Who Are The Two Witnesses?

Last updated on August 8, 2025

The Bible reveals that in the last days, God will empower His two witnesses to prophesy with authority and power. But who exactly are these two witnesses, and how can we rightly identify them? To answer this question, we must closely examine the prophetic imagery found in the Book of Revelation and connect it with other passages throughout Scripture.

The Two Olive Trees and the Two Lampstands
In Revelation 11:4, the Apostle John writes, “They are the two olive trees and the two lampstands, and they stand before the Lord of the earth.” This verse provides the clearest symbolic identity of the two witnesses: they are represented as both olive trees and lampstands. To fully understand who they are, we must interpret each of these symbols in light of the rest of Scripture.

The Lampstands Represent Congregations
Scripture does not leave the symbol of lampstands unexplained. In Revelation 1:20, Jesus declares, “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” Therefore, the lampstands clearly represent churches or congregations.

The Greek word used for “churches” here is ἐκκλησίαις (ekklēsiais), which refers to an assembly, a congregation or religious gathering. This is crucial to note because the word “congregation” will help us later clarify the true identity of the two witnesses. These lampstands are not merely individuals but assemblies of people—faith communities set apart to bear light in a darkened world.

The Two Olive Trees in Zechariah’s Vision
In addition to being lampstands, the two witnesses are also called olive trees. To gain insight into this imagery, we turn to the Book of Zechariah. The prophet Zechariah received a similar vision involving lampstands and olive trees.

Zechariah 4:2–3 says, “What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to each of the lamps. There are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”

Later in Zechariah 4:11–14, the angel reveals the meaning: “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” So, just as in Revelation, the two olive trees symbolize anointed ones standing before the Lord. This ties the two passages together and suggests that the two witnesses are not just random prophets, but sacred assemblies or spiritual houses chosen and empowered by God.

The Anointing of the Two Witnesses
Though the full explanation of their anointing deserves a post of its own, we can briefly touch on it here. In 1 John 2:20, the Apostle John writes, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” This anointing gives God’s witnesses discernment and a deep connection with the Spirit of truth—Jesus Christ, who is the Light and the King.

Furthermore, this divine anointing includes authority over spirits and other spiritual powers. In Revelation 11:3, God declares, “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.” This power will be given to those who enter the Kingdom of God, fulfilling 1 Corinthians 4:20: “For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.”

Jesus confirmed this same authority when He said in Luke 10:19, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.” The two witnesses will demonstrate this kind of power as they testify to the truth of God and the reality of His Kingdom—Mount Zion.

The Olive Tree and the House of Israel
We also must connect the olive tree imagery with Israel itself. In Jeremiah 11:16, the Lord declares, “The LORD called your name, A green olive tree, fair and of goodly fruit.” Historically, Israel split into two factions: the House of Judah and the House of Israel. 1 Kings 16:21 tells us, “Then the people of Israel were split into two factions…” These two divisions—Judah and Israel—are represented symbolically by the two olive trees

The Apostle Paul expanded this metaphor in Romans 11:17, writing, “If some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them and share in the nourishing sap from the olive root…” This refers to gentile believers who, through faith in Christ, are grafted into the spiritual olive tree of Israel.

Paul confirms this further in Ephesians 2:11–13: “Remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh…were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel…But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.”

Thus, in the last days, Gentile believers will be counted among the two witnesses. They will prophesy and become part of the House of Israel—the multitude from among the nations.

The House of Judah and the Elect Saints
While Gentile believers now represent the House of Israel, the elect saints of the end times will represent the House of Judah. Psalm 74:2 declares, “Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.” Mount Zion belongs to Judah and is the spiritual congregation of the firstborn.

The 144,000 Israelite elect saints described in Revelation will emerge from the Spiritual House of Judah. These two houses—Judah and Israel—form the two witnesses: the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before God.

How Will They Testify?
The two witnesses, representing Judah and Israel, will demonstrate the operation of the Kingdom of God and the power that flows from it. As Revelation 11:6 describes, “They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.”

This aligns with Joel 2:28–32, where God proclaims:
“I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy… Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days… Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance…”

The gifts of the Spirit will empower the two witnesses to speak, act, and demonstrate signs—revealing the glory of God in His kingdom — Mount Zion.

Conclusion: The Identity of the Two Witnesses
Therefore, we can conclude that the two witnesses are not just two individuals but are symbolic of Judah and Israel—the two houses of God’s people. They are the two lampstands, the two olive trees, and the two anointed ones revealed in the visions of both Apostle John and the prophet Zechariah.

These two assemblies—Judah (the elect saints) and Israel (the believing multitude from the nations)—will rise up in the last days to declare the truth, perform signs, and usher in the reign of God’s Kingdom on Earth.

I hope this post has helped you gain a clearer understanding of who the Two Witnesses are. If it has blessed you, please consider sharing it with others or supporting this ministry. Until next time, may God bless you and guide you in all truth!

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