Revelation 1:10

KJV

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

KJV (with Strong's)

I was {G1096} in {G1722} the Spirit {G4151} on {G1722} the Lord's {G2960} day {G2250}, and {G2532} heard {G191} behind {G3694} me {G3450} a great {G3173} voice {G5456}, as {G5613} of a trumpet {G4536},

Complete Jewish Bible

I came to be, in the Spirit, on the Day of the Lord; and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet,

Berean Standard Bible

On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,

American Standard Version

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 1:10 describes the profound spiritual state and specific timing of the Apostle John's initial prophetic encounter on the island of Patmos. While in a deep spiritual receptivity, John heard a powerful, authoritative voice, likened to a trumpet, which signaled the commencement of the divine revelations that form the core of the book of Revelation. This verse establishes the supernatural origin and compelling nature of the message he was about to receive, setting the stage for the unfolding apocalyptic vision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introductory salutations and the majestic self-proclamation of Jesus Christ as the Alpha and Omega, the Living One who was dead and is alive forevermore, holding the keys of Hades and Death ([Revelation 1:4-8](/revelation/1-4-8 "Revelation 1:4-8 - Greetings and Christ's Self-Proclamation")). John has already identified himself as a "brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ," exiled to Patmos "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" ([Revelation 1:9](/revelation/1-9 "Revelation 1:9 - John's Exile on Patmos")). Thus, [Revelation 1:10](/revelation/1-10 "Revelation 1:10 - John's Visionary State") transitions from the general introduction and Christ's identity to the specific circumstances of John's visionary experience, initiating the detailed account of the revelation itself. It serves as the narrative bridge, moving from John's physical location and spiritual condition to the direct reception of divine communication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John, as an elder apostle, was likely exiled to Patmos, a small, rocky island in the Aegean Sea, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian (c. 95 AD), who initiated a severe persecution of Christians. This exile was a common Roman punishment for political or religious dissidents, often involving forced labor in mines or quarries. For early Christians, Sunday, "the Lord's day," had already become the established day for corporate worship and remembrance of Christ's resurrection, distinguishing it from the Jewish Sabbath. The imagery of a "trumpet" voice would have resonated deeply with Jewish and Roman audiences alike: trumpets were used in ancient Israel for summoning assemblies, signaling war, announcing festivals, and marking divine presence (e.g., at Mount Sinai, [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - Trumpet at Sinai")), and in Roman culture, for military commands and imperial decrees.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 1:10](/revelation/1-10 "Revelation 1:10 - John's Prophetic Vision") introduces several foundational themes that permeate the entire book. Firstly, **Divine Revelation and Inspiration** is paramount; John's being "in the Spirit" signifies a supernatural enabling to receive and record God's message, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the prophecy. Secondly, the mention of "the Lord's day" underscores the **Significance of Christian Worship and the Resurrection**, marking Sunday as the special day for encountering the Risen Christ. This timing also subtly connects the revelation to the ongoing life and worship of the church. Thirdly, the **Authoritative and Powerful Nature of God's Word** is vividly portrayed by the "great voice, as of a trumpet," signifying a message that commands attention, announces divine presence, and carries ultimate authority, much like the voice of God heard at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God at Mount Sinai") or the trumpet calls that precede divine judgments and events throughout [Revelation](/revelation/8 "Revelation 8 - The Seven Trumpets").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This term, G4151, refers to a current of air, breath, or breeze, but in a theological sense, it denotes a spirit, including the human rational soul, vital principle, mental disposition, or, as here, a superhuman entity like an angel, demon, or, most significantly, the divine Holy Spirit. In this context, "in the Spirit" signifies John being under the direct, powerful, and enabling influence of the Holy Spirit, allowing him to transcend ordinary human perception and receive divine revelation. It is a state of prophetic ecstasy or profound spiritual receptivity.
* **Lord's (Greek, _kyriakós'_):** This adjective, G2960, derives from _kyrios_ (Lord) and means "belonging to the Lord" (referring to Jehovah or Jesus). When combined with "day," it specifically designates the day belonging to the Lord, which, by the end of the first century, had become the Christian designation for Sunday, commemorating Christ's resurrection. This term emphasizes the day's sacredness and its connection to the person and work of Jesus Christ.
* **Voice (Greek, _phōnḗ'_):** G5456, probably akin to _phainō_ (to disclose), signifies a tone, articulate sound, or language. Here, it refers to an audible sound, specifically a "great voice." The context of a trumpet-like sound indicates a voice of immense power, clarity, and authority, one that demands immediate attention and signifies a momentous declaration from a divine source.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I was in the Spirit":** This phrase describes John's spiritual condition at the time of the vision. It indicates a state of divine inspiration and heightened spiritual awareness, where his human faculties were supernaturally attuned to perceive heavenly realities. This is not merely an emotional or subjective feeling but a profound, Spirit-induced trance or prophetic state, enabling him to receive direct communication from God.
* **"on the Lord's day":** This specifies the precise timing of the vision. It refers to Sunday, the first day of the week, which early Christians observed as the day of Christ's resurrection and for corporate worship. This detail underscores the significance of the day as sacred to Christ and suggests that divine revelation often occurs during times dedicated to worship and communion with God.
* **"and heard behind me a great voice":** As John was in this spiritually receptive state, he perceived an audible sound. The phrase "behind me" suggests an unexpected source, emphasizing the sudden and overwhelming nature of the divine encounter. The voice is described as "great," indicating its immense volume, power, and significance, immediately signaling a message of profound importance.
* **"as of a trumpet":** This simile likens the quality of the voice to the sound of a trumpet. The trumpet, in biblical and ancient contexts, was used to signal important events—summones, warnings, declarations, or the presence of royalty or deity. This comparison conveys the voice's clarity, penetrating power, and authoritative, attention-grabbing nature, preparing John (and the reader) for a message of ultimate divine authority and impending cosmic significance.

#### Literary Devices
[Revelation 1:10](/revelation/1-10 "Revelation 1:10 - John's Visionary Experience") employs several powerful literary devices. **Simile** is prominently used in "as of a trumpet," directly comparing the sound of the voice to a trumpet. This comparison is not merely descriptive but evocative, immediately conveying the characteristics of the voice: loud, clear, authoritative, and attention-grabbing. It also carries **Symbolism**, as the trumpet in biblical tradition frequently symbolizes divine communication, summons, judgment, or the advent of a significant event (e.g., the giving of the Law on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - Trumpet at Sinai")). The phrase "in the Spirit" represents **Spiritual Imagery**, depicting a state of profound divine inspiration and receptivity, essential for receiving apocalyptic visions. Furthermore, the entire verse sets a tone of **Anticipation** and **Awe**, preparing the reader for the momentous revelations that follow by emphasizing the extraordinary circumstances of their reception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 1:10 powerfully establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the entire book, affirming that the visions John received were not products of his own imagination but direct communications from God, mediated by the Holy Spirit. This emphasis on divine inspiration is crucial for the book's theological weight, assuring readers that the prophecies and messages contained within are trustworthy and carry ultimate authority. The setting "on the Lord's day" also elevates the significance of Christian worship and the resurrection of Christ, suggesting that moments of profound spiritual encounter often occur within the context of dedicating time to the Risen Lord. The trumpet-like voice foreshadows the many trumpet judgments and divine pronouncements throughout Revelation, reinforcing the theme of God's sovereign control over history and His ultimate triumph.

* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20-21 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy from God")
* [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - Pentecost and the Spirit")
* [Exodus 19:16-19](/exodus/19-16-19 "Exodus 19:16-19 - The Trumpet at Sinai")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 1:10 serves as a profound reminder of God's active engagement with humanity and His desire to communicate His truth. John's experience of being "in the Spirit" calls believers to cultivate a similar posture of spiritual receptivity, especially in an age filled with distractions. It encourages us to intentionally seek moments of quiet and devotion where we can attune our hearts and minds to God's voice, whether through His written Word, prayer, or the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The designation of "the Lord's day" highlights the enduring significance of Sunday as a special time for worship, rest, and focusing on the Risen Christ. In a world that often minimizes spiritual realities, this verse challenges us to prioritize dedicated time for God, recognizing that it is often in these sacred spaces that He chooses to reveal His purposes and strengthen our faith. The powerful, trumpet-like voice assures us that God's communication is not timid or uncertain, but clear, authoritative, and demands our earnest attention and obedience, guiding us through life's complexities and toward His ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate a greater "in the Spirit" receptivity to God's voice in my daily life?**
* **What is the significance of "the Lord's day" in my personal and corporate worship, and how can I honor it more fully?**
* **In what ways do I need to pay closer attention to the authoritative voice of God in Scripture and through the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ
**What does "in the Spirit" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "in the Spirit" (Greek: _en pneumati_) signifies a profound state of divine inspiration and spiritual receptivity. It means John was under the direct, powerful influence of the Holy Spirit, enabling him to transcend ordinary human perception and receive supernatural visions and revelations from God. This is a common biblical description of prophetic experiences, where God's Spirit empowers a prophet to perceive and communicate divine truths (e.g., [Ezekiel 3:12](/ezekiel/3-12 "Ezekiel 3:12 - Spirit Lifts Ezekiel")). It's not merely an emotional feeling but a supernatural enabling.

**Why is the timing "on the Lord's day" significant?**

Answer: "On the Lord's day" (Greek: _kyriakē hēmera_) refers to Sunday, the first day of the week. This timing is significant because it was the day early Christians gathered for worship, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ ([John 20:1](/john/20-1 "John 20:1 - Resurrection on the First Day")). By the end of the first century, it had become the established day for Christian assembly and worship, distinguishing it from the Jewish Sabbath. John receiving this profound revelation on this specific day underscores the day's sacredness and its connection to the Risen Christ and the life of the church.

**What is implied by the voice being "as of a trumpet"?**

Answer: The comparison of the voice to a trumpet (Greek: _sálpinx_) implies several things. Firstly, it conveys the immense volume and clarity of the voice—it was loud, distinct, and unmistakable. Secondly, it suggests authority and importance; in biblical and ancient cultures, trumpets were used to summon armies, announce royal decrees, signal significant events, or mark the presence of God (as at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - Trumpet Sound at Sinai")). Thus, the trumpet-like voice indicates that the message John was about to receive was from a divine, authoritative source, demanding immediate attention and obedience, and signaling the commencement of momentous events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 1:10, though describing John's experience, is deeply Christ-centered in its implications. John's being "in the Spirit" points to the work of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send to His disciples to guide them into all truth and declare to them the things to come ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). The vision occurring "on the Lord's day" directly links the revelation to the Risen Christ, whose resurrection on the first day of the week inaugurated the new creation and established the foundation for Christian worship. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the ultimate source and subject of the entire book of Revelation, as He is the one who "reveals" these things to John ([Revelation 1:1](/revelation/1-1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ")). The "great voice, as of a trumpet," is ultimately identified with the voice of the Son of Man, Jesus Christ Himself, who subsequently speaks to John, revealing His majestic glory and authority over all things ([Revelation 1:12-18](/revelation/1-12-18 "Revelation 1:12-18 - Vision of the Son of Man")). Thus, this verse sets the stage for a Christ-unveiling, where the glorified Lord communicates His final message of judgment and salvation, culminating in His ultimate triumph and eternal reign ([Revelation 22:20-21](/revelation/22-20-21 "Revelation 22:20-21 - Come, Lord Jesus!")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 21:10

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

Revelation 4:1

¶ After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Revelation 4:2

And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne.

2 Corinthians 12:2

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

2 Corinthians 12:4

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Revelation 17:3

So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

Acts 20:7

¶ And upon the first [day] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.