Revelation 11:8 — “Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse describes what happens immediately after the two witnesses are killed. Their bodies are left unburied in the street, a sign of shame and rejection. In biblical times, leaving someone unburied was deeply dishonoring. It was a way of saying, “These people are worthless.”
The verse says this happens in “the great city,” which is not named directly but is described with heavy symbolism—“figuratively called Sodom and Egypt.” These two names carry strong meaning. Sodom stands for immorality, rebellion, and judgment (Genesis 19). Egypt represents oppression and slavery, particularly for God’s people (Exodus 1-12).
And then the final line hits home: “where also their Lord was crucified.” This clearly refers to Jerusalem, the city where Jesus was rejected and killed. But John uses layered symbolism here. This “great city” represents not just a place, but a spirit of resistance to God—a world that hates truth and refuses to repent, even when God speaks directly through His servants.
Historical Context
For John’s original audience, this verse would have stirred a lot of emotions. Many had seen friends or family members martyred for their faith. Public humiliation and rejection were real threats. Christians were considered troublemakers in the Roman Empire—outsiders who refused to worship the emperor or follow the culture.
Jerusalem was once known as the holy city, but it had also become a place of deep compromise and resistance to God. It was the place where prophets were killed (Matthew 23:37) and where Jesus Himself was crucified.
Calling this city “Sodom and Egypt” would have been shocking. But it makes the point: any place that turns its back on God—no matter how religious it may look—is spiritually lost and under judgment.
Theological Implications
This verse shows how the world treats those who speak God’s truth: with scorn, shame, and rejection. It also shows the world’s attitude toward God Himself. If they rejected Jesus, they will reject His messengers too (John 15:18-20).
It also reminds us that spiritual rebellion isn’t limited to one place. Wherever people reject God’s authority, choose sin, and refuse to repent, that place takes on the spirit of Sodom and Egypt—even if it wears a religious face.
But even in that rejection, God’s plan is still unfolding. The death of the witnesses isn’t the end. This verse is setting the stage for God to act in power once again.
Literary Analysis
The language here is deeply symbolic. John doesn’t say the name of the city right away. Instead, he layers meanings: “Sodom,” “Egypt,” and “where their Lord was crucified.” This creates a powerful image of a world that has completely turned against God.
The use of “figuratively” (or “spiritually” in some translations) shows us that this is more than geography—it’s about the moral and spiritual condition of the world. The witnesses are treated like trash in a city that once claimed to know God, but now looks more like the worst examples of judgment in the Old Testament.
The phrase “public square” adds to the shame—this wasn’t a quiet death. It was a spectacle. The world watched and celebrated.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 19:24-25 – God’s judgment on Sodom.
- Exodus 7-12 – The plagues on Egypt as a response to Pharaoh’s hardened heart.
- Luke 13:33-34 – Jesus laments over Jerusalem, saying it’s the city that kills prophets.
- Hebrews 13:12-13 – Jesus suffered “outside the city gate” and calls us to join Him there.
- Matthew 5:11-12 – Jesus says, “Blessed are you when people insult you… for in the same way they persecuted the prophets.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a strong reminder that being faithful to God doesn’t always lead to applause. It may lead to rejection, mockery, or even being cast aside by the very people who claim to honor God. But God sees. He doesn’t forget.
It also challenges us to look at our own hearts and communities. Are we truly aligned with God’s Word, or are we just religious on the outside while resisting Him on the inside? Sodom, Egypt, and Jerusalem all had different reputations—but they all turned away from God in the end.
And for today’s believer, this verse gives hope. Even if the world dishonors and rejects us, we follow a Savior who was rejected first—and who overcame.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love doesn’t mean everyone will like His messengers. Sometimes, love means sending truth into hostile territory—even knowing it will be rejected. That’s what God does here.
The fact that God sends the witnesses in the first place shows His love. He’s still trying to reach people, even in a rebellious world. And when they are killed, He doesn’t forget them. He honors their sacrifice. His justice is coming.
A loving God doesn’t ignore sin—but He also doesn’t give up on people easily.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse clearly ties the two witnesses to Jesus. They are killed in the same kind of place where He was crucified. They follow His path—boldly speaking truth, being rejected by the world, and suffering publicly for righteousness.
Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). The witnesses walk in His footsteps. And just like Jesus, their death will not be the end. Resurrection is coming.
Jesus also warned that some would claim to know God but would reject the truth. This verse confirms that sad reality—but it also points to the coming victory that belongs to those who remain faithful.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse show me about how the world responds to God’s truth?
- In what ways might I be tempted to avoid rejection instead of standing for what’s right?
- Do I see any signs of “Sodom” or “Egypt” in my own heart, home, or church?
- How does knowing Jesus was also rejected encourage me to stay faithful?
- What does this verse teach me about God’s purpose even in moments of suffering or public shame?