Revelation 11:1-2

The Fate of the Two Witnesses

11:1 Then a measuring rod like a staff was given to me, and I was told, “Get up and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and the ones who worship there. 11:2 But do not measure the outer courtyard of the temple; leave it out, because it has been given to the Gentiles, and they will trample on the holy city for forty-two months.


tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence within the narrative.

tn Grk “a reed” (but these were used for measuring). Cf. Ezek 40:3ff.

tn Grk “saying.”

tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.

tn On the term αὐλήν (aulhn) BDAG 150 s.v. αὐλή 1 states, “(outer) court of the temple…Rv 11:2.”

tn The precise meaning of the phrase ἔκβαλε ἔξωθεν (ekbale exwqen) is difficult to determine.

tn Or “to the nations” (the same Greek word may be translated “Gentiles” or “nations”).

sn The holy city appears to be a reference to Jerusalem. See also Luke 21:24.