Revelation 11:13
And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκείνῃ
G1565
ἐκείνῃ
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
3 of 35
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐγένοντο
was there
G1096
ἐγένοντο
was there
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
6 of 35
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
σεισμῷ
earthquake
G4578
σεισμῷ
earthquake
Strong's:
G4578
Word #:
7 of 35
a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake
μέγας
a great
G3173
μέγας
a great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
8 of 35
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλεως
of the city
G4172
πόλεως
of the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
13 of 35
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σεισμῷ
earthquake
G4578
σεισμῷ
earthquake
Strong's:
G4578
Word #:
19 of 35
a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake
ὀνόματα
G3686
ὀνόματα
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
20 of 35
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐγένοντο
was there
G1096
ἐγένοντο
was there
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
28 of 35
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
29 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔδωκαν
gave
G1325
ἔδωκαν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
30 of 35
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
δόξαν
glory
G1391
δόξαν
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
31 of 35
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to the God
G2316
θεῷ
to the God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
33 of 35
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Revelation 14:7Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.Revelation 6:12And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;Joshua 7:19And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.Revelation 11:11And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.Revelation 8:5And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.Revelation 15:4Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.Revelation 11:19And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.Jeremiah 13:16Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.Revelation 19:7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
Historical Context
Jerusalem experienced earthquakes throughout history, including at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51). The imagery would resonate with residents of seismically active regions. Earthquakes in Scripture often accompany divine appearances or judgments (Exodus 19:18, Ezekiel 38:19). The specific numbers suggest symbolic completeness—seven thousand, tenth part—rather than precise mathematics.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between fear-driven acknowledgment of God and genuine repentance?
- What role do God's judgments play in bringing some to salvation, and how should this inform your prayers during calamities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The great earthquake killing seven thousand represents partial judgment leading survivors to fear and give glory to God. Unlike previous judgments where hearts remained hardened (9:20-21), this provokes proper response. The number seven thousand may echo 1 Kings 19:18's remnant who hadn't bowed to Baal, suggesting God preserves a faithful minority. 'Gave glory to God' could indicate genuine repentance or mere fear-driven acknowledgment. Reformed theology recognizes that God's judgments sometimes break hard hearts, bringing some to salvation. The tenth part destroyed shows measured judgment, not total annihilation.