Revelation 1:15

KJV

And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} his {G846} feet {G4228} like {G3664} unto fine brass {G5474}, as {G5613} if they burned {G4448} in {G1722} a furnace {G2575}; and {G2532} his {G846} voice {G5456} as {G5613} the sound {G5456} of many {G4183} waters {G5204}.

Complete Jewish Bible

his feet like burnished brass refined in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of rushing waters.

Berean Standard Bible

His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters.

American Standard Version

and his feet like unto burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace; and his voice as the voice of many waters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 1:15 presents a powerful and awe-inspiring description of the glorified Christ, focusing on two key aspects of His divine appearance: His feet and His voice. The imagery of feet "like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace" conveys His unyielding authority, purity, and the formidable nature of His impending judgment against sin. Complementing this, His voice, described "as the sound of many waters," emphasizes His overwhelming majesty, irresistible power, and the profound, all-encompassing nature of His divine pronouncements. Together, these vivid metaphors establish the absolute sovereignty and majestic presence of the resurrected Lord, preparing John and the reader for the weighty revelations to follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of John's initial vision of the exalted Christ, which begins in [Revelation 1:12](/revelation/1-12 "Revelation 1:12 - John's Vision of Christ") and extends through [Revelation 1:16](/revelation/1-16 "Revelation 1:16 - The Full Description of Christ"). Following the introductory verses that establish the book's prophetic nature and the identity of the revealing Christ, John turns to see "one like unto the Son of man" ([Revelation 1:13](/revelation/1-13 "Revelation 1:13 - Son of Man in the Midst of the Lampstands")). The preceding verses ([Revelation 1:13-14](/revelation/1-13-14 "Revelation 1:13-14 - Christ's Appearance")) describe His long robe, golden sash, white hair, and fiery eyes, progressively building a picture of divine majesty and purity. Verse 15 continues this detailed portrayal, focusing on His lower body and voice, further emphasizing His authority and power before He speaks directly to John in [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - Christ's Words to John").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John received this vision while exiled on the island of Patmos ([Revelation 1:9](/revelation/1-9 "Revelation 1:9 - John on Patmos")) during a period of intense persecution of Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian. The imagery employed by John draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly the visions of heavenly beings in [Daniel 10:6](/daniel/10-6 "Daniel 10:6 - Vision of a Man with Fiery Eyes and Bronze Limbs") and [Ezekiel 43:2](/ezekiel/43-2 "Ezekiel 43:2 - The Voice of God Like Many Waters"). The use of "brass" (bronze) would have resonated with ancient audiences familiar with its use in weaponry, armor, and as a symbol of strength and durability, often associated with judgment, as seen in the [brazen altar](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Brazen Altar") in the Tabernacle. The "furnace" would evoke images of refining precious metals or intense destructive heat. The "sound of many waters" was a common idiom for overwhelming power and majesty, reflecting the awe-inspiring force of the Mediterranean Sea or great rivers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Revelation. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Authority and Sovereignty of Christ**, presenting Him as the all-powerful judge and ruler who is fully capable of executing God's will and overcoming all opposition. The imagery of the feet speaks to His ability to tread down enemies and administer justice, a theme prominent in the book's depiction of final judgment. Secondly, it highlights the **Majesty and Transcendence of Christ**, portraying Him in a way that evokes awe and reverence, emphasizing His divine nature beyond human comprehension. This ties into the theme of **Worship and Adoration**, as the vision compels John and the churches to worship this glorious Lord. Lastly, the powerful imagery foreshadows the **Imminent Judgment and Victory** that are central to Revelation's narrative, assuring believers of ultimate triumph over evil and warning the unrighteous of their impending doom, a message crucial for the persecuted churches of Asia Minor as they faced the trials described in [Revelation 2-3](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2 - Messages to the Churches").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fine brass (Greek, _chalkolíbanon'_):** This term, unique to Revelation in the New Testament, refers to a highly refined, perhaps glowing or incandescent, alloy of copper, possibly mixed with gold or silver. Its appearance "as if they burned in a furnace" intensifies the imagery of purity, strength, and the intense, refining heat of divine judgment. It signifies an unyielding, formidable, and radiant presence.
* **burned (Greek, _pyróō'_):** Derived from the word for fire (_pyr_), this verb means "to kindle," "to be ignited," "to glow," or "to be refined." In this context, it vividly describes the intense, fiery glow of Christ's feet, suggesting a state of extreme heat and purity, indicative of divine holiness and the consuming nature of His judgment.
* **voice (Greek, _phōnḗ'_):** This word denotes a tone, an articulate sound, or a language. Here, it describes Christ's vocal utterance. When coupled with "the sound of many waters," it conveys a sense of overwhelming volume, depth, and majesty, signifying a divine pronouncement that is authoritative, irresistible, and all-encompassing, demanding attention and obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his feet like unto fine brass":** This clause introduces the first striking visual of Christ's lower body. The comparison of His feet to "fine brass" (or burnished bronze) immediately evokes a sense of strength, durability, and a radiant, perhaps glowing, appearance. In biblical symbolism, brass often relates to judgment and endurance, suggesting that Christ's very foundation and movements are characterized by divine justice and unwavering power.
* **"as if they burned in a furnace":** This intensifying simile amplifies the imagery of the "fine brass." The "furnace" implies intense heat, purification, and the refining process. This suggests that Christ's presence is one of consuming holiness, capable of purifying what is good and utterly destroying what is evil. It speaks to the fierceness and inevitability of His judgment, where nothing impure can stand before Him.
* **"and his voice as the sound of many waters":** This clause shifts focus to Christ's auditory presence. The comparison of His voice to "the sound of many waters" (like a mighty waterfall or the crashing ocean) conveys immense power, majesty, and an overwhelming, resonant quality. It is a voice that cannot be ignored, signifying absolute authority, the irresistible force of His divine word, and the vastness of His dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 1:15 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of the glorified Christ through sensory details that evoke awe and power. The verse employs **Simile** extensively, using "like unto" and "as if" to compare Christ's feet to "fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace" and His voice to "the sound of many waters." These comparisons are not merely descriptive but are deeply symbolic. The **Symbolism** of "fine brass" and "furnace" conveys purity, strength, and the consuming nature of divine judgment, while the "sound of many waters" symbolizes overwhelming authority, majesty, and the irresistible force of God's pronouncements. This masterful use of literary devices creates a profound sense of the divine, emphasizing Christ's terrifying holiness and His absolute sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The imagery in Revelation 1:15 profoundly impacts our understanding of Christ's nature and role. His feet, glowing with the intensity of a furnace, signify His unwavering resolve and power to execute divine judgment and to tread down all opposition. This speaks to His holiness, which purifies and consumes, ensuring that no unrighteousness can stand in His presence. Concurrently, His voice, resonating like many waters, underscores His supreme authority and the irresistible power of His word. This is the voice that spoke creation into existence, the voice that calms storms, and the voice that will ultimately summon the dead. The combination of these two images presents Christ as the sovereign Lord, whose very being embodies both the purity of divine justice and the overwhelming force of His will, assuring believers of His ultimate victory and warning unbelievers of His inescapable judgment.

* [Daniel 10:6](/daniel/10-6 "Daniel 10:6 - Description of a Heavenly Being") - This Old Testament passage describes a heavenly figure whose "arms and feet were like in color to polished brass," providing a significant parallel for the imagery of Christ's feet, connecting His appearance to divine, powerful beings.
* [Ezekiel 43:2](/ezekiel/43-2 "Ezekiel 43:2 - The Voice of God") - "And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like the noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory," directly paralleling the description of Christ's voice and linking it to the majestic voice of God.
* [Psalm 29:3-4](/psalm/29-3-4 "Psalm 29:3-4 - The Voice of the Lord") - "The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty," further illustrating the Old Testament understanding of God's voice as mighty and overwhelming.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid portrayal of Christ in Revelation 1:15 calls us to a deeper reverence and understanding of His multifaceted nature. For those who belong to Him, the imagery of His feet like burning brass offers profound comfort and assurance. It reminds us that our Savior is not weak or passive; He is the mighty, holy, and just One who will ultimately conquer all evil, purify His church, and establish perfect righteousness. This should inspire confidence in His ultimate triumph over sin, death, and all opposing forces, encouraging us to stand firm in faith amidst trials. His voice, like the sound of many waters, signifies His absolute authority and the irresistible power of His word. This calls us to listen intently to His commands, to trust in His pronouncements, and to find security in His sovereign control over all things. For those who have not yet submitted to Him, this vision serves as a solemn warning of His inescapable judgment, urging repentance and faith before the day of His wrath. Ultimately, this verse compels us to worship the glorious, reigning Christ, whose power and holiness are beyond measure, and to live in light of His coming kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of Christ's "feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace" impact your understanding of His holiness and justice?**
* **What does the description of His "voice as the sound of many waters" communicate about His authority and the power of His word in your life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to submit more fully to the overwhelming authority and purity of Christ as depicted in this verse?**
* **How does this vision of the glorified Christ encourage you in the face of present difficulties or spiritual battles?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Christ's feet being like "fine brass" and "burned in a furnace"?**

Answer: The imagery of Christ's feet being "like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace" carries significant symbolic weight. "Fine brass" (or burnished bronze) often symbolizes strength, durability, and judgment in biblical contexts, as seen with the [brazen altar](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Altar of Burnt Offering") in the Tabernacle, where sacrifices for sin were made. The addition of "as if they burned in a furnace" intensifies this, suggesting a state of extreme heat, purity, and refining. This signifies Christ's unyielding resolve, His capacity for righteous judgment, and His consuming holiness. It implies that His very presence and actions (symbolized by His feet) are characterized by a divine purity that purges evil and establishes justice, leaving no room for impurity or opposition. It speaks to the formidable nature of His authority to tread down His enemies and execute God's wrath.

**Why is Christ's voice described as "the sound of many waters"?**

Answer: The description of Christ's voice as "the sound of many waters" is a powerful Old Testament idiom used to convey overwhelming majesty, power, and authority. It evokes the roar of a mighty waterfall, the crashing waves of the ocean, or the thunderous sound of a great flood. This imagery is found elsewhere describing the voice of God, such as in [Ezekiel 43:2](/ezekiel/43-2 "Ezekiel 43:2 - God's Voice Like Many Waters") and [Psalm 29:3-4](/psalm/29-3-4 "Psalm 29:3-4 - The Voice of the Lord on Many Waters"). It signifies a voice that is not merely loud, but vast, deep, resonant, and impossible to ignore. When Christ speaks, His word carries absolute authority, irresistible force, and universal reach. It is the voice that commands attention, brings about divine will, and will ultimately judge the living and the dead.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 1:15 powerfully portrays the glorified Christ, whose attributes find their ultimate fulfillment in His person and work. The imagery of His feet "like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace" foreshadows His role as the righteous Judge, whose purity and power will ultimately consume all evil. This is the One who, having endured the fiery wrath of God on the cross for our sins, now possesses the authority to execute perfect justice, a truth echoed in [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Given All Judgment to the Son"). His feet, once pierced for our transgressions ([John 20:25](/john/20-25 "John 20:25 - Thomas's Doubt")), are now ablaze with divine holiness, signifying His triumph over sin and death and His readiness to tread down every enemy, as prophesied in [Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God Will Crush Satan"). Similarly, His voice "as the sound of many waters" reveals Him as the authoritative Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), whose pronouncements carry irresistible power. This is the voice that called Lazarus from the tomb ([John 11:43](/john/11-43 "John 11:43 - Jesus Calls Lazarus")), the voice that will one day summon all the dead to resurrection ([John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - The Hour is Coming When All in the Graves Will Hear His Voice")), and the voice that will usher in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - He Who Sits on the Throne Says, 'Behold, I Am Making All Things New'")). Thus, the vision in Revelation 1:15 is not merely a description but a profound revelation of Christ as the sovereign, holy, and all-powerful King, whose past sacrifice, present reign, and future judgment are all perfectly aligned with God's redemptive plan.

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

Ezekiel 43:2

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

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.

Revelation 14:2

And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

Revelation 19:6

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

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;

Psalms 93:4

The LORD on high [is] mightier than the noise of many waters, [yea, than] the mighty waves of the sea.

Ezekiel 1:7

And their feet [were] straight feet; and the sole of their feet [was] like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.