Revelation 1:14

His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire;

{G1161} His {G846} head {G2776} and {G2532} his hairs {G2359} were white {G3022} like {G5616} wool {G2053}, as white {G3022} as {G5613} snow {G5510}; and {G2532} his {G846} eyes {G3788} were as {G5613} a flame {G5395} of fire {G4442};

His head and hair were as white as snow-white wool, his eyes like a fiery flame,

The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire.

And his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

Context

Revelation 1:14 is part of John's awe-inspiring vision of the glorified Christ, which he received while exiled on the island of Patmos. This detailed description of Jesus, beginning in Revelation chapter 1, serves to introduce the messages to the seven churches and the subsequent prophetic narrative of the book. The imagery is rich with Old Testament allusions, particularly from prophetic books like Daniel, establishing Christ's divine authority and eternal nature.

Key Themes

  • Divine Antiquity and Wisdom: "His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow" signifies Christ's eternal existence, pre-existence, and profound, unsearchable wisdom. The whiteness also conveys purity and holiness, suggesting a being beyond time and corruption.
  • Penetrating Judgment and Omniscience: "and his eyes were as a flame of fire" symbolizes Christ's all-seeing knowledge, His ability to discern truth from falsehood, and the intensity of His divine judgment. Nothing is hidden from His gaze; He sees into the deepest motives and secrets of hearts.
  • Supreme Authority and Power: The entire majestic portrayal of Christ, including these specific features, underscores His ultimate sovereignty over all creation, history, and judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "white" (leukos) emphasizes a brilliant, dazzling whiteness, often associated with divine purity, heavenly glory, and righteousness in the New Testament. The phrase "flame of fire" (phlox pyros) vividly conveys an intense, consuming quality, often linked to divine presence and judgment in biblical literature.

Cross-References & Significance

The imagery in this verse draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic visions, particularly connecting Christ to the "Ancient of Days."

  • The description of Christ's white hair directly echoes the vision of the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7:9, affirming Jesus's deity and eternal nature as co-equal with God the Father. This link is vital for understanding Christ's identity as the pre-existent, eternal Son.
  • Christ's eyes "as a flame of fire" is a recurring motif in Revelation, appearing again when He addresses the churches, as seen in Revelation 2:18, and again when He returns in power in Revelation 19:12. This consistent imagery reinforces His role as the righteous Judge who sees and knows all things.
  • This powerful sight serves as a reminder that nothing is hidden from His sight, a truth emphasized in Hebrews 4:13.

Practical Application

Revelation 1:14 offers both comfort and a call to reverence. The image of Christ's ancient wisdom and purity provides assurance that He is the trustworthy, eternal God who understands all things. His fiery eyes, however, serve as a sobering reminder of His perfect knowledge and righteous judgment. Believers are encouraged to live in light of His all-seeing presence, knowing that He discerns motives and actions, and that ultimately, all will stand before Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 10:6

    His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

  • Daniel 7:9

    ¶ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.

  • Revelation 19:12

    His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

  • Revelation 2:18

    And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet [are] like fine brass;

  • Matthew 28:3

    His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

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