Revelation 10:11

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 10:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they say unto me, Thou must prophesy again over many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they say unto me, Thou must prophesy again over many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.
Revelation 10:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11And they say unto me, Thou must prophesy again over many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he said unto me, etc.] That is, the angel, from whom John received the little book; the Alexandrian copy reads, “they said unto me”: both the voice of God the Father from heaven, that bid him take the book, and the angel that bid him eat it: thou must prophesy again before many people, and nations, and tongues, and kings; which is to be understood not of John's preaching again to many people, and nations, after his return from his exile at Patmos, as he had done before his banishment thither; and much less of his prophesying along with Enoch and Elias, towards the end of the world, grounded upon two fabulous notions, the one that Enoch and Elias will appear in person before the coming of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“he said--A, B, and Vulgate read, "they say unto me"; an indefinite expression for "it was said unto me." Thou must--The obligation lies upon thee, as the servant of God, to prophesy at His command. again--as thou didst already in the previous part of this book of Revelation. before, &c.--rather as Greek (epilaois), "concerning many peoples," &c., namely, in their relation to the Church. The eating of the book, as in Ezekiel's case, marks John's inauguration to his prophetical office--here to a fresh stage in it, namely, the revealing of the things which befall the holy city and the Church of God--the subject of the rest of the book. Next: Revelation Chapter 11”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And he said unto me - The angel then said. Thou must prophesy - The word “prophesy” here is evidently used in the large sense of making known divine truth in general; not in the comparatively narrow and limited sense in which it is commonly used, as referring merely to the foretelling of future events. See the word explained in the Romans 12:6 note; 1 Corinthians 14:1 note. The meaning is, that, as a consequence of becoming possessed of the little volume and its contents, he would be called to proclaim divine truth, or to make the message of God known to mankind. The direct address is to John himself; but it is evidently not to be understood of him personally. He is represented as seeing the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thou must prophesy again - Of the mystery of God; of which the ancient prophets had prophesied before. And he did prophesy, by "measuring the temple," Rev 11:1; as a prophecy may be delivered either by words or actions. Concerning people, and nations, and tongues, and many kings - The people, nations, and tongues are contemporary; but the kings, being many, succeed one another. These kings are not mentioned for their own sake, but with a view to the "holy city," Rev 11:2. Here is a reference to the great kingdoms in Spain, England, Italy, &c., which arose from the eighth century; or at least underwent a considerable change, as France and Germany in particular; to the Christian, afterward…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“10:11 Unlike Ezekiel, who prophesied for Israel alone, John must prophesy . . . about (or against) all the people of the world. There is debate whether “about” or “against” is the best translation; “about” allows for both promise and judgment (see both in 21:24-27).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Thou: Rev 11:9, Rev 14:6, Rev 17:15; Jer 1:9, Jer 1:10, 25:15-30 Next: Revelation Chapter 11”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification