Revelation 10:9

KJV

And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take [it], and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I went {G565} unto {G4314} the angel {G32}, and said {G3004} unto him {G846}, Give {G1325} me {G3427} the little book {G974}. And {G2532} he said {G3004} unto me {G3427}, Take {G2983} it, and {G2532} eat {G2719} it {G846} up {G2719}; and it {G2532} shall make {G4087} thy {G4675} belly {G2836} bitter {G4087}, but {G235} it shall be {G2071} in {G1722} thy {G4675} mouth {G4750} sweet {G1099} as {G5613} honey {G3192}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I went over to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll; and he said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”

Berean Standard Bible

And I went to the angel and said, “Give me the small scroll.” “Take it and eat it,” he said. “It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.”

American Standard Version

And I went unto the angel, saying unto him that he should give me the little book. And he saith unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but in thy mouth it shall be sweet as honey.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 10:9 depicts a pivotal moment in John's vision where he is commanded by a mighty angel to consume a "little book," symbolizing the complete internalization of a divine message. This act results in a paradoxical experience: the message is sweet to the taste in his mouth, yet it causes bitterness in his stomach, illustrating the dual nature of God's revelation—initially delightful, but ultimately challenging or painful in its implications and proclamation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a dramatic interlude (Revelation 10:1-11:13) that occurs between the sounding of the sixth and seventh trumpets, pausing the sequence of divine judgments. Following the devastating effects of the first six trumpets, a mighty angel descends, holding a small, open scroll. John is commanded to take this scroll, leading to the symbolic act of consumption described in [Revelation 10:9](/revelation/10-9 "Revelation 10:9 - John Eats the Little Book"). This interlude serves to highlight the prophet's renewed commission and the nature of the message he is to deliver before the final trumpet signals the culmination of God's wrath and the establishment of His kingdom. The open scroll contrasts with the sealed scroll of [Revelation 5](/revelation/5 "Revelation 5 - The Sealed Scroll and the Lamb"), suggesting a revealed portion of God's plan, now accessible for prophetic proclamation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of eating a scroll or book to internalize a divine message is rooted deeply in Old Testament prophetic tradition. Most notably, the prophet Ezekiel was commanded by God to [eat a scroll inscribed with words of lamentation, mourning, and woe](/ezekiel/2-8-3-3 "Ezekiel 2:8-3:3 - Ezekiel Eats the Scroll"), which he found "sweet as honey in my mouth" ([Ezekiel 3:3](/ezekiel/3-3 "Ezekiel 3:3 - The Scroll Sweet as Honey")). Jeremiah also speaks of finding and eating God's words, which became "a joy and the delight of my heart" ([Jeremiah 15:16](/jeremiah/15-16 "Jeremiah 15:16 - Jeremiah Eats God's Words")). This act symbolized the complete assimilation of God's message into the prophet's very being, making it an intrinsic part of their identity and empowering them to speak with divine authority. In the ancient world, the "belly" or "stomach" was often considered the seat of emotions and inner being, not merely a digestive organ, thus emphasizing the profound internal effect of the message.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 10:9](/revelation/10-9 "Revelation 10:9 - The Sweet and Bitter Scroll") contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Revelation and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Commission and Obedience**, as John actively seeks and then obeys the angel's command, highlighting the prophet's necessary participation in God's unfolding plan. Secondly, the act of "eating" emphasizes the **Internalization of God's Word**, signifying a deep, visceral absorption of divine truth that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding, making the message part of one's very essence. Thirdly, and most prominently, the verse introduces the **Dual Nature of Prophecy and God's Word**. The initial "sweetness" represents the delight, wonder, and inherent truth of receiving revelation from God, particularly concerning His sovereignty and ultimate triumph. Conversely, the subsequent "bitterness" symbolizes the difficult, challenging, or even painful aspects of that revelation, such as impending judgments, the sorrow over human sin, the suffering that accompanies truth, or the arduous and often unpopular task of proclaiming these realities to a rebellious world. This paradox encapsulates the complex experience of engaging with God's comprehensive truth, which brings both joy and burden.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat up (Greek, _katesthíō'_):** From *katá* (down) and *esthíō* (to eat), meaning "to eat down" or "devour." This word implies a complete and thorough consumption, not merely a taste. In the context of the scroll, it signifies the total assimilation and internalization of the message, making it a part of John's very being, ready for subsequent proclamation.
* **belly (Greek, _koilía'_):** Literally "a cavity," especially the abdomen. Figuratively, it denotes the innermost being, the seat of emotions, feelings, and the conscience. When the scroll makes John's "belly bitter," it indicates a profound, internal, and emotional reaction to the message, affecting his deepest core.
* **bitter (Greek, _pikraínō'_):** To make or become bitter, to embitter. This verb describes the unpleasant, painful, or sorrowful effect the internalized message has on John's inner being. It conveys a sense of grief, distress, or the weight of a difficult truth.
* **sweet (Greek, _glykýs'_):** Of uncertain affinity, meaning "sweet" (i.e., not bitter nor salt). This adjective describes the initial, pleasant, and delightful experience of receiving God's word in the mouth, akin to the joy and wonder of encountering divine truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book."**: John, having witnessed the mighty angel and his open scroll ([Revelation 10:1-2](/revelation/10-1-2 "Revelation 10:1-2 - The Mighty Angel and the Little Book")), actively approaches the angel and requests the scroll. This demonstrates John's eagerness and willingness to receive and participate in God's ongoing revelation, signifying a prophetic readiness to engage with the divine message.
* **"And he said unto me, Take [it], and eat it up;"**: The angel responds by commanding John to "take" the scroll and "eat it up." This is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative, reinforcing the theme of prophetic commission. The act of "eating" is a powerful metaphor for complete internalization, indicating that the message must be fully absorbed and assimilated into John's being, becoming an intrinsic part of him before he can deliver it.
* **"and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey."**: This clause presents the central paradox of the verse. The immediate experience in the mouth is "sweet as honey," representing the initial delight, joy, and wonder of receiving a direct word from God, especially one that reveals His ultimate sovereignty and plan. However, the subsequent effect in the "belly" (the innermost being) is "bitter." This bitterness symbolizes the difficult, painful, or sorrowful implications of the message—perhaps the revelation of impending judgment, the grief over human rebellion, the suffering associated with proclaiming unpopular truths, or the burden of the prophetic task itself. It highlights that divine truth, while glorious, often carries a weighty cost or a challenging reality.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 10:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is central, with the "little book" representing God's specific, revealed prophetic plan for the end times, and the act of "eating" symbolizing the complete internalization and assimilation of this divine message. The verse also features a striking **Juxtaposition** and **Paradox** in the contrasting sensory experiences: "sweet as honey" in the mouth immediately followed by "bitter" in the belly. This highlights the complex and dual nature of God's truth—it is inherently delightful and comforting in its reception, yet often painful or burdensome in its full implications and the task of its proclamation. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as a **Metaphor**, where the physical act of consumption stands for the spiritual and emotional absorption of divine revelation. Finally, the passage contains a clear **Allusion** to Old Testament prophetic experiences, particularly Ezekiel's eating of a scroll in [Ezekiel 2-3](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2-3 - Ezekiel's Commission"), grounding John's vision in a well-established biblical tradition of prophetic commissioning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 10:9 profoundly illustrates the nature of divine revelation and the prophetic calling. God's word, though inherently glorious and delightful in its truth and promise, often carries a weighty and challenging dimension. The initial sweetness represents the joy of encountering God's wisdom, sovereignty, and the beauty of His redemptive plan. It is a foretaste of ultimate victory and the establishment of His kingdom. However, the subsequent bitterness signifies the painful realities associated with that truth: the conviction of sin, the inevitability of judgment for rebellion, the suffering that accompanies faithfulness in a fallen world, and the burden of proclaiming unpopular truths. This duality reminds us that engaging with God's comprehensive truth requires embracing both its comforting assurances and its convicting demands. For the prophet, it underscores the personal cost and emotional toll of delivering God's message, especially when it involves judgment or lamentation. For all believers, it teaches that true spiritual maturity involves embracing the full spectrum of God's revelation, not merely the parts that are pleasant or easy to digest.

* [Ezekiel 3:3](/ezekiel/3-3 "Ezekiel 3:3 - Ezekiel Eats the Scroll")
* [Jeremiah 15:16](/jeremiah/15-16 "Jeremiah 15:16 - Jeremiah's Joy in God's Word")
* [Psalm 119:103](/psalms/119-103 "Psalm 119:103 - God's Word Sweeter Than Honey")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 10:9 offers a timeless and profound insight into our engagement with God's Word and His unfolding purposes in the world. We are called not merely to intellectually apprehend Scripture, but to "eat it up"—to internalize it so deeply that it shapes our innermost being, influencing our emotions, thoughts, and actions. This means allowing God's truth to penetrate beyond the surface, becoming a part of who we are. As we do so, we must be prepared for the full spectrum of its impact. There will be moments of profound sweetness and delight as we grasp God's love, grace, and sovereign plan—truths that bring immense comfort and joy. Yet, there will also be moments of bitterness, as God's Word convicts us of sin, reveals uncomfortable realities about the world's rebellion, or calls us to costly obedience and sacrifice. For those in ministry or leadership, this verse speaks powerfully to the dual nature of the calling: the immense privilege and joy of proclaiming God's message, coupled with the burden, sorrow, and opposition that often accompany delivering difficult truths or witnessing humanity's rejection of Christ. A mature faith embraces both the sweet promises and the bitter truths, allowing them to forge a resilient and deeply rooted trust in God's complete wisdom and ultimate goodness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced God's Word as "sweet as honey" in your life?**
* **What are some "bitter" truths from Scripture that have challenged or brought sorrow to your "belly" (innermost being)? How did you respond?**
* **Beyond merely reading, what practical steps can you take to "eat up" God's Word more fully, allowing it to deeply internalize within you?**
* **How might this verse inform your perspective on the challenges and joys of sharing the Gospel or living out your faith in a complex world?**

### FAQ

**What is the "little book" that John is commanded to eat?**

Answer: The "little book" (Greek: *bibliarídion*) in [Revelation 10:9](/revelation/10-9 "Revelation 10:9 - The Little Book") is distinct from the seven-sealed scroll in [Revelation 5](/revelation/5 "Revelation 5 - The Sealed Scroll"). While the sealed scroll likely contains God's entire redemptive and judgment plan, the "little book" is open, suggesting a specific, revealed portion of that plan, now accessible for John to receive and proclaim. It represents a particular divine message or prophetic commission that John must internalize before he can prophesy again about the future ([Revelation 10:11](/revelation/10-11 "Revelation 10:11 - John Must Prophesy Again")). Its content is not fully disclosed, but its effects—sweetness and bitterness—speak to its nature as both a revelation of God's glorious purposes and the harsh realities of impending judgment and suffering.

**Why is the book sweet in John's mouth but bitter in his belly?**

Answer: This paradox illustrates the dual nature of God's prophetic word. The "sweetness" in the mouth signifies the initial delight, joy, and wonder of receiving a direct message from God. It represents the inherent beauty, truth, and comforting aspects of divine revelation—the knowledge of God's sovereignty, His ultimate triumph, and the assurance of His plan. However, the "bitterness" in the belly (representing the innermost being or emotions) conveys the difficult, challenging, or painful implications of that message. This can include the sorrow over humanity's sin, the burden of proclaiming God's judgments, the suffering that accompanies faithfulness, or the personal cost of delivering an unpopular truth. It highlights that while God's word is ultimately good and true, its full impact can be complex and demanding, requiring the prophet (and by extension, all believers) to embrace both the comforting and the convicting aspects of divine truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 10:9, though set in a prophetic vision, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of God's Word and revelation. Just as John was commissioned to internalize a message that was both sweet and bitter, so too is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The "sweetness" of the Gospel is the glorious truth of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life offered through Christ's atoning sacrifice ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). It is the joy of knowing God's love, grace, and the promise of His kingdom established through the [Lamb who was slain](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - The Lamb Who Was Slain")). This message is indeed sweeter than honey to those who receive it, bringing profound peace and hope. However, the "bitterness" of the message lies in its implications. It reveals the depth of human sin and rebellion, necessitating repentance ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe the Gospel")). It confronts the world with the reality of judgment for those who reject Christ ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - He Who Believes Is Not Condemned")). Furthermore, following Christ involves taking up one's cross, experiencing suffering, and enduring opposition for His name's sake ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")). Jesus Himself experienced this duality: the joy of fulfilling His Father's will ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")) coupled with the bitter cup of suffering and death on the cross ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Thus, Revelation 10:9 foreshadows the comprehensive nature of Christ's message and the Christian life—a journey marked by both the profound delight of God's grace and the challenging realities of discipleship in a fallen world, all centered on the person of Jesus.

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 3:1

¶ Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.

Ezekiel 3:3

And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat [it]; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.

Jeremiah 15:16

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Ezekiel 2:8

But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.

Job 23:12

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

Ezekiel 3:14

So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.

Colossians 3:6

For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: