Revelation 11:8
“Their dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.”
What does Revelation 11:8 mean?
John is describing two prophetic witnesses whose faithful testimony will cost them their lives. The "great city" here represents the earthly powers opposed to God, and John calls it "Sodom and Egypt" to evoke places known for rejecting God's messengers and turning away from Him. The reference to where "their Lord was crucified" points to Jerusalem, making clear that this vision speaks to spiritual rebellion and resistance to God's truth, not just physical geography. The haunting image of their bodies left in the street, rather than receiving proper burial, emphasizes the shame and rejection they'll face. Yet John writes about this not to terrify his readers but to prepare them: those who stand for God's truth may face real opposition and loss in this world. At the same time, the vision goes on to show that death is not the final word for these witnesses, offering hope to anyone feeling spiritually isolated or persecuted for their faith.