Revelation 11:6

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

Revelation 11:6 (KJV)

Context

Revelation 11:6 describes the two witnesses introduced in the preceding verses. They appear during the great tribulation and are given specific powers from God to carry out their prophetic ministry. The verse lists three distinct powers, each showing that the witnesses act not by their own ability but by delegated authority from God.

Meaning

The first power is to shut heaven so that it does not rain during the days of their prophecy. This withholding of rain functions as a drought and a judgment upon the earth. The second power is over waters to turn them to blood, a direct echo of the plagues of Egypt. The third power is to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. The Greek text confirms the sense of authority and volition: they have authority to shut the sky, and they act as often as they desire. Their power is not limited to a single event but can be exercised repeatedly at their discretion.

Biblical connections

The language of shutting heaven and turning waters to blood deliberately recalls the ministries of Elijah and Moses. Elijah prayed that it would not rain (1 Kings 17:1), and Moses turned the waters of Egypt into blood (Exodus 7:20-21). These Old Testament connections show that the end-times witnesses follow the prophetic pattern established by God’s earlier servants. The plagues they unleash are judgments upon the earth, consistent with the apocalyptic context of Revelation.

Application

The witnesses’ authority is comprehensive—over the sky, the waters, and the earth—demonstrating that God empowers His servants to accomplish His purposes in the world. Their ability to strike the earth with all plagues suggests a complete arsenal of judgment, reminiscent of the plagues of Egypt, which serves as a warning of divine judgment and a call to repentance. The verse emphasizes that their prophetic activity is time-bound, “in the days of their prophecy,” and their power is exercised in direct service of that prophetic calling.

Reflection

Revelation is a highly symbolic book, and interpreting its contents requires careful study and consideration. Some scholars understand the two witnesses symbolically, representing the witness and testimony of God’s people throughout history. Others see them as actual individuals who will appear in the future. Different interpretations exist, so it is essential to approach the book of Revelation with humility and a willingness to learn from various perspectives. Overall, Revelation 11:6 points to the power and authority given to the two witnesses during the great tribulation, enabling them to bring divine judgments upon the earth as part of God’s plan.