Revelation 19:15

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

And {G2532} out of {G1537} his {G846} mouth {G4750} goeth {G1607} a sharp {G3691} sword {G4501}, that {G2443} with {G1722} it {G846} he should smite {G3960} the nations {G1484}: and {G2532} he {G846} shall rule {G4165} them {G846} with {G1722} a rod {G4464} of iron {G4603}: and {G2532} he {G846} treadeth {G3961} the winepress {G3025}{G3631} of the fierceness {G2372} and {G2532} wrath {G3709} of Almighty {G3841} God {G2316}.

And out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down nations — “He will rule them with a staff of iron.” It is he who treads the winepress from which flows the wine of the furious rage of Adonai, God of heaven’s armies.

And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.

Context

Revelation 19:15 describes the terrifying yet glorious return of Jesus Christ, often referred to as the Second Coming. This verse is part of a larger vision detailing Christ's triumphant appearance as the "King of Kings, and Lord of Lords" (Revelation 19:16), leading the armies of heaven to execute divine judgment upon the rebellious nations and the Beast's kingdom. It paints a vivid picture of divine authority and impending cosmic justice, contrasting sharply with His first coming as a humble servant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Authority: The verse powerfully portrays Christ's absolute authority and His role as the ultimate judge. He comes not as a suffering servant, but as a conquering King, ready to smite the nations and rule with unquestionable power.
  • The Word as a Weapon: The "sharp sword" proceeding from His mouth symbolizes the irresistible and decisive power of Christ's spoken word. It is through His decrees and pronouncements that judgment is executed, demonstrating that His authority is inherent and absolute.
  • Uncompromising Rule: The imagery of ruling with a "rod of iron" signifies an unbreakable, unyielding, and just reign. This is a fulfillment of ancient prophecies regarding the Messiah's kingly dominion.
  • The Fierceness of God's Wrath: The "winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" is a stark, Old Testament-rooted metaphor for the crushing, inescapable judgment poured out on those who oppose God. It emphasizes the severity and completeness of divine retribution against wickedness.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Sharp sword" (ῥομφαία, rhomphaia): This Greek word refers to a large, long sword, often associated with piercing and judgment. In Scripture, it frequently symbolizes the powerful, discerning, and judging nature of God's Word, as seen in Hebrews 4:12, where the Word of God is described as "sharper than any twoedged sword."
  • "Rod of iron" (ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, rhabdō sidērā): This phrase directly echoes Psalm 2:9, a messianic psalm prophesying the Messiah's rule over the nations with an iron scepter. It signifies an unchallengeable, absolute, and righteous dominion, crushing all rebellion. This authority is also promised to believers who overcome (Revelation 2:27).
  • "Winepress of the fierceness and wrath": This vivid metaphor, also found in Isaiah 63:3 and Joel 3:13, illustrates judgment as a process of trampling and crushing, like grapes in a winepress, yielding the wine of God's fury. It conveys the intensity and finality of divine wrath against sin.

Practical Application

For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance. It reinforces the truth that Christ is sovereign and will ultimately triumph over all evil and injustice. His return signifies the end of suffering and the establishment of His perfect kingdom. For those who do not acknowledge Him, it serves as a solemn warning of impending judgment. It calls all people to consider their standing before a holy God and to respond to the call of repentance and faith before the day of His undeniable and powerful reign.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 63:2

    Wherefore [art thou] red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?

  • 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.

  • Revelation 1:16

    And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.

  • Revelation 2:27

    And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

  • Psalms 2:9

    Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:8

    And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

  • Isaiah 11:4

    But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

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