Revelation 19:14

And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

And {G2532} the armies {G4753} which were {G3588} in {G1722} heaven {G3772} followed {G190} him {G846} upon {G1909} white {G3022} horses {G2462}, clothed {G1746} in fine linen {G1039}, white {G3022} and {G2532} clean {G2513}.

The armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.

The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses.

And the armies which are in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and pure.

Commentary

Revelation 19:14 describes the glorious retinue accompanying Jesus Christ during His triumphant return to Earth, a pivotal moment in biblical prophecy.

Context

This verse is situated within the dramatic climax of the Book of Revelation, specifically following the joyous scene of the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9). Immediately preceding it, Revelation 19:11-13 introduces Christ Himself, riding a white horse, identified as "Faithful and True," with eyes like fire and a sharp sword. Verse 14 then details the heavenly forces that accompany Him, setting the stage for the final defeat of His enemies described later in the chapter.

Key Themes

  • The Heavenly Host: The "armies which were in heaven" are generally understood to be a combination of angels and the redeemed saints, who have been glorified and are now part of Christ's victorious procession. Their presence underscores the universal scope of Christ's dominion and the participation of His followers in His ultimate triumph.
  • Purity and Righteousness: The description "clothed in fine linen, white and clean" is highly symbolic. In Revelation, "fine linen" (Revelation 19:8) explicitly represents "the righteousness of saints." This imagery emphasizes the moral purity and justified standing of those who accompany Christ, distinct from the defilement of the world.
  • Divine Authority and Victory: Riding "upon white horses" signifies victory, purity, and divine authority. Just as Christ leads on a white horse, His armies share in this symbol of triumph, indicating their alignment with His righteous judgment and ultimate conquest over evil. This procession foreshadows the decisive defeat of the beast, the false prophet, and their armies (Revelation 19:19-21).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "armies" is strateumata (στρατεύματα), which refers to military forces or troops. This term reinforces the martial, triumphant nature of this heavenly procession. The phrase "fine linen, white and clean" is from byssinon leukon katharon (βύσσινον λευκὸν καθαρὸν), highlighting the pristine quality and symbolic significance of their attire. Byssinon refers to a very fine, luxurious linen, emphasizing the divine status and purity of those arrayed in it.

Practical Application

For believers, Revelation 19:14 offers profound hope and assurance. It affirms that Christ's return will be one of undeniable power and glory, not a secret event. Furthermore, it suggests that faithful believers, having been made righteous through Christ, will share in His triumphant vindication and be part of His glorious retinue. This vision encourages Christians to live lives of purity and righteousness now, preparing for the day when they will join the King of kings and Lord of lords in His ultimate victory.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jude 1:14 (9 votes)

    And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

  • Revelation 19:8 (9 votes)

    And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

  • Revelation 7:9 (8 votes)

    After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

  • Revelation 17:14 (7 votes)

    ¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

  • Matthew 28:3 (5 votes)

    His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

  • Zechariah 14:5 (4 votes)

    And ye shall flee [to] the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, [and] all the saints with thee.

  • Revelation 3:4 (4 votes)

    Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.