Revelation 19:11

¶ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

And {G2532} I saw {G1492} heaven {G3772} opened {G455}, and {G2532} behold {G2400} a white {G3022} horse {G2462}; and {G2532} he that sat {G2521} upon {G1909} him {G846} was called {G2564} Faithful {G4103} and {G2532} True {G228}, and {G2532} in {G1722} righteousness {G1343} he doth judge {G2919} and {G2532} make war {G4170}.

Next I saw heaven opened, and there before me was a white horse. Sitting on it was the one called Faithful and True, and it is in righteousness that he passes judgment and goes to battle.

Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war.

And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon called Faithful and True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Commentary

Revelation 19:11 presents a majestic and awe-inspiring vision of the triumphant return of Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. This verse marks a pivotal moment in the apocalyptic narrative, shifting from the judgments on Babylon to the climactic confrontation with the forces of evil.

Context

This powerful vision immediately follows the rejoicing in heaven over the fall of Babylon the Great (Revelation 18-19:10) and the marriage supper of the Lamb. It sets the stage for the ultimate defeat of the Beast, the False Prophet, and their armies, signaling the divine intervention that brings an end to human rebellion and ushers in God's righteous reign. It is a stark contrast to the earlier visions of destruction, focusing instead on the glorious appearance of the divine warrior.

Key Themes

  • The Victorious Christ: The rider on the white horse is unequivocally identified as Jesus Christ, appearing not as the suffering servant but as a conquering King. The "white horse" symbolizes purity, victory, and righteous conquest, distinguishing Him from the rider of the white horse in Revelation 6:2, who often represents deceptive conquest or the antichrist.
  • Divine Judgment and Justice: The titles "Faithful and True" emphasize His unwavering character and absolute integrity. His actions to "judge and make war" are rooted in perfect righteousness, ensuring that every judgment is just and every conflict is for the purpose of establishing divine order and justice.
  • The Second Coming: This verse is a foundational description of the Second Coming of Christ, portraying His visible return to earth in power and glory to execute judgment and establish His kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The titles given to the rider are profoundly significant:

  • "Faithful" (Pistos): This Greek term denotes reliability, trustworthiness, and one who keeps promises. Christ is utterly dependable in His character and His word, fulfilling all prophecies concerning His return and judgment. We see this aspect of His character also in Revelation 1:5, where He is called "the faithful witness."
  • "True" (Alēthinos): This Greek word means genuine, real, authentic, or not counterfeit. Christ is the ultimate reality and truth, contrasting with all false claims and deceptions of the world. He is the embodiment of truth, as He declared in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

Practical Application

For believers, this vision of Christ's return offers immense hope and assurance. It reminds us that:

  • God's Justice Will Prevail: Despite the apparent triumph of evil in the world, this verse assures us that Christ will return to right all wrongs and execute perfect justice. This should instill confidence in God's ultimate plan and His righteous judgment.
  • Hope in His Return: The return of Christ is not a fearful event for His followers but the glorious culmination of God's redemptive history. It encourages perseverance and faithful living, knowing that our King is coming.
  • Call to Readiness: While providing comfort, this vision also serves as a call to live in a manner worthy of His imminent return, ready to meet Him as our Lord and Judge.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 96:13 (21 votes)

    Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

  • Isaiah 11:3 (11 votes)

    And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

  • Isaiah 11:5 (11 votes)

    And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

  • Revelation 6:2 (9 votes)

    And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

  • Psalms 98:9 (7 votes)

    Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

  • Psalms 50:6 (6 votes)

    And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God [is] judge himself. Selah.

  • Psalms 45:3 (6 votes)

    Gird thy sword upon [thy] thigh, O [most] mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.