Revelation 11:6 — “They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse continues describing the two witnesses God appoints during a time of great trouble on the earth. It tells us they are given power by God to do remarkable, even terrifying, signs. They can stop the rain, turn water into blood, and bring plagues. These aren’t tricks or illusions—they are signs of God’s authority and judgment working through His messengers.
Stopping rain points back to the prophet Elijah, who prayed, and no rain fell for three and a half years (1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17). Turning water to blood and calling down plagues reminds us of Moses in Egypt (Exodus 7-12). So, these witnesses are like a combination of Elijah and Moses—representing God’s powerful call to repentance.
Their authority comes directly from God. These signs are not meant to entertain but to wake people up spiritually. God is showing through them that He still rules over creation and has not turned a blind eye to evil.
Historical Context
In the first century, the believers who read this would’ve immediately recognized the echoes of Old Testament prophets. Both Elijah and Moses had stood before kings, delivered hard truths, and demonstrated God’s power in ways that couldn’t be ignored.
The Roman Empire, which ruled the world at the time Revelation was written, seemed unstoppable. Christians were a small and often persecuted group. This verse would have reminded them that even in a world filled with evil and oppression, God still works through His people—and He gives them power to accomplish His purposes.
In Jewish tradition, Elijah was expected to return before the great day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5), and Moses represented the law. Together, they symbolize the full witness of God’s truth to the world.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that God not only sends truth—He backs it with power. The two witnesses don’t just speak; they act with God’s authority. Their miracles aren’t random. They mirror the Old Testament as a way of calling people back to God.
The signs they perform—stopping rain, plagues, turning water to blood—are forms of judgment. But judgment in the Bible is never just about punishment. It’s also about mercy, because it gives people a chance to wake up, repent, and return to God before it’s too late.
This verse teaches that God is not silent or passive in the face of evil. He confronts it. He warns. And He calls people to change before final judgment comes.
Literary Analysis
Revelation is full of symbols, and this verse uses vivid images that carry deep meaning. The witnesses act like prophets—calling people to repentance and backing up their words with signs. Each act mentioned has strong roots in Old Testament stories:
The phrase “as often as they want” doesn’t mean the witnesses are careless or selfish. It emphasizes that they have real authority given by God. Their actions aren’t under human control—they answer to God alone.
This verse builds intensity in the story. The world is being warned, and God is making sure no one can say they didn’t know the truth.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Kings 17:1 – Elijah declares a drought in Israel.
- James 5:17-18 – Elijah prayed for it not to rain, and it didn’t.
- Exodus 7:17-21 – Moses turns the Nile into blood.
- Exodus 9:14-16 – God sends plagues through Moses to show His power.
- Malachi 4:5 – Elijah is prophesied to return before the great day of the Lord.
- Matthew 17:1-3 – Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus at the transfiguration, symbolizing the law and the prophets.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a reminder that God still works through His people—even when the world rejects them. Truth-telling might seem weak or ineffective, but God gives His witnesses power in ways the world can’t understand or stop.
It also teaches us to take God’s warnings seriously. The signs in this verse are not just dramatic—they’re urgent. We are called to listen to God’s voice and turn back to Him when He speaks, whether through Scripture, conviction, or even hardship.
We don’t need to perform miracles to be faithful witnesses, but we do need to speak God’s truth boldly and trust that He is at work through us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first glance, fire, drought, and plagues may not sound loving. But they are part of how God shakes people awake. When someone you love is heading for disaster, you don’t stay silent—you warn them. Sometimes you even take drastic action to get their attention.
That’s what God is doing here. The witnesses are speaking hard truths, but they are doing it because God is giving the world another chance to repent. That’s love. A loving God doesn’t just let people walk into judgment without trying to stop them.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus performed miracles to reveal His identity and authority—healing the sick, calming storms, raising the dead. He also warned of judgment and called people to repentance.
At the transfiguration (Matthew 17), Jesus stood with Moses and Elijah. These two Old Testament figures appear again in Revelation’s imagery of the witnesses. The two witnesses reflect Jesus’ ministry: truth spoken with power, miracles that point to God, and a message that demands a response.
Jesus is also the One who empowers all witness. In John 14:12, He promised that His followers would do even greater works in His name. The power seen in these witnesses comes from Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think God gave the witnesses the power to perform these signs?
- What can we learn from the examples of Moses and Elijah as bold messengers of God?
- Are there times when we resist God’s warnings instead of responding in repentance?
- How can I be a faithful witness for God in a culture that may not welcome truth?
- What does this verse teach me about trusting God’s power and timing rather than my own strength?