Revelation 10:1

¶ And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

And {G2532} I saw {G1492} another {G243} mighty {G2478} angel {G32} come down {G2597} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}, clothed {G4016} with a cloud {G3507}: and {G2532} a rainbow {G2463} was upon {G1909} his {G846} head {G2776}, and {G2532} his {G846} face {G4383} was as it were {G5613} the sun {G2246}, and {G2532} his {G846} feet {G4228} as {G5613} pillars {G4769} of fire {G4442}:

Next I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was dressed in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head; his face was like the sun, his legs like columns of fire;

Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire.

And I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, arrayed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire;

Revelation 10:1 introduces a dramatic and visually striking figure, a "mighty angel" whose appearance is imbued with profound symbolic meaning. This verse serves as an interlude between the sounding of the sixth and seventh trumpets in the Book of Revelation, pausing the narrative of divine judgment to reveal a new phase of God's plan and a significant message for John.

Context

This verse marks a crucial transition point in John's vision. Following the devastating judgments unleashed by the first six trumpets (Revelation 8:7 - Revelation 9:21), Revelation 10 and 11:1-13 act as a pause before the final, climactic seventh trumpet is sounded (Revelation 11:15). This interlude prepares the reader for the intensification of events and highlights the divine authority behind the unfolding prophecies. The angel's majestic presence emphasizes the solemnity and importance of the message he carries, contrasting sharply with the destructive scenes that precede it.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Power: The description of the angel immediately conveys immense power and a divine commission. Being "clothed with a cloud" often signifies God's presence and glory, reminiscent of biblical accounts like the cloud at Mount Sinai or the Transfiguration of Christ. His "face as it were the sun" and "feet as pillars of fire" echo descriptions of divine beings, including the glorified Christ Himself (Revelation 1:15-16), underscoring his extraordinary status.
  • God's Covenant Faithfulness: The "rainbow upon his head" is a powerful symbol. It directly recalls the Noahic covenant in Genesis 9:13, where God promised never again to destroy the earth by flood. In Revelation, the rainbow also surrounds God's throne (Revelation 4:3), signifying divine faithfulness, mercy, and the fulfillment of His promises even amidst judgment.
  • A Mighty Messenger: This is not just any angel, but a "mighty angel" (Greek: angelos ischyros), suggesting a unique and significant role. He is distinct from the angels who sounded the trumpets, bringing forth a new revelation or directive from God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "mighty angel" (Greek: angelos ischyros) emphasizes the extraordinary strength and authority of this particular celestial being, setting him apart from other angels mentioned previously. Another "mighty angel" is seen in Revelation 5:2, perhaps indicating a class of high-ranking divine messengers.
  • The imagery used—cloud, rainbow, sun, fire—are all traditional biblical symbols of God's presence (Shekinah glory), judgment, and covenant. The combination of these elements paints a picture of a being directly associated with the divine essence and purpose.

Practical Application

Revelation 10:1 offers reassurance and insight for believers. Even in the midst of apocalyptic visions and impending judgments, God remains sovereign. The appearance of this mighty angel, adorned with symbols of divine presence and faithfulness, reminds us that:

  • God is in Control: No matter how chaotic or destructive world events become, God's plan is unfolding, and His divine messengers are at work.
  • His Promises are Sure: The rainbow is a timeless reminder of God's unwavering covenant and His commitment to His people, even when facing severe tribulations.
  • Divine Intervention: God actively intervenes in human history, often through powerful, unseen forces or direct revelation, to accomplish His will and communicate His truths. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in the ultimate triumph of God's righteous purposes.

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 1:28

    As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

  • Matthew 17:2

    And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Revelation 5:2

    And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

  • 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 4:3

    And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

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