Revelation 19:16

KJV

And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he hath {G2192} on {G1909} his vesture {G2440} and {G2532} on {G1909} his {G846} thigh {G3382} a name {G3686} written {G1125}, KING {G935} OF KINGS {G935}, AND {G2532} LORD {G2962} OF LORDS {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And on his robe and on his thigh he has a name written:

KING OF KINGS

AND

LORD OF LORDS.

Berean Standard Bible

And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

American Standard Version

And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:16 provides a climactic declaration of Jesus Christ's supreme authority and identity as He returns in glory to execute divine judgment and establish His righteous reign. This verse visually portrays Him with the ultimate title, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS," emblazoned upon His royal vesture and thigh, signifying His absolute and undeniable dominion over all earthly and heavenly powers. It is a powerful affirmation of His sovereign rule and the culmination of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 19:16 concludes a magnificent vision of Christ's glorious return, which begins in [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse"). 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." This imagery presents Jesus Christ not as the suffering Lamb, but as a conquering warrior King leading the armies of heaven. The preceding verses detail His fierce judgment: from His mouth proceeds a "sharp sword" to smite the nations, and He treads "the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Judgment and Wrath")). Thus, verse 16 serves as the triumphant crescendo, revealing the ultimate identity and authority of this victorious Rider at the apex of His advent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East and Roman world, titles like "king of kings" were used by powerful emperors (e.g., Persian kings, Roman emperors) to assert their dominion over subordinate rulers. However, these were often aspirational or hyperbolic claims. The placement of a name or title on a garment or banner was also a common practice to signify identity, ownership, or authority, particularly in military or royal processions. The thigh, being a prominent and strong part of the body, could also be associated with power, lineage, or the ability to ride into battle. By applying this superlative title to Christ and displaying it in such a prominent manner, John's vision elevates Jesus far beyond any earthly potentate, asserting His unique and absolute sovereignty over all human and spiritual authorities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Christ's Supreme Sovereignty**, underscoring His unrivaled authority over all creation, as anticipated in [Psalm 2:6-9](/psalms/2-6-9 "Psalm 2:6-9 - The Reign of God's Anointed King"). It also highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Victory**, portraying Christ as the one who finally defeats all evil and establishes God's righteous rule on earth, fulfilling prophecies found in passages like [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion"). Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Exaltation and Worship**, demanding universal recognition and submission to Him, echoing the New Testament declaration that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Submission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb signifies to "grave" or "write." In this context, it emphasizes the permanence and undeniable nature of the declaration. The name is not merely spoken or implied; it is visibly inscribed, making it a public and irrefutable statement of Christ's identity and authority.
* **vesture (Greek, _himátion'_):** Referring to a garment or robe, this word denotes the outer clothing worn by the Rider. The inscription on the vesture suggests a public display, visible to all who behold Him. It is part of His royal and military attire, symbolizing His kingly status and His role as a conquering warrior.
* **thigh (Greek, _mērós'_):** The thigh is a prominent and strong part of the body, particularly visible when riding a horse. Its association with strength, lineage (e.g., "seed from his loins"), and the sword (which was often worn on the thigh) makes it a fitting place for such a powerful declaration. The inscription on the thigh, alongside the vesture, ensures maximum visibility and reinforces the idea of Christ's inherent power and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he hath on [his] vesture":** This clause describes the first location where the name is inscribed. The "vesture" or outer robe would be highly visible as the Rider descends from heaven, immediately communicating His identity and authority to all who witness His return. This public display is integral to the declaration of His sovereignty.
* **"and on his thigh":** This specifies the second location for the inscription. The thigh, a strong and prominent part of the body, particularly when mounted on a horse, serves as another highly visible canvas for the name. This dual inscription emphasizes the importance and undeniable nature of the title, ensuring it is seen and understood by all.
* **"a name written":** This phrase confirms that the inscription is a definitive and permanent declaration. A "name" in biblical thought often represents character, authority, and identity. The fact that it is "written" underscores its unchangeable truth and public proclamation.
* **"KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS":** This is the supreme title of Christ, the very "name written" on Him. It is a superlative expression, signifying absolute and unrivaled dominion. "King of Kings" asserts His authority over all earthly rulers and governments, while "Lord of Lords" declares His sovereignty over all spiritual powers and masters. It is the ultimate statement of His universal and eternal reign, proclaiming Him as the highest authority in the cosmos.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:16 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "vesture" and "thigh" symbolize the public, undeniable, and inherent nature of Christ's authority; the name is not hidden but openly displayed on His very person. The act of "writing" the name emphasizes its permanence and the definitive nature of His identity. The title "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" employs **Hyperbole** (or perhaps more accurately, **Superlative Language**) to convey ultimate and absolute dominion, surpassing any human claim to power. It is a title that, while sometimes used by earthly monarchs, finds its true and perfect fulfillment only in Christ. The entire scene is a powerful **Metaphor** for Christ's ultimate victory and the establishment of His unchallenged reign, visually representing a theological truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:16 is a profound theological statement affirming the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ. It declares His unique position as the ultimate ruler over all creation, both visible and invisible. This title, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS," is not merely an honorific but a declaration of His inherent divine nature and His rightful claim to universal dominion. It signifies that all earthly powers and authorities are subordinate to Him, and He alone holds the ultimate power to judge, to conquer, and to reign. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that their ultimate allegiance is to a King who is eternally victorious and perfectly just. It also serves as a stark warning to those who oppose Him, for His return will usher in an era of undisputed divine rule.

* [Daniel 2:47](/daniel/2-47 "Daniel 2:47 - Nebuchadnezzar's Recognition of God's Sovereignty"): King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God as "a God of gods, and a Lord of kings."
* [1 Timothy 6:15](/1_timothy/6-15 "1 Timothy 6:15 - God as the Blessed and Only Potentate"): Paul refers to God as "the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords."
* [Revelation 17:14](/revelation/17-14 "Revelation 17:14 - The Lamb's Victory Over the Beast"): "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 19:16 offers a powerful anchor for our faith in a world often characterized by chaos, injustice, and competing allegiances. To truly grasp that Jesus Christ is the "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" means recognizing that no earthly power, no political system, no human ideology, and no spiritual adversary can ultimately thwart His purposes or stand against His authority. This truth should inspire unwavering confidence in His ultimate triumph and the establishment of His perfect kingdom. For believers, it calls for a radical reorientation of our lives: our primary allegiance must be to Him alone, shaping our priorities, values, and actions. It reminds us that our hope is not in fleeting human leaders or systems, but in the eternal, sovereign Christ who will one day make all things new. This vision empowers us to live courageously, knowing that we serve the victorious King, and it fuels our evangelistic efforts, as we proclaim the good news of His coming reign to a world desperately in need of His justice and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the title "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" challenge your understanding of earthly power and authority?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to more fully surrender to Christ's kingship?**
* **How does the assurance of Christ's ultimate victory impact your hope and peace amidst current global challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more consistently as a subject of the King of Kings?**

### FAQ
**Why is the name written on both His vesture and His thigh?**

Answer: The dual inscription on both Christ's vesture (outer robe) and His thigh serves to emphasize the public, undeniable, and inherent nature of His supreme authority. The vesture would be highly visible as He descends, symbolizing His royal and military status. The thigh, a prominent and strong part of the body, especially when riding, also represents power and the place where a sword might be worn, further underscoring His might and readiness for battle. Together, these locations ensure maximum visibility and reinforce that His title as "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" is not hidden or merely proclaimed, but permanently and openly displayed as an intrinsic part of His very being and identity. It is a definitive, visual declaration for all to witness.

**What is the significance of the title "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS"?**

Answer: This title is a superlative expression signifying absolute and unrivaled dominion. In ancient cultures, powerful rulers sometimes claimed to be "king of kings," but these were human boasts. When applied to Jesus Christ, it means He holds ultimate authority over every earthly king, government, and nation ("King of Kings"), and over every spiritual power, deity, or master ("Lord of Lords"). It declares that all other powers are subordinate to Him, derive their authority from Him, and will ultimately bow before Him. It is the highest possible declaration of sovereignty, affirming His divine nature and His rightful claim to universal and eternal rule, as also seen in [1 Timothy 6:15](/1_timothy/6-15 "1 Timothy 6:15 - God as the Blessed and Only Potentate").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:16 presents the glorious culmination of God's redemptive plan, revealing Jesus Christ as the triumphant King who fulfills all Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's ultimate reign. While His first advent saw Him come as the humble [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), His second coming is as the "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS," demonstrating the full scope of His messianic office. His earthly ministry, culminating in His death, resurrection, and ascension, established His authority over sin and death, as He declared, "[All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission and Christ's Authority")" before ascending to His heavenly throne ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus' Ascension and Promise of Return")). This verse in Revelation vividly portrays the future manifestation of that already-established authority, when He will return to execute righteous judgment and establish His undisputed kingdom on earth, ultimately bringing to pass the reality that "[every knee should bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Submission")" to the glory of God the Father. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the one who was, and is, and is to come, the Almighty ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")).

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

Revelation 17:14

¶ 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.

1 Timothy 6:15

Which in his times he shall shew, [who is] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

Philippians 2:9

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Daniel 2:47

The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth [it is], that your God [is] a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

Revelation 2:17

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

Revelation 19:12

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.