10:1 10:1

Revelation 10:2

10:3 10:3

Bible Versions

And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and [his] left [foot] on the earth,
And {G2532} he had {G2192} in {G1722} his {G846} hand {G5495} a little book {G974} open {G455}: and {G2532} he set {G5087} his {G846} right {G1188} foot {G4228} upon {G1909} the sea {G2281}, and {G1161} his left {G2176} foot on {G1909} the earth {G1093},
and he had a little scroll lying open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
He held in his hand a small scroll, which lay open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land.
and he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left upon the earth;

Commentary on Revelation 10:2

Revelation 10:2 introduces a powerful symbolic act by the "mighty angel" described in Revelation 10:1. This verse sets the stage for a crucial interlude in John's prophetic vision, emphasizing divine authority and a new phase of revelation.

Context

This verse is part of an interlude between the sounding of the sixth trumpet and the much-anticipated seventh trumpet. Similar to the interlude in Revelation 7, chapter 10 offers a pause in the sequence of judgments to provide further insight into God's plans and the role of His servants. The angel's appearance with a "little book open" and his authoritative stance signal a shift in focus to the revelation of specific divine purposes.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: The most striking imagery is the angel setting one foot on the sea and the other on the earth. This powerful gesture signifies absolute universal dominion and authority over all creation. It proclaims God's ultimate control over both the inhabited dry land and the vast, often turbulent, waters, indicating that His plan encompasses every part of the world.
  • Unveiling of Truth: The "little book open" (Greek: biblaridion, a small scroll) is distinct from the seven-sealed scroll of Revelation 5:1. Its "open" state implies that its contents are now accessible, revealed, and ready to be understood or enacted. This symbolizes a specific, perhaps immediate, message or series of events that are about to unfold.
  • Preparation for Further Prophecy: This scene prepares John and the readers for new prophecies and a deeper understanding of God's unfolding plan, particularly concerning the remaining "mystery of God" mentioned later in Revelation 10:7.

Linguistic Insights

The term "little book" is from the Greek word biblaridion (βιβλαρίδιον), a diminutive form of biblion, meaning "book" or "scroll." This suggests it is a smaller, more specific scroll, perhaps containing a particular message or segment of God's future plans, rather than the comprehensive scroll of destiny seen in Revelation 5. The word "open" (Greek: aneōgmenon, ἀνεῳγμένον) further emphasizes its readiness for revelation and understanding.

Practical Application

Revelation 10:2 offers profound reassurance of God's unwavering control, even amidst the chaos and judgment depicted in other parts of the book. The angel's powerful stance reminds us that no matter how tumultuous world events become, God's sovereign hand is firmly upon all things. The "open little book" encourages believers to be attentive to God's ongoing revelation and to recognize that His purposes are continually being unveiled. It calls us to trust in His comprehensive plan, knowing that He oversees both land and sea, and that His divine agenda will ultimately prevail.

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.

  • Ezekiel 2:9

    And when I looked, behold, an hand [was] sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book [was] therein;

  • Ezekiel 2:10

    And he spread it before me; and it [was] written within and without: and [there was] written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.

  • Revelation 10:5

    And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

  • Revelation 5:1

    ¶ And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

  • Revelation 5:5

    And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

  • Revelation 10:8

    ¶ And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go [and] take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

  • Revelation 10:10

    And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
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