Revelation 11:8

And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Revelation 11:8 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to Revelation 11:1-14, which describes the ministry and martyrdom of the two witnesses. The book of Revelation is highly symbolic and apocalyptic, using imagery and metaphors to convey its message. In the preceding verse, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit makes war against the witnesses, overcomes them, and kills them (Revelation 11:7). Their dead bodies are then left unburied in the street of a great city.

Meaning

The identity of the great city is debated among scholars, but the phrase “where also our Lord was crucified” points clearly to Jerusalem. The city is called “spiritually” Sodom and Egypt, indicating a symbolic or allegorical sense rather than a literal one. The Greek word translated “spiritually” (pneumatikos) can also be rendered “figuratively,” “symbolically,” or “prophetically.” Sodom recalls the wickedness and judgment of that ancient city, while Egypt evokes the oppression of God’s people. Together, these names portray Jerusalem as morally corrupt and spiritually wayward, despite its historical and religious significance.

The dead bodies lying in the street symbolize public exposure and contempt for the witnesses’ message. Some scholars suggest this represents the rejection and mistreatment of God’s messengers and His Word by the city’s inhabitants. This rejection parallels the opposition and persecution faced by prophets and faithful believers throughout history. The reference to crucifixion also connects the witnesses’ suffering to Christ’s own death in the same city, linking their martyrdom to His.

Biblical connections

The verse’s symbolic names for Jerusalem echo Old Testament imagery. Sodom is associated with wickedness and divine judgment, while Egypt represents a place of bondage and opposition to God’s people. The witnesses’ unburied bodies for three and a half days (Revelation 11:9) further emphasize public shame and the apparent triumph of their enemies.

Application

Revelation 11:8 portrays a scene of spiritual decay and rejection of God’s message in a significant city. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and His truth, highlighting the need for repentance and spiritual renewal. The verse also encourages believers to remain faithful even when their witness is rejected or ridiculed, knowing that their suffering is united with Christ’s.

Reflection

As with any passage in Revelation, interpreting its symbolic language requires careful consideration and reference to other biblical passages and theological teachings. Consulting multiple commentaries and seeking guidance from trusted biblical scholars can aid in a comprehensive understanding of the text.