Revelation 19:17

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I saw {G1492} an {G1520} angel {G32} standing {G2476} in {G1722} the sun {G2246}; and {G2532} he cried {G2896} with a loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, saying {G3004} to all {G3956} the fowls {G3732} that fly {G4072} in {G1722} the midst of heaven {G3321}, Come {G1205} and {G2532} gather yourselves together {G4863} unto {G1519} the supper {G1173} of the great {G3173} God {G2316};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice to all the birds that fly about in mid-heaven, “Come, gather together for the great feast God is giving,

Berean Standard Bible

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God,

American Standard Version

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in mid heaven, Come and be gathered together unto the great supper of God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:17 presents a stark and solemn vision of divine judgment, immediately following the joyous celebration of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. John witnesses an angel standing prominently in the sun, crying out with a loud voice to all the scavenging birds in mid-heaven. This angelic summons invites them to "the supper of the great God," a gruesome feast of carrion resulting from the impending, decisive battle against God's enemies, underscoring the absolute certainty and comprehensive nature of God's final justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a dramatic and chilling interlude in the climactic nineteenth chapter of Revelation. It immediately follows the glorious portrayal of the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") and the triumphant return of Christ as the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return"). The shift from the joyous union of Christ and His bride to this grim summons for judgment is abrupt and intentional, highlighting the dual destinies awaiting humanity. Verse 17 sets the stage for the [final confrontation](/revelation/19-19-21 "Revelation 19:19-21 - The Defeat of the Beast and False Prophet") where the Beast, the false prophet, and their armies are utterly defeated, their bodies becoming the "supper" for the fowls. This juxtaposition underscores the profound contrast between the blessedness of the redeemed and the terrifying fate of those who oppose God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of scavenging birds feasting on the slain is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern warfare and prophetic literature. In the ancient world, leaving bodies unburied for birds of prey was a profound dishonor and a sign of utter defeat and divine curse. It signified the complete obliteration of an enemy, denying them a proper burial and erasing their memory. This grim picture would have been immediately recognizable to John's original audience. Furthermore, the concept of a "feast" prepared by God for birds of prey echoes specific Old Testament prophecies of judgment, such as [Ezekiel 39:17-20](/ezekiel/39-17-20 "Ezekiel 39:17-20 - God's Feast for the Birds of Prey"), which describes a similar scenario concerning the armies of Gog. The angel standing "in the sun" suggests a public, undeniable, and universally visible proclamation, indicating that this judgment is not hidden but openly declared and executed by divine authority.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 19:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute control over history and His unwavering commitment to justice. No opposition can withstand His ultimate power, and the wicked will face certain retribution. Secondly, the verse establishes a profound **Contrast of Destinies**, creating a stark parallel between the blessed [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Invitation to the Marriage Supper") for the faithful and this horrifying "supper of the great God" for the ungodly. This duality emphasizes the critical importance of one's allegiance to Christ. Thirdly, it serves as a vivid depiction of the **Eschatological Conflict**, signaling the imminent and decisive defeat of all forces arrayed against God and His Christ. This prepares the reader for the final battle described in the subsequent verses of [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - The Return of Christ and Final Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō_):** This primary verb (G1492) signifies not merely a casual glance but a direct, authoritative perception. John's use of "I saw" consistently throughout Revelation lends credibility and immediacy to his prophetic visions, emphasizing that these are not abstract ideas but divinely revealed realities. Here, it establishes the authenticity of the terrifying scene about to unfold.
* **supper (Greek, _deîpnon_):** The Greek word (G1173) refers to the chief meal, typically eaten in the evening. Its deliberate reuse here, having just appeared in the context of the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), creates a profound and terrifying **irony**. While one "supper" is a joyous celebration of union and salvation, this "supper" is a gruesome feast of judgment, where the bodies of the ungodly become the meal for scavenging birds, underscoring the absolute and horrifying finality of divine wrath.
* **gather yourselves together (Greek, _synágō_):** This verb (G4863) means "to lead together" or "collect." In this context, it highlights the divinely orchestrated and purposeful nature of this grim assembly. The fowls are not just randomly appearing; they are summoned and gathered by divine command for a specific, dreadful purpose, emphasizing God's meticulous sovereignty even over the instruments of His judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I saw an angel standing in the sun;":** John's vision begins with a striking image of an angel positioned prominently "in the sun." This placement is highly symbolic, indicating that the angel's message is not hidden but universally visible and proclaimed with divine authority. The sun, as the most powerful and visible celestial body, underscores the global reach and undeniable nature of the impending judgment. The angel acts as God's messenger, delivering a critical, public announcement.
* **"and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven,":** The angel's "loud voice" signifies the urgency, importance, and far-reaching impact of his proclamation. It is a summons meant to be heard by all. The recipients of this call are "all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven," specifically birds of prey. This detail immediately signals the gruesome nature of the "supper" to follow, as these birds are scavengers, indicating that the meal will consist of corpses. Their presence "in the midst of heaven" suggests their readiness to descend upon the earth.
* **"Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;":** This is the direct, imperative invitation. The "supper of the great God" is a macabre inversion of a celebratory feast. It is a banquet of divine wrath, where the bodies of those who oppose God will be consumed. The phrase "of the great God" emphasizes the ultimate power, sovereignty, and holiness of the One orchestrating this judgment, ensuring its absolute certainty and overwhelming scale. It is God Himself who prepares this horrifying feast.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:17 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Irony**. The "angel standing in the sun" symbolizes the universal, undeniable, and divinely authorized nature of the proclamation. The "fowls that fly in the midst of heaven" are symbolic of scavenging birds of prey, representing the instruments of God's judgment and the utter dishonor and destruction awaiting His enemies. The central device is the profound **Irony** and **Juxtaposition** of the "supper of the great God" with the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb" described earlier in the chapter. Both are "suppers" (Greek _deîpnon_), but one is a feast of celebration and salvation, while the other is a feast of judgment and death. This stark contrast powerfully highlights the two ultimate destinies for humanity and the severity of God's justice. The scene also employs **Hyperbole** in its implied scale, suggesting an immense number of casualties to provide such a feast for "all the fowls." The angel's "loud voice" is a form of **Auditory Imagery**, emphasizing the forceful and public nature of the divine summons.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:17 serves as a profound theological statement on the certainty and comprehensive nature of divine judgment. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and all history, demonstrating that His justice will ultimately prevail against all rebellion. This "supper" is not a random act of violence but a divinely ordained consequence for those who have persistently rejected God's authority and opposed His Christ. It reveals God's holiness, which cannot tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely, and His power, which ensures that His will is perfectly executed. The verse also highlights the binary nature of ultimate human destiny: either participation in the blessed communion with Christ or consumption by the consequences of opposing Him. It is a stark reminder that God is not only a God of love and grace but also a God of righteous wrath and unyielding justice.

* [Ezekiel 39:17-20](/ezekiel/39-17-20 "Ezekiel 39:17-20 - The Feast for the Birds of Prey"): A direct Old Testament prophetic parallel to the "supper of the great God," describing a similar feast for birds and beasts upon the bodies of God's enemies.
* [Matthew 24:27-28](/matthew/24-27-28 "Matthew 24:27-28 - Where the Carcass Is"): Jesus' own words, "Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather," which speaks to the visible and undeniable nature of final judgment.
* [Isaiah 34:5-7](/isaiah/34-5-7 "Isaiah 34:5-7 - God's Sword of Judgment"): Prophetic imagery of God's "sword" being "sated with blood" as a "sacrifice" for the Lord, leading to a great slaughter that birds will feast upon.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 19:17 offers a solemn and sobering warning, compelling us to seriously consider the ultimate consequences of our choices and allegiances. It unequivocally declares that there will be a final, decisive judgment for those who align themselves against God and His Christ. This vision should instill a healthy fear of God, not as a tyrannical despot, but as the righteous and holy sovereign of the universe whose justice is as certain as His love. For believers, this verse reinforces the immense privilege and blessedness of being invited to the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), a destiny secured not by human merit but by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It should deepen our gratitude for salvation and motivate us to live lives that honor God and share the Gospel message with urgency, knowing the alternative. This passage calls us to examine our hearts, ensuring our hope is firmly placed in Christ, for only then can we escape the terrifying "supper of the great God" and instead partake in the eternal feast of joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "supper of the great God" challenge or deepen your understanding of divine justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways does this verse underscore the urgency of responding to the Gospel message and aligning one's life with God's will?**
* **How does the stark contrast between the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb" and this "supper of the great God" shape your perspective on the ultimate destinies of humanity and the importance of faith in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the angel standing "in the sun"?**

Answer: The angel standing "in the sun" signifies the universal visibility and undeniable authority of the message being proclaimed. The sun is the most prominent and visible celestial body, ensuring that the angel's cry is seen and heard by all. It highlights that this judgment is not a hidden or secret event but a public, divinely orchestrated act, visible to all creation, underscoring the majesty and power of God in executing His final justice.

**How does the "supper of the great God" relate to the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb"?**

Answer: These two "suppers" (both using the Greek word _deîpnon_) are presented in stark, deliberate contrast within [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - The Return of Christ and Final Judgment"). The [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") is a joyous celebration of the union between Christ and His redeemed bride, representing salvation, communion, and eternal blessedness for those who have trusted in Him. In contrast, the "supper of the great God" is a gruesome feast of judgment, where scavenging birds consume the bodies of those who have opposed God and His Christ. It represents the ultimate, horrifying consequence of rebellion and the finality of divine wrath. The juxtaposition emphasizes the two ultimate and diametrically opposed destinies for humanity.

**Are the "fowls" mentioned in the verse literal birds?**

Answer: Yes, the "fowls" (Greek _órneon_) are literal scavenging birds of prey, such as vultures or ravens. However, their mention is highly symbolic and serves a specific theological purpose. In ancient Near Eastern culture and biblical prophecy (e.g., [Ezekiel 39:17-20](/ezekiel/39-17-20 "Ezekiel 39:17-20 - The Feast for the Birds of Prey")), birds feasting on unburied corpses signified utter defeat, dishonor, and divine curse upon the slain. Thus, while literal birds are involved, their role vividly illustrates the complete and public nature of God's judgment upon His enemies, leaving no doubt about the finality of their destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:17, while a scene of terrifying judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is Christ, the [Lamb who was slain](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb Slain"), who now returns as the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ as King of Kings"), riding forth to execute this very judgment. The "supper of the great God" is the direct consequence of humanity's rejection of the gracious invitation to the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), an invitation made possible only through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. His first advent was one of grace and salvation, but His second advent, as depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return"), is one of righteous judgment against those who refused His saving offer. The authority to summon the fowls and orchestrate this final, gruesome feast rests squarely on the shoulders of the resurrected Christ, to whom [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission"). This judgment ultimately vindicates Christ's suffering, establishes His righteous reign, and demonstrates His absolute victory over all forces of evil, fulfilling prophecies that depict Him as both Savior and Judge ([John 5:22-27](/john/5-22-27 "John 5:22-27 - Jesus, the Judge")).

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 19:21

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.

Revelation 8:13

And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

Ezekiel 39:17

And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, [even] a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.

Ezekiel 39:20

Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 12:9

Mine heritage [is] unto me [as] a speckled bird, the birds round about [are] against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour.

Isaiah 56:9

¶ All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, [yea], all ye beasts in the forest.

Isaiah 34:1

¶ Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.