TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
World English Bible Messianic
Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the wine press of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And out of his mouth went out a sharpe sworde, that with it he should smite the heathen: for he shall rule them with a rod of yron: for he it is that treadeth the wine presse of the fiercenesse and wrath of almightie God.
Young's Literal Translation
and out of his mouth doth proceed a sharp sword, that with it he may smite the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, and he doth tread the press of the wine of the wrath and the anger of God the Almighty,
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In the KJVVerse 31,033 of 31,102
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Commentary on Revelation 19 verses 11–21
11 ¶ And I saw 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.
12 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.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
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.
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
No sooner was the marriage solemnized between Christ and his church by the conversion of the Jews than the glorious head and husband of the church is called out to a new expedition, which seems to be the great battle that was to be fought at Armageddon, foretold Rev 16:16. And here observe,
I. The description of the great Commander, 1. By the seat of his empire; and that is heaven; his throne is there, and his power and authority are heavenly and divine. 2. His equipage: he is again described as sitting on a white horse, to show the equity of the cause, and certainty of success. 3. His attributes: he is faithful and true to his covenant and promise, he is righteous in all his judicial and military proceedings, he has a penetrating insight into all the strength and stratagems of his enemies, he has a large and extensive dominion, many crowns, for he is King of kings, and Lord of lords. 4. His armour; and that is a vesture dipped in blood, either his own blood, by which he purchased this mediatorial power, or the blood of his enemies, over whom he has always prevailed. 5. His name: The Word of God, a name that none fully knows but himself, only this we know, that this Word was God manifest in the flesh; but his perfections are incomprehensible by any creature.
II. The army which he commands (Rev 19:14), a very large one, made up of many armies; angels and saints followed his conduct, and resembled him in their equipage, and in their armour of purity and righteousness - chosen, and called, and faithful.
III. The weapons of his warfare - A sharp sword proceeding from his mouth (Rev 19:15), with which he smites the nations, either the threatenings of the written word, which now he is going to execute, or rather his word of command calling on his followers to take a just revenge on his and their enemies, who are now put into the wine-press of the wrath of God, to be trodden under foot by him.
IV. The ensigns of his authority, his coat of arms - a name written on his vesture and thigh, King of kings, and Lord of lords, asserting his authority and power, and the cause of the quarrel, Rev 19:16.
V. An invitation given to the fowls of heaven, that they should come and see the battle, and share in the spoil and pillage of the field (Rev 19:17, Rev 19:18), intimating that this great decisive engagement should leave the enemies of the church a feast for the birds of prey, and that all the world should have cause to rejoice in the issue of it.
VI. The battle joined. The enemy falls on with great fury, headed by the beast, and the kings of the earth; the powers of earth and hell gathered, to make their utmost effort, Rev 19:19.
VII. The victory gained by the great and glorious head of the church: The beast and the false prophet, the leaders of the army, are taken prisoners, both he who led them by power and he who led them by policy and falsehood; these are taken and cast into the burning lake, made incapable of molesting the church of God any more; and their followers, whether officers or common soldiers, are given up to military execution, and made a feast for the fowls of heaven. Though the divine vengeance will chiefly fall upon the beast, and the false prophet, yet it will be no excuse to those who fight under their banner that they only followed their leaders and obeyed their command; since they would fight for them, they must fall and perish with them. Be wise now therefore, O you kings, be instructed, you rulers of the earth; kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish from the way, Psa 2:10, Psa 2:12.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–21. Public domain.
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TertullianAD 220
An Answer to the Jews
Who will ply the sword without practising the contraries to lenity and justice; that is, guile, and asperity, and injustice, proper (of course) to the business of battles? See we, then, whether that which has another action be not another sword,-that is, the Divine word of God, doubly sharpened with the two Testaments of the ancient law and the new law; sharpened by the equity of its own wisdom; rendering to each one according to his own action.
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
EXPOSITION ON THE APOCALYPSE 19:15, HOMILY 17
The two-edged sharp sword is the power of Christ by which the righteous are defended and the unrighteous are punished. The rod of iron is the righteousness of God by which the humble are instructed but the proud are broken to pieces as though they were a clay pot.… He treads [the winepress of God’s wrath] even now, when he permits the evil to persecute the good and leaves them to their own desires. However, later he will seek repayment, when he sends those into Gehenna who have not repented.
Primasius of HadrumetumAD 560
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 19:15
The sharp sword symbolizes either the two Testaments or what we read concerning wisdom, “She carries law and kindness on her tongue,” namely, judgment and mercy. On the other hand, the rod of iron symbolizes the unbending standard of justice.… As the action of threshing separates the wheat from the chaff so that it is stored in the barn, so also the weight of the pressure of the winepress purifies the wine as it is separated from the grape skins or the oil from the dregs. The prophet referred to this when he said, “He dug out a wine vat in her.” This occurs in the church when persecution arises or some other kind of calamity happens. Then, some like dregs will run down by an irremediable fall, while others will shine more brightly by their faith which now is tested.
Apringius of BejaAD 600
TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 19:15-16
The sharp sword that issues from his mouth is the authority of the law and the severity of the judge. It remains sharp for justice, so that he might separate all things and reckon the deeds of every person. Then it says, “so that he might smite the nations with [the sword].” To smite means to strike, to determine, to free, to damn, to justify, to rescue, to save.… The rod of iron is the discipline of power by which he will make right all nations, equally changing them and judging them.… The wine press is hell, and the wine is the judgment by which those are restrained and subdued upon whom the righteous anger of God will have come.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And he treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. He treads now also, until he treads it outside the city.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And from his mouth proceeds a sharp sword. Thus Isaiah says: And he made my mouth like a sharp sword (Isa. 49). And the Apostle: And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6).
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
And out of his mouth, namely of the commander-in-chief, a sword proceeds. Therefore the divine prophet gives the sword to the Lord's thigh for use placed a little before (Ps. 44:4); but the vision, writing more precisely, presents it at the mouth. By which it is signified that by the word of God all things subsist, and whoever transgresses it in any way will not go unpunished, so that by him he may strike the nations. What kind of nations? Those who join with the Antichrist against the servants of Christ and are placed under him.
And he says that he shall rule them with a rod of iron; for the Lord, being supremely good and merciful, would shepherd these nations about whom the word speaks with a shepherd's and consoling rod, "leading them to a place of pasture and nourishing them at waters of rest." (Ps. 22:2) But since they have not willed this, they shall be shepherded with an iron rod, that is, with strict and deadly discipline. For whom the word does not reform, those it certainly submits to punishment. And because the iron rod denotes strict and punitive action, the prophet, intending to signify the rule of the Romans about which Daniel says, "Arise, devour much flesh," (Dan. 7:5) said to God, "You shepherd them with an iron rod: as with earthen vessels you will crush them." (Ps. 2:5) But when the season was favorable God shepherded by means of that; in the last time by means of this.
And he treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. The Lord in the Gospels said concerning the heavenly Father, "The Father judges no one; and he gave all judgment to the Son." (Jn. 5:22) It is therefore most fittingly said in the Revelation that he himself treads the winepress of the fury of the anger of God; for by judgment and recompense of the wicked he fulfills the paternal will and becomes the fulfiller of the righteous anger of the Father.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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 and Isaiah 63, 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.
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
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 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, 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, 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 and Joel 3:13, 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, 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. 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) and brought salvation (Romans 10:9-10) 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). 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.