Revelation 11:12

And the witnesses heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched them.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — A loud voice from heaven addresses the two resurrected witnesses immediately after they stand on their feet, commanding them to ascend while their opponents observe. The words — ἤκουσαν (ēkousan) translates literally as "they heard," and φωνῆς μεγάλης (phōnēs megalēs) means "a great voice." The thread — The ascent mirrors Elijah’s removal in 2 Kings 2:11 and Jesus’ ascension in Acts 1:9, both depicting heavenly departure witnessed by earthly observers. Why it lands — The text states that divine command alone initiates the witnesses’ removal, terminating their earthly ministry regardless of human opposition.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

Cross-references

2 Kings 2:11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.
Acts 1:9 After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.
Revelation 4:1 After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.”
1 Thessalonians 4:17 After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.
Ephesians 2:5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!
Revelation 12:5 And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was caught up to God and to His throne.
2 Kings 2:1 Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal,
2 Kings 2:5 Then the sons of the prophets at Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 60:8 Who are these who fly like clouds, like doves to their shelters?