Revelation 1:15

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

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}.

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

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

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.

Context

Revelation 1:15 is part of John's initial vision of the glorified Jesus Christ on the island of Patmos. This vivid description establishes the awe-inspiring majesty and supreme authority of the Son of God, who is about to reveal future events to John. The preceding verses in Revelation 1:13-14 begin to paint a picture of His divine appearance, setting the stage for the powerful imagery of His feet and voice.

Key Themes

Divine Authority and Judgment

The description of "his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace" powerfully symbolizes Christ's unyielding authority to tread down sin and execute divine justice. Brass, or bronze, in biblical contexts often relates to judgment and strength, as seen in the brazen altar used for sacrifices in the tabernacle. The imagery of being "burned in a furnace" intensifies this, suggesting a purifying, unyielding, and formidable presence ready to confront and overcome all unrighteousness. This portrayal assures believers of ultimate victory over evil and serves as a solemn warning to adversaries of impending judgment. This imagery is reminiscent of the description of a heavenly being in Daniel 10:6, whose arms and feet were like polished brass.

Overwhelming Majesty and Power

The phrase "and his voice as the sound of many waters" evokes an image of immense power, majesty, and an overwhelming presence. Like the roar of a mighty waterfall or the crashing waves of the ocean, this voice is authoritative, awe-inspiring, and impossible to ignore. It signifies a divine pronouncement that commands attention and brings about divine will. This aspect underscores Christ's absolute sovereignty and the irresistible force of His word, echoing the powerful voice of God described in the Old Testament, such as in Ezekiel 43:2, where the glory of the God of Israel came with a sound like the roar of many waters.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "fine brass" (Greek: chalkolibanon, χαλκολίβανον) is unique to Revelation in the New Testament. It suggests a highly refined, perhaps glowing or incandescent, metal, emphasizing purity, strength, and the intense heat of divine judgment.
  • The phrase "sound of many waters" (Greek: phonē hydatōn pollōn, φωνὴ ὑδάτων πολλῶν) is a vivid Hebrew idiom used throughout the Old Testament to describe the overwhelming, majestic, and powerful voice of God. It signifies a voice that is not merely loud, but vast, deep, and all-encompassing, conveying unchallengeable authority.

Practical Application

For believers, this powerful depiction of Christ offers immense comfort and assurance. His unyielding authority and powerful voice mean that He is fully capable of overcoming all evil, upholding justice, and ultimately delivering His people. It encourages reverence, trust, and submission to His sovereign plan. For those who oppose Him, it serves as a solemn warning of His ultimate and unavoidable judgment. Understanding these profound symbols deepens our appreciation for the glorious, reigning Christ who holds all authority in heaven and on earth, and who will one day return with power and great glory, as described in Revelation 19:11-16.

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.

  • 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.

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