What celebrations in the world today might be hiding rebellion against God?
- Am I willing to speak the truth, even when it’s unpopular or unwelcome?
- How does Jesus’ rejection by the world give me strength to face opposition for my faith?