Revelation 19:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:15 vividly portrays the triumphant return of Jesus Christ, the divine Warrior-King, at the culmination of human history. This powerful verse describes His absolute authority and the decisive judgment He will execute upon the rebellious nations. It depicts the irresistible power of His spoken word as a sharp sword, His unyielding reign symbolized by a rod of iron, and the final, overwhelming outpouring of God's righteous wrath against all wickedness, likened to the treading of a winepress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the grand vision of Christ's Second Coming, specifically following His majestic appearance as "Faithful and True" leading the armies of heaven in [Revelation 19:11-14](/revelation/19-11-14 "Revelation 19:11-14 - The Rider on the White Horse"). It immediately precedes the declaration of His ultimate titles, "King of Kings, and Lord of Lords" in [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), and sets the stage for the dramatic defeat of the Beast and the false prophet, and the subsequent binding of Satan. The entire chapter builds to this climactic moment of divine intervention and the establishment of God's righteous reign, providing a stark contrast to the preceding chapters that detail the rise of Antichrist and the outpouring of God's judgments.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Warrior-King's Judgment") draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions and ancient Near Eastern royal motifs. The "rod of iron" echoes ancient Near Eastern kingship, where a scepter or rod symbolized authority and power, often used to enforce rule or even to punish. The "winepress" metaphor for divine wrath is a common prophetic image found in texts like [Isaiah 63:1-6](/isaiah/63-1-6 "Isaiah 63:1-6 - The Day of Vengeance") and [Joel 3:13](/joel/3-13 "Joel 3:13 - The Harvest of Judgment"), where the treading of grapes in a winepress graphically illustrates the crushing and inescapable nature of God's judgment. The "sharp sword" from the mouth is reminiscent of the divine word's power, as seen in [Isaiah 11:4](/isaiah/11-4 "Isaiah 11:4 - The Branch from Jesse's Roots") and [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God"). These images would have been readily understood by John's first-century audience, who were familiar with both imperial power and the rich tapestry of Jewish prophetic literature.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's ultimate justice and His sovereign right to bring an end to all rebellion and wickedness. It highlights the **Sovereignty and Authority of Christ**, portraying Him not as a meek lamb but as a conquering lion, fulfilling the messianic prophecies of a king who will rule with absolute power (e.g., [Psalm 2:9](/psalms/2-9 "Psalm 2:9 - The Messiah's Rule")). The imagery also underscores the **Power of God's Word**, showing that Christ's decrees are inherently effective and execute judgment simply by being spoken. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Cosmic Battle and Triumph**, where the forces of evil are decisively defeated by the returning Christ, leading to the establishment of His righteous kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sword (Greek, _rhomphaía'_):** G4501. This term refers to a large, long sword, often associated with a broad, cutting blade. In the biblical context, particularly in Revelation, it frequently symbolizes the powerful, discerning, and judging nature of God's Word. It is not a physical weapon in this context, but rather the irresistible and decisive power of Christ's authoritative pronouncements and decrees that execute judgment.
* **nations (Greek, _éthnos'_):** G1484. Derived from a word meaning "race" or "tribe," this term specifically refers to foreign, non-Jewish peoples, often implying pagan or gentile nations. In the context of Revelation 19:15, it signifies all the peoples and kingdoms of the world that have opposed God and His Christ, collectively representing the ungodly world system subject to divine wrath.
* **treadeth (Greek, _patéō'_):** G3961. This verb means "to trample" or "to tread down," literally or figuratively. It evokes the imagery of grapes being crushed in a winepress. In this verse, it vividly portrays the act of Christ executing judgment with overwhelming force and finality, utterly subjugating and destroying those who stand against God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword":** This clause introduces the primary instrument of Christ's judgment. The "sharp sword" is not a literal weapon but a powerful metaphor for the absolute authority and destructive power of Christ's spoken word. It signifies that His decrees are self-executing and irresistible, bringing swift and decisive judgment. This imagery resonates with [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living Word"), where the Word of God is described as sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning thoughts and intentions.
* **"that with it he should smite the nations":** This explains the purpose of the sharp sword. To "smite the nations" means to strike them down, defeat them, and execute judgment upon them. This refers to the decisive defeat of all earthly powers and peoples who have aligned themselves against God and His Christ, bringing an end to their rebellion and establishing His righteous dominion.
* **"and he shall rule them with a rod of iron":** This phrase describes the nature of Christ's reign over the subjugated nations. The "rod of iron" is a direct allusion to [Psalm 2:9](/psalms/2-9 "Psalm 2:9 - The Messiah's Reign"), a messianic prophecy. It symbolizes an unyielding, unbreakable, and absolute dominion, characterized by perfect justice and irresistible power. Christ's rule will be firm, righteous, and unchallenged, crushing all opposition.
* **"and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God":** This powerful and graphic metaphor depicts the culmination of divine judgment. The "winepress" imagery, common in Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Isaiah 63:3](/isaiah/63-3 "Isaiah 63:3 - God's Vengeance")), illustrates the crushing and inescapable nature of God's wrath. "Fierceness" (Greek: _thymós_) denotes a sudden outburst of passion, while "wrath" (Greek: _orgḗ_) implies a more settled, righteous indignation. Together, they describe the full, unmitigated outpouring of God's holy vengeance upon those who have rejected Him, a judgment that is both intense and final, executed by the "Almighty God" (Greek: _pantokrátōr_), the all-ruling, omnipotent sovereign.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:15 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**, which are central to its powerful imagery. The "sharp sword" proceeding from Christ's mouth is a potent **Metaphor** for the irresistible power and judging authority of His spoken word, rather than a literal weapon. This is further reinforced by **Personification** of the word as an active agent of judgment. The "rod of iron" is a clear **Symbol** of Christ's absolute, unbreakable, and righteous dominion, directly alluding to Old Testament messianic prophecies. The most striking **Metaphor** is "the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God," which vividly depicts the crushing and overwhelming nature of divine judgment. This imagery employs **Hyperbole** to convey the intensity and totality of God's retribution. The verse also utilizes **Allusion**, drawing heavily from Old Testament prophetic texts like [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Messiah's Reign") and [Isaiah 63](/isaiah/63 "Isaiah 63 - The Day of Vengeance"), enriching its meaning and connecting it to a long tradition of divine judgment. The cumulative effect of these devices is to create a terrifying yet majestic portrayal of Christ's ultimate triumph and the finality of God's justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of God's character and His redemptive plan. It reveals a facet of Christ often overlooked in popular piety: not only the Lamb who was slain, but also the Lion of Judah, the righteous Judge who will execute perfect justice. It underscores the biblical truth that God is both loving and just, and His patience with sin will ultimately give way to righteous indignation. The imagery affirms the absolute sovereignty of God, demonstrating that all earthly powers, no matter how formidable, are ultimately subject to His divine decree and will be brought to account. This final judgment is not arbitrary but is the just consequence of humanity's rebellion against the Creator, ensuring that every wrong will be righted and God's holiness will be fully vindicated.

* [Psalm 2:9](/psalms/2-9 "Psalm 2:9 - The Messiah's Rule Over Nations")
* [Isaiah 63:3](/isaiah/63-3 "Isaiah 63:3 - God Treading the Winepress")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God as a Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the believer, Revelation 19:15 offers profound comfort and a call to steadfastness. It assures us that despite the present prevalence of evil and injustice in the world, Christ's ultimate triumph is certain. He will return not as a vulnerable babe, but as the conquering King, bringing an end to all suffering, oppression, and wickedness. This truth should ignite hope, strengthen faith, and encourage perseverance in the face of trials, knowing that our King will ultimately establish His perfect, righteous kingdom. For those who have not yet bowed the knee to Christ, this verse serves as a solemn and urgent warning. It is a stark reminder of the inescapable judgment that awaits all who reject God's gracious offer of salvation. It compels us to examine our lives, repent of our sins, and place our faith in Jesus Christ, who alone can deliver us from the wrath to come. It calls for a life lived in anticipation of His glorious return, marked by holiness, obedience, and fervent witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of Christ as a warrior-king, executing judgment, balance with the image of Him as the suffering servant?**
* **What does the "sharp sword" from Christ's mouth teach us about the power and authority of God's Word in our lives today?**
* **In what ways should the certainty of Christ's future judgment impact our daily choices and our urgency in sharing the Gospel?**
* **How does the "winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" deepen your understanding of God's holiness and justice?**

### FAQ

**What does the "sharp sword" coming out of Christ's mouth symbolize?**

Answer: The "sharp sword" coming out of Christ's mouth in [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Word as a Weapon") symbolizes the irresistible and decisive power of His spoken word. It is not a literal weapon but represents His divine authority and the effectiveness of His decrees. Just as a sword cuts and divides, Christ's word will execute judgment, smiting the nations and bringing an end to all rebellion. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages, such as [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active"), which describes the Word of God as "sharper than any two-edged sword."

**What is the significance of "ruling with a rod of iron"?**

Answer: The phrase "he shall rule them with a rod of iron" is a direct allusion to [Psalm 2:9](/psalms/2-9 "Psalm 2:9 - The Messiah's Iron Scepter"), a messianic prophecy. It signifies Christ's absolute, unyielding, and righteous dominion. An iron rod or scepter represents unbreakable authority and power, used to enforce rule and crush all opposition. This imagery assures believers that Christ's reign will be perfectly just and unchallenged, bringing order and righteousness to a world previously plagued by rebellion and injustice.

**What does the "winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" mean?**

Answer: This vivid metaphor, also found in Old Testament prophecies like [Isaiah 63:3](/isaiah/63-3 "Isaiah 63:3 - God's Vengeance in the Winepress") and [Joel 3:13](/joel/3-13 "Joel 3:13 - The Winepress of Judgment"), describes the overwhelming and inescapable nature of God's final judgment. Just as grapes are crushed in a winepress to extract juice, so too will the wicked be utterly crushed under the weight of God's righteous anger and indignation. It emphasizes the severity, completeness, and finality of divine retribution against sin and rebellion, executed by the omnipotent God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:15 presents a powerful fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's kingly reign and ultimate judgment. While His first coming saw Him as the suffering servant, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), this verse reveals His glorious return as the conquering King, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a Messiah who would rule the nations with an iron scepter, as foretold in [Psalm 2:9](/psalms/2-9 "Psalm 2:9 - The Messiah's Rule"). The "sharp sword" from His mouth is not merely a weapon but the very word of God, demonstrating that the same Word that created the heavens and the earth ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh")) and brought salvation ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess and Believe")) will also execute final judgment. This portrayal of Christ as the divine Warrior, treading the winepress of God's wrath, underscores His role as the ultimate executor of divine justice, ensuring that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). He is the one who will bring all things to their appointed end, establishing His eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace, as promised in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion").

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

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.