Revelation 19:13

KJV

And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he was clothed {G4016} with a vesture {G2440} dipped {G911} in blood {G129}: and {G2532} his {G846} name {G3686} is called {G2564} The Word {G3056} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He was wearing a robe that had been soaked in blood, and the name by which he is called is, “THE WORD OF GOD.”

Berean Standard Bible

He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God.

American Standard Version

And he is arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:13 presents a powerful and awe-inspiring vision of Jesus Christ's triumphant return, depicting Him as a divine warrior and the ultimate executor of God's righteous judgment. He is portrayed clothed in a robe "dipped in blood," symbolizing His decisive victory over His enemies, rather than His own suffering. Crucially, He is identified by the profound title "The Word of God," underscoring His eternal deity, His role as the divine revealer, and His absolute authority in the coming cosmic conflict. This verse serves as a climactic revelation of Christ's identity and mission as He prepares to establish His sovereign reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 19:13 is situated within a grand prophetic vision detailing the climactic events leading to Christ's second coming and the establishment of His kingdom. The chapter begins with heavenly praise for God's judgment on "Babylon the Great" (Revelation 19:1-10), symbolizing the world system opposed to God. Immediately preceding this verse, John sees "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" (Revelation 19:11). Verses 11-16 provide a detailed description of this Rider, unequivocally identified as Jesus Christ, as He prepares for the final battle against the beast and his armies. Verse 13 specifically describes His appearance and one of His most significant titles, setting the stage for the decisive victory that follows in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). Believers were facing immense pressure to conform to imperial cult worship and were suffering greatly. In this context, the apocalyptic imagery served to provide hope, assurance, and a call to endurance. The depiction of a conquering king with blood-stained garments would evoke familiar imagery from ancient warfare, where a victor's robes might be splattered with the blood of his vanquished foes. This imagery would have been particularly resonant with Old Testament prophetic descriptions of God's divine warrior, such as those found in [Isaiah 63:1-6](/isaiah/63-1-6 "Isaiah 63 - The Lord's Vengeance on Edom"), where the Lord's garments are stained from treading the winepress of His wrath. The title "The Word of God" would also resonate with both Jewish concepts of *Memra* (God's active word) and Hellenistic philosophical ideas of *Logos*, but here applied uniquely and supremely to the person of Jesus Christ as the divine, pre-existent Son.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Christ's absolute sovereignty and divine authority** as the King of kings and Lord of lords, who returns not as a suffering servant but as a triumphant warrior. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment and justice**, portraying Christ as the righteous executor of God's wrath against all evil and rebellion. The blood on His robe is a stark symbol of this decisive victory. Thirdly, the title "The Word of God" reinforces **Jesus' unique identity as the ultimate revelation of God**, linking Him directly to the eternal *Logos* described in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"). This theme underscores His pre-existence, His role in creation, and His inherent deity, confirming that the one who judges is none other than God Himself, fully revealed in Christ. This vision offers profound assurance to persecuted believers that God's ultimate plan of redemption and justice will prevail, as seen throughout the prophetic narrative of Revelation and in passages like [Psalm 2](/psalm/2 "Psalm 2 - The Reign of the Lord's Anointed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vesture (Greek, _himátion'_):** This term refers to a garment, specifically an outer robe or cloak. In this context, it signifies the royal and warrior attire of the returning Christ, visibly marked by His triumph. The choice of "vesture" emphasizes its ceremonial and significant nature, appropriate for a King preparing for battle and judgment.
* **dipped (Greek, _báptō'_):** This primary verb means "to whelm, i.e., cover wholly with a fluid; by implication, to stain (as with dye)." The use of *báptō* here conveys the complete saturation of the vesture, indicating a decisive and thorough victory where the blood of His enemies has fully stained His garments, rather than a mere sprinkling. It suggests an overwhelming and conclusive act of judgment.
* **Word (Greek, _lógos'_):** This profound theological term, derived from *legō* ("to speak"), signifies "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic... reasoning... the Divine Expression (i.e., Christ)." In this context, it identifies Jesus as the ultimate revelation, embodiment, and active agent of God's will and power. It points to His pre-existence, His role as the Creator, and His function as the ultimate communicator of God's truth and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:"**: This clause presents a striking visual image of the returning Christ. The "vesture" (outer robe) is not merely sprinkled but "dipped" (saturated) in "blood." This blood is not His own sacrificial blood (which was shed for atonement, as in [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Washed from Sins by His Blood")), but rather the blood of His vanquished enemies. This imagery powerfully signifies His overwhelming victory and the execution of divine judgment. It directly alludes to Old Testament prophecies, particularly [Isaiah 63:2-3](/isaiah/63-2-3 "Isaiah 63:2-3 - The Lord's Garments Stained from Treading the Winepress"), where God's garments are stained from treading the winepress of His wrath upon His adversaries. Thus, the blood-dipped robe symbolizes Christ's fierce and righteous conquest over all forces of evil.
* **"and his name is called The Word of God."**: This second clause reveals a profound and significant title for the triumphant Rider. "The Word of God" (Greek: *ho Logos tou Theou*) connects the returning Christ directly to the eternal *Logos* introduced in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"). This title emphasizes His divine nature, His pre-existence with God, and His role as the ultimate revelation of God's character, will, and truth. As "The Word," He is the active agent through whom God creates, speaks, and judges. This name underscores His inherent power, authority, and deity, confirming that the one who comes to execute judgment is none other than the divine Son, the full and final embodiment of God's communication and plan.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:13 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "vesture dipped in blood" serving as a potent symbol of Christ's decisive victory in judgment, rather than His suffering. This visual imagery evokes the ancient practice of a conquering warrior's garments being stained with the blood of his vanquished foes, signifying complete triumph. The "white horse" upon which He rides (mentioned in the preceding verse) is also highly symbolic, representing purity, righteousness, and conquest. Furthermore, the title "The Word of God" functions as a profound **Metaphor** for Christ's identity, linking Him to divine revelation, power, and authority. The verse also utilizes **Allusion**, specifically to Old Testament prophecies like [Isaiah 63:2-3](/isaiah/63-2-3 "Isaiah 63:2-3 - The Lord's Garments Stained from Treading the Winepress"), where God's garments are described as stained from treading the winepress of His wrath. This allusion enriches the meaning by connecting the New Testament vision to established prophetic themes of divine judgment and vengeance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:13 is a pivotal verse that powerfully integrates several profound theological truths. It presents Jesus Christ not only as the Lamb who was slain for the sins of the world but also as the Lion of Judah, the triumphant warrior-king who returns to execute righteous judgment. The imagery of His robe dipped in the blood of His enemies signifies the completion of God's justice, where all rebellion against His sovereignty is decisively crushed. This portrayal underscores God's unwavering commitment to holiness and His ultimate victory over evil, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies concerning the day of the Lord and divine vengeance. Furthermore, His title "The Word of God" establishes His eternal deity and His essential role as the active agent of God's revelation, creation, and judgment. This connection reinforces the unity of God's plan throughout history, from creation to consummation, all centered on the person of Christ.

* [Isaiah 63:2-3](/isaiah/63-2-3 "Isaiah 63:2-3 - The Lord's Garments Stained from Vengeance")
* [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")
* [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Washed from Sins by His Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 19:13 offers both immense comfort and a solemn warning. For believers, it provides profound assurance that Jesus Christ is indeed sovereign, that He will ultimately triumph over all evil, and that His justice will prevail. In a world often characterized by injustice, suffering, and the apparent triumph of wickedness, this vision reminds us that God is actively working out His perfect plan and that the King of kings will return to set all things right. This should inspire unwavering hope, courage in the face of persecution, and steadfastness in our faith. It calls us to live lives worthy of His coming, to align ourselves with His righteous reign, and to eagerly anticipate the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship. For those who oppose Christ, this verse serves as a stark warning of the inevitable judgment that awaits all who stand against the King of kings. It is a call to repentance and submission to His authority before the day of His wrath.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of Christ's blood-dipped robe challenge or deepen your understanding of His character and mission?**
* **In what ways does knowing Jesus as "The Word of God" impact your view of His authority and your daily walk of faith?**
* **How does this verse inspire hope or provide comfort in the face of present evil or injustice in the world?**

### FAQ

**Why is His robe dipped in blood if He is the Lamb of God who shed His own blood for us?**

Answer: The "blood" on Christ's robe in [Revelation 19:13](/revelation/19-13 "Revelation 19:13 - The Word of God, Dipped in Blood") symbolizes the blood of His vanquished enemies, not His own atoning blood. While Jesus' own blood was shed as the sacrificial Lamb of God to atone for sins ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Washed from Sins by His Blood")), His return in Revelation 19 is as the conquering Lion of Judah, the divine warrior coming to execute righteous judgment and wage war against the forces of evil. This imagery directly alludes to Old Testament prophecies like [Isaiah 63:1-6](/isaiah/63-1-6 "Isaiah 63 - The Lord's Vengeance on Edom"), where God's garments are stained from treading the winepress of His wrath upon His adversaries. Thus, the blood on His robe signifies His decisive victory and the complete triumph of His justice over all rebellion.

**What does "The Word of God" mean as a name for Jesus?**

Answer: "The Word of God" (Greek: *ho Logos tou Theou*) is a profound theological title that identifies Jesus Christ as the ultimate and complete revelation of God. It connects Him to the eternal *Logos* described in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word in Creation"), where "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made through Him." This title signifies Jesus' divine nature, His pre-existence with God, and His active role in creation. Furthermore, as "The Word," He is the one through whom God speaks, reveals Himself, and acts in history, culminating in His incarnation ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Therefore, when He returns as "The Word of God," it underscores His inherent power, absolute authority, and His identity as the embodiment of God's truth, judgment, and ultimate plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:13 stands as a powerful Christ-centered fulfillment, bringing together diverse strands of biblical prophecy and theology into a climactic revelation of Jesus' identity and mission. His title "The Word of God" points directly to His pre-existent deity, echoing [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") where He is revealed as the eternal *Logos*, distinct from yet one with God. This Word, through whom "all things were made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")), is the very one who "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), fully revealing God to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Final Word in His Son")). The imagery of His vesture "dipped in blood," while signifying judgment here, is only possible because of His prior, foundational work as the Lamb of God, whose own blood was shed to secure salvation and reconcile all things to God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")). His return as the triumphant warrior, executing righteous judgment, is the culmination of His redemptive plan, bringing to completion the victory won at the cross and resurrection. He comes to fully establish His kingdom, putting all enemies under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")), and ensuring that "every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")), thus fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive history centered in His Son.

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

John 1:1

¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Isaiah 63:1

¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Isaiah 63:6

And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Psalms 58:10

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

Revelation 14:20

And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand [and] six hundred furlongs.

1 John 1:1

¶ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;