Revelation 1:10

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Revelation 1:10 (KJV) marks a pivotal moment in the Apostle John's prophetic vision, setting the stage for the unveiling of future events. This verse describes the circumstances under which John received the profound revelations contained within the book, emphasizing divine inspiration and authoritative communication.

Context

This verse opens the descriptive account of John's first vision, following the introductory greetings and Christ's self-identification in the preceding verses. John, exiled to the island of Patmos for his faith (Revelation 1:9), finds himself in a state of spiritual receptivity. The book of Revelation itself is an apocalyptic prophecy, intended to reveal "things which must shortly come to pass" (Revelation 1:1), offering comfort, warning, and hope to the early Christian churches facing persecution.

Key Themes

  • Divine Inspiration and Receptivity: John's statement, "I was in the Spirit," signifies a profound spiritual experience where he was divinely enabled to receive and perceive heavenly realities, transcending ordinary human senses. This state is crucial for understanding prophetic literature.
  • The Lord's Day: The specific timing, "on the Lord's day," points to the first day of the week (Sunday), which early Christians observed to commemorate Christ's resurrection (John 20:1) and for corporate worship (Acts 20:7). It underscores the sacredness of the day and its connection to Christ's victory.
  • Authoritative Divine Voice: The "great voice, as of a trumpet," powerfully conveys the majesty, clarity, and undeniable authority of the message John was about to receive. The trumpet sound often signifies a divine summons, a call to attention, or a declaration of God's presence and judgment, reminiscent of the voice at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16; Hebrews 12:19).

Linguistic Insights

  • "in the Spirit": The Greek phrase is en pneumati (ἐν πνεύματι), indicating not merely a subjective feeling but a state of being under the direct influence or power of the Holy Spirit. This is a common description of prophetic experiences in the Bible, where God's Spirit enables a prophet to transcend the natural realm and receive divine communication (e.g., Ezekiel 3:12).
  • "the Lord's day": The Greek kyriakē hēmera (κυριακῇ ἡμέρᾳ) is the origin of the term "Lord's Day" and specifically refers to Sunday, distinguishing it from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday). This usage solidified its significance as the Christian day of worship.

Practical Application

Revelation 1:10 encourages believers to cultivate a spiritual receptivity to God's voice, particularly during times of worship and devotion. Just as John was set apart and open to revelation, we too should seek to be "in the Spirit" to discern God's will and truth. It also reminds us of the significance of "the Lord's day" as a dedicated time for focusing on Christ, His resurrection, and His ongoing work in the world. The powerful, trumpet-like voice assures us that God's communication is clear, authoritative, and demands our full attention, guiding us through life's challenges and toward His ultimate triumph.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 21:10 (12 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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.