Revelation 11:5
And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
their
G846
αὐτὸν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
θέλῃ
will
G2309
θέλῃ
will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
5 of 27
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἀδικῆσαι
hurt
G91
ἀδικῆσαι
hurt
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
6 of 27
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 27
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόματος
mouth
G4750
στόματος
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
11 of 27
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
αὐτὸν
their
G846
αὐτὸν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατεσθίει
devoureth
G2719
κατεσθίει
devoureth
Strong's:
G2719
Word #:
14 of 27
to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχθροὺς
enemies
G2190
ἐχθροὺς
enemies
Strong's:
G2190
Word #:
16 of 27
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
αὐτὸν
their
G846
αὐτὸν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
their
G846
αὐτὸν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
θέλῃ
will
G2309
θέλῃ
will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
22 of 27
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἀδικῆσαι
hurt
G91
ἀδικῆσαι
hurt
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
23 of 27
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
οὕτως
in this manner
G3779
οὕτως
in this manner
Strong's:
G3779
Word #:
24 of 27
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
δεῖ
he must
G1163
δεῖ
he must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
25 of 27
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
Cross References
Jeremiah 5:14Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.Isaiah 11:4But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.Hosea 6:5Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.Psalms 18:8There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.Jeremiah 1:10See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.Zechariah 2:8For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.
Historical Context
First-century prophets faced violent opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities. This vision encouraged believers that God's witnesses would complete their testimony despite threats. The Elijah imagery recalled Israel's prophetic tradition, asserting continuity between Old Testament prophets and Christian witnesses. The 1,260 days (v. 3) represents complete testimony before judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of protection during testimony's appointed time encourage boldness in witness?
- What does the Word's power to judge (fire from mouths) teach about the seriousness of gospel proclamation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The witnesses' power to consume enemies with fire from their mouths parallels Elijah's ministry (2 Kings 1:10-12) and Jeremiah's commission (Jeremiah 5:14). This represents the Word's power to judge and condemn—the gospel's two-edged nature (Hebrews 4:12). Reformed theology emphasizes that gospel proclamation both saves the elect and hardens the reprobate. The witnesses' supernatural protection during their testimony period demonstrates God's sovereignty over His messengers' timing. None can silence God's testimony until its appointed completion. The 'hurt' refers to premature silencing before their mission concludes.