His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
{G1161} His {G846} eyes {G3788} were as {G5613} a flame {G5395} of fire {G4442}, and {G2532} on {G1909} his {G846} head {G2776} were many {G4183} crowns {G1238}; and he had {G2192} a name {G3686} written {G1125}, that {G3739} no man {G3762} knew {G1492}, but {G1508} he himself {G846}.
His eyes were like a fiery flame, and on his head were many royal crowns. And he had a name written which no one knew but himself.
He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows.
And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head are many diadems; and he hath a name written which no one knoweth but he himself.
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Revelation 19:16
And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. -
Luke 10:22
All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and [he] to whom the Son will reveal [him]. -
Matthew 11:27
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him]. -
Revelation 2:17
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it]. -
Revelation 2:18
¶ And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet [are] like fine brass; -
Revelation 1:14
His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire; -
Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Revelation 19:12 offers a profound and awe-inspiring description of Jesus Christ as He appears at His glorious second coming, emphasizing His divine authority, penetrating judgment, and unique nature. This verse is part of a larger vision detailing the triumphant return of the 'Word of God' to conquer His enemies and establish His righteous reign.
Context of Revelation 19:12
This verse is situated within a dramatic prophetic vision in the book of Revelation, specifically describing the majestic appearance of Jesus Christ as the victorious Rider on a white horse (Revelation 19:11). Following the destruction of Babylon and the rejoicing in heaven, John sees Christ descending from heaven in power and glory, preparing for the Battle of Armageddon and the establishment of His millennial kingdom. This imagery starkly contrasts with His first coming as a humble servant, presenting Him now as the sovereign King and Judge.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "crowns" in this verse is diadēmata (διαδήματα), which refers to royal crowns or diadems, signifying absolute sovereignty and imperial rule. This is distinct from stephanos (στέφανος), which refers to a victor's wreath or a crown of achievement. The use of diadēmata here reinforces Christ's supreme kingly authority, indicating that He is the rightful King of Kings and Lord of Lords, not merely a conqueror, but the sovereign ruler of the universe.
Related Scriptures
The description of Christ's eyes as "a flame of fire" echoes earlier visions of Him in Revelation, such as in Revelation 1:14, where His eyes are similarly described, emphasizing His penetrating gaze and divine purity. The concept of Christ's ultimate authority and exaltation is also reflected in passages like Philippians 2:9-11, where God highly exalts Him and gives Him a name above every name.
Practical Application
For believers, Revelation 19:12 offers immense comfort and hope, reminding us that our Savior is not only loving but also supremely powerful and righteous. His return will bring justice, end suffering, and establish His perfect kingdom. This verse calls us to live with reverence and awe for Christ, acknowledging His ultimate authority and anticipating His glorious return. For those who do not yet know Him, it serves as a powerful reminder of His impending judgment, urging repentance and faith before the day of His visible return as King and Judge.