Revelation 1:16

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.

And {G2532} he had {G2192} in {G1722} his {G846} right {G1188} hand {G5495} seven {G2033} stars {G792}: and {G2532} out of {G1537} his {G846} mouth {G4750} went {G1607} a sharp {G3691} twoedged {G1366} sword {G4501}: and {G2532} his {G846} countenance {G3799} was as {G5613} the sun {G2246} shineth {G5316} in {G1722} his {G846} strength {G1411}.

In his right hand he held seven stars, out of his mouth went a sharp double-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

Context of Revelation 1:16

This verse continues the awe-inspiring description of the glorified Jesus Christ that the Apostle John sees in his vision on the island of Patmos. Following a detailed portrayal of Christ's appearance in Revelation 1:13-15, this verse adds three powerful symbolic elements that underscore His divine authority, judgment, and majesty. It sets the stage for the messages Christ delivers to the seven churches of Asia Minor.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Oversight: The "seven stars" in Christ's "right hand" symbolize His absolute control and protection over the seven churches (or their messengers/angels), as explicitly stated in Revelation 1:20. The right hand signifies power, endorsement, and ultimate authority.
  • Judgment and Truth of God's Word: The "sharp twoedged sword" proceeding "out of his mouth" represents the powerful, penetrating, and decisive Word of God. This sword is not for physical combat but for spiritual discernment, judgment, and the proclamation of truth. It can both expose and execute divine will, separating truth from falsehood and judging the hearts of men.
  • Majesty and Unapproachable Glory: Christ's "countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength" depicts His overwhelming divine glory, purity, and power. This radiant brilliance signifies His holiness and majesty, reminiscent of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:2) and prophetic visions of God's glory. It conveys a sense of awe, reverence, and unapproachable holiness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sharp twoedged sword" comes from the Greek word rhomphaia (ῥομφαία), which refers to a large, broad, and often heavy sword, distinct from a smaller personal dagger (machaira). This emphasizes a weapon of great destructive power and decisive judgment. Its emanation "out of his mouth" clearly links it to the spoken word, indicating that Christ's words themselves carry the authority and power to judge and execute divine will, aligning with the concept of the Word of God being sharper than any twoedged sword in Hebrews 4:12.

Practical Application

This powerful imagery of Christ in Revelation 1:16 offers both comfort and a challenge to believers. It assures us that Jesus Christ, our Lord, possesses all authority and is actively overseeing His church. He holds His people securely in His hand. At the same time, the sword from His mouth reminds us of the absolute truth and discerning power of His Word, which judges both the outward actions and the inner thoughts. His glorious countenance calls us to worship Him with reverence and awe, recognizing His supreme majesty and holiness. This vision encourages believers to take seriously the words spoken by such a powerful and glorious Lord, knowing that His words carry ultimate authority and consequence.

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.

  • Hebrews 4:12

    For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • Revelation 2:16

    Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

  • Revelation 19:15

    And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

  • Revelation 2:12

    And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

  • Ephesians 6:17

    And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

  • Isaiah 49:2

    And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;

  • Revelation 19:21

    And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

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