11:1 Then 1 a measuring rod 2 like a staff was given to me, and I was told, 3 “Get up and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and the ones who worship there. 11:2 But 4 do not measure the outer courtyard 5 of the temple; leave it out, 6 because it has been given to the Gentiles, 7 and they will trample on the holy city 8 for forty-two months. 11:3 And I will grant my two witnesses authority 9 to prophesy for 1,260 days, dressed in sackcloth.
1 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence within the narrative.
2 tn Grk “a reed” (but these were used for measuring). Cf. Ezek 40:3ff.
3 tn Grk “saying.”
4 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
5 tn On the term αὐλήν (aulhn) BDAG 150 s.v. αὐλή 1 states, “(outer) court of the temple…Rv 11:2.”
6 tn The precise meaning of the phrase ἔκβαλε ἔξωθεν (ekbale exwqen) is difficult to determine.
7 tn Or “to the nations” (the same Greek word may be translated “Gentiles” or “nations”).
8 sn The holy city appears to be a reference to Jerusalem. See also Luke 21:24.
9 tn The word “authority” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. “Power” would be another alternative that could be supplied here.