Revelation 10:1

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 10:1 introduces a profoundly majestic and powerful angel descending from heaven, whose appearance is laden with rich symbolic imagery. This dramatic interlude, positioned between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments, serves to pause the unfolding narrative of divine wrath, preparing John and the reader for a new phase of revelation concerning God's unwavering faithfulness, the ultimate triumph of His kingdom, and the significance of a divine message yet to be delivered. The angel's awe-inspiring presence underscores the gravity and divine authority of the events that are about to transpire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 10:1 serves as a pivotal interlude within the larger sequence of the seven trumpets. Following the devastating judgments unleashed by the first six trumpets, which describe widespread destruction and human unrepentance ([Revelation 8:7-9:21](/revelation/8-7-9-21 "The Six Trumpet Judgments")), chapters 10 and 11:1-13 provide a crucial pause before the sounding of the climactic seventh trumpet ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Seventh Trumpet Sounded")). This structural break is characteristic of Revelation, offering moments of theological reflection, further revelation, or a shift in focus before the narrative of judgment proceeds. The appearance of this "mighty angel" signals a new, significant divine action and the delivery of a message that will profoundly impact the remaining prophetic narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in describing this angel draws heavily on Old Testament traditions and ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine manifestation. Clouds often symbolized the presence and glory of God (the Shekinah) in the Old Testament, as seen at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-9 "God's Presence at Mount Sinai") or in the tabernacle. The rainbow, of course, directly evokes God's covenant faithfulness established with Noah after the flood ([Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "The Noahic Covenant")). Descriptions of faces shining like the sun or feet like fire are common in biblical theophanies and visions of divine beings, signifying purity, power, and overwhelming glory, often associated with judgment and holiness. These elements would have resonated deeply with John's Jewish-Christian audience, grounding the apocalyptic vision in familiar divine attributes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Revelation. Firstly, it powerfully reiterates the theme of **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**. The angel's majestic and powerful appearance, reminiscent of descriptions of God Himself or the glorified Christ, emphasizes that even amidst chaos and judgment, God remains firmly in control. Secondly, the presence of the **rainbow** prominently highlights God's **Covenant Faithfulness and Mercy**. Even as judgments unfold, the rainbow serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring promises and His commitment to His creation and His people, echoing its appearance around God's throne in [Revelation 4:3](/revelation/4-3 "The Rainbow Around God's Throne"). Lastly, the angel's role as a "mighty angel" underscores the theme of **Divine Messengers and Revelation**, indicating that God continues to communicate His will and plan to humanity, even in the most dire circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mighty (Greek, _ischyrós'_):** Derived from a root meaning "force" or "strength," this adjective describes someone or something as powerful, strong, or valiant. When applied to an angel, as here and in [Revelation 5:2](/revelation/5-2 "Another Mighty Angel in Revelation 5:2"), it denotes extraordinary strength, authority, and significance, distinguishing this angel from others and indicating a special commission or elevated status.
* **angel (Greek, _ángelos'_):** This term literally means "messenger." While it can refer to human messengers, in the New Testament and especially in Revelation, it almost exclusively refers to celestial beings who serve as God's emissaries, conveying His messages, executing His judgments, or performing His will. The addition of "mighty" underscores the importance of this particular messenger and his forthcoming message.
* **rainbow (Greek, _îris'_):** This word specifically refers to the arc of colors seen in the sky. In biblical context, it is most famously associated with the covenant God made with Noah after the flood, promising never again to destroy all life by water ([Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "The Rainbow as a Covenant Sign")). Its presence here, upon the angel's head, symbolically connects this powerful messenger to God's enduring covenant faithfulness and mercy, even amidst the unfolding judgments.
* **sun (Greek, _hḗlios'_):** The celestial body that provides light and warmth. In biblical imagery, the sun often symbolizes glory, power, righteousness, and divine presence. For the angel's face to be "as it were the sun" indicates an overwhelming, radiant glory, reflecting divine majesty and purity, similar to descriptions of Christ's glorified appearance in [Revelation 1:16](/revelation/1-16 "Christ's Face Shining Like the Sun").
* **fire (Greek, _pŷr'_):** A primary word for fire, which in scripture carries diverse symbolic meanings including divine presence, purity, judgment, and refining. The angel's feet being "as pillars of fire" conveys stability, immense power, and a connection to divine judgment and holiness, reminiscent of the pillar of fire that guided Israel ([Exodus 13:21](/exodus/13-21 "Pillar of Fire by Night")) or the fiery presence of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven":** John's vision continues with the appearance of a new, distinct celestial being. The term "another" (Greek: _állos_) implies this angel is different in kind or role from those previously seen, particularly the trumpet angels. "Mighty" (Greek: _ischyrós_) emphasizes his extraordinary power and authority, setting him apart. His descent "from heaven" signifies his divine origin and commission, indicating he is a direct emissary of God.
* **"clothed with a cloud":** This imagery immediately evokes the presence and glory of God. Clouds are frequently associated with divine manifestations (theophanies) throughout scripture, symbolizing God's mystery, majesty, and sometimes His judgment or guidance, as seen at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-9 "God in a Cloud at Sinai") or during Christ's Transfiguration ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "The Cloud at the Transfiguration")). The angel's being "clothed" with it suggests he is enveloped in or embodies this divine presence.
* **"and a rainbow [was] upon his head":** The rainbow is a powerful symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and mercy, first given to Noah as a sign of God's promise never again to destroy the earth by flood ([Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "The Rainbow Covenant")). Its position "upon his head" signifies that this angel is either crowned with or embodies God's covenant promises, serving as a reminder of divine mercy even amidst the judgments. It also echoes the rainbow around God's throne in [Revelation 4:3](/revelation/4-3 "The Rainbow Around God's Throne").
* **"and his face [was] as it were the sun":** This description highlights the angel's radiant glory and purity. The sun is a source of intense light and warmth, and its brilliance here suggests an overwhelming, divine splendor. This imagery parallels descriptions of the glorified Christ ([Revelation 1:16](/revelation/1-16 "Christ's Face Shining Like the Sun")) and conveys the angel's close association with divine majesty and holiness.
* **"and his feet as pillars of fire":** The angel's feet, symbolizing his stability, movement, and authority, are described as "pillars of fire." Fire in scripture often represents divine presence, holiness, purification, and judgment. "Pillars" suggest strength, immovability, and support. This imagery conveys the angel's firm foundation in divine power, his unwavering purpose, and his connection to God's righteous judgment and purifying presence.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 10:1 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a powerful divine messenger. The **cloud** enveloping the angel symbolizes God's mysterious presence and glory, reminiscent of Old Testament theophanies. The **rainbow** upon his head is a potent symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and mercy, reassuring the reader of divine promises even amidst judgment. His face shining like the **sun** employs **Simile** to convey overwhelming divine radiance, purity, and authority, echoing descriptions of the glorified Christ. Similarly, his feet like **pillars of fire** use **Simile** to depict stability, immense power, and a connection to divine judgment and holiness. The entire description is a form of **Anthropomorphic Representation** (or Theomorphic Representation), attributing human-like features to a divine being but with exaggerated, supernatural qualities to convey his extraordinary nature and divine commission. The verse also utilizes **Intertextuality**, drawing on established biblical motifs to enrich its meaning and connect the current vision to the broader narrative of God's interaction with humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The appearance of this mighty angel in Revelation 10:1 profoundly underscores the theological truth of God's active involvement and sovereign control over all creation and history. Even in the midst of escalating judgments and apocalyptic turmoil, God does not abandon His creation but sends powerful emissaries to carry out His will and communicate His unfolding plan. The angel's majestic and symbolic appearance serves as a divine affirmation of God's faithfulness (the rainbow) and His ultimate power (sun-like face, fiery feet), reminding believers that His purposes will prevail, and His covenant promises endure, regardless of the chaos depicted. This interlude offers a moment of divine reassurance and a renewed focus on the divine source of all revelation and authority.

* [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "The appearance of the rainbow in Ezekiel's vision")
* [Daniel 10:6](/daniel/10-6 "Description of an angelic being in Daniel")
* [Revelation 1:13-16](/revelation/1-13-16 "Description of the Son of Man in Revelation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 10:1 offers profound encouragement and a call to steadfast faith for believers navigating uncertain times. The majestic appearance of this mighty angel, clothed in divine glory and bearing symbols of God's unwavering faithfulness, reminds us that no matter how chaotic or overwhelming the circumstances of life or the world may seem, God remains sovereignly enthroned and actively engaged. The rainbow upon the angel's head is a powerful visual sermon: even amidst the darkest judgments, God's covenant promises of mercy and preservation stand firm. This should inspire us to trust in His ultimate plan, knowing that His character is immutable, and His word is true. We are called to look beyond the immediate trials and fix our gaze on the divine power and faithfulness that undergird all reality, finding peace and assurance in His control.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the mighty angel (cloud, rainbow, sun, fire) challenge or deepen your understanding of God's power and presence?**
* **In what ways does the symbol of the rainbow, appearing amidst judgment, offer you comfort or hope in your current circumstances?**
* **How does the concept of God sending a "mighty angel" with a specific message encourage you about God's active involvement in human history and His communication with humanity?**

### FAQ

**Who is this mighty angel, and is he Christ?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly name this "mighty angel," his description shares striking similarities with the glorified Christ Himself, particularly as described in [Revelation 1:13-16](/revelation/1-13-16 "Description of the Son of Man in Revelation"), with a face like the sun and feet like burnished bronze (fire). However, the angel is consistently presented as "another" and a messenger, distinct from God or Christ. The imagery likely emphasizes his divine commission and authority, indicating that he is an extremely high-ranking celestial being, perhaps even an archangel, who embodies aspects of God's glory and power to fulfill a specific, crucial role in the unfolding prophecy. He acts as God's representative, delivering a message and performing actions on God's behalf, rather than being God or Christ in person.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The majestic "mighty angel" of Revelation 10:1, though not Christ Himself, serves as a powerful prefigurement and reflection of Christ's own glorious attributes, authority, and redemptive work. His descent from heaven, clothed with a cloud, echoes Christ's ascension and future return in glory, as seen in [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Jesus Ascends in a Cloud"). The rainbow upon the angel's head, a symbol of God's covenant faithfulness, ultimately finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the mediator of a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")) and the embodiment of God's steadfast love and mercy. The angel's face shining like the sun directly parallels the description of the glorified Christ in [Revelation 1:16](/revelation/1-16 "Christ's Face Shining Like the Sun") and the Transfiguration ([Matthew 17:2](/matthew/17-2 "Jesus' Face Shines at the Transfiguration")), signifying Christ's divine nature, purity, and illuminating truth. Furthermore, his feet as pillars of fire speak to Christ's unwavering authority, His righteous judgment, and His purifying presence, as He is the one who "walks among the seven golden lampstands" ([Revelation 2:1](/revelation/2-1 "Christ Among the Lampstands")) and whose eyes are like a flame of fire ([Revelation 1:14](/revelation/1-14 "Christ's Eyes Like Fire")). Thus, this mighty angel's appearance points beyond himself to the supreme majesty, covenant faithfulness, and ultimate authority of Jesus Christ, who is the true and final revealer of God's plan and the victorious Lamb who will bring all things to their appointed end.

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 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.