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.

And {G2532} the voice {G5456} which {G3739} I heard {G191} from {G1537} heaven {G3772} spake {G2980} unto {G3326} me {G1700} again {G3825}, and {G2532} said {G3004}, Go {G5217} and take {G2983} the little book {G974} which {G3588} is open {G455} in {G1722} the hand {G5495} of the angel {G32} which {G3588} standeth {G2476} upon {G1909} the sea {G2281} and {G2532} upon {G1909} the earth {G1093}.

Next the voice which I had heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go, take the scroll lying open in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on the land!”

Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go, take the small scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on the land.”

And the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard it again speaking with me, and saying, Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel that standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

Revelation 10:8 describes a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision, where he receives a direct command from heaven concerning a significant prophetic object.

Context of Revelation 10:8

This verse continues the narrative of the mighty angel, who has descended with a small, open scroll. Following the mysterious pronouncements of the seven thunders (which John was forbidden to record, as seen in Revelation 10:4), a familiar voice from heaven now speaks to John again. This voice is the same one that previously instructed him to seal up the words of the thunders, indicating divine authority and continuity in John's prophetic commission. The scene is set for John's active participation in the unfolding events of the end times.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Instruction and John's Active Role: The command "Go and take the little book" highlights that John is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in God's prophetic plan. He is being commissioned for a specific task, emphasizing the importance of obedience to divine directives. This active role foreshadows his subsequent command to prophesy again (see Revelation 10:11).
  • The Significance of the Open Little Book: Unlike the seven-sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1, this "little book" (Greek: biblaridion) is explicitly "open." Its open state suggests that its contents are ready to be known, understood, and acted upon. It likely contains further revelations about God's judgments and the future of the world, distinct from the broader plan of salvation unveiled by the Lamb.
  • The Authority of the Mighty Angel: The angel "standeth upon the sea and upon the earth," symbolizing his universal authority and the global impact of the message contained within the book. This imagery reinforces that the events revealed are not confined to one region but encompass all creation, demonstrating God's sovereign control over all aspects of human history and the natural world.

Linguistic Insight

The term for "little book" in the Greek original is biblaridion (βιβλαρίδιον), a diminutive of biblion (book or scroll). This diminutive form emphasizes that it is a small scroll, perhaps indicating a specific, focused message rather than the comprehensive plan of redemption contained in the larger, seven-sealed scroll. Its diminutive nature does not diminish its importance, as it is central to John's next prophetic action.

Practical Application

Revelation 10:8 reminds believers that God often calls His servants to actively engage with His revealed truth. Just as John was commanded to "take" the book, we are called to embrace, understand, and internalize God's Word. The "open" nature of the book can symbolize the accessibility of God's truth to those who seek it. It encourages us to be receptive to divine revelation and to be prepared to act upon the truths we receive, even when they involve difficult or challenging messages about God's justice and future plans.

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.

  • Revelation 10:2

    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,

  • Revelation 10:4

    And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

  • Revelation 10:5

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

  • Isaiah 30:21

    And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back