TRV
Translation
King James Version
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;
World English Bible Messianic
I saw an angel standing in the sun. He cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the sky, “Come! Be gathered together to the great supper of God,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I sawe an Angel stand in the sunne, who cryed with a loude voyce, saying to all the foules that did flie by the middes of heauen, Come, and gather your selues together vnto the supper of ye great God,
Young's Literal Translation
And I saw one messenger standing in the sun, and he cried, a great voice, saying to all the birds that are flying in mid-heaven, `Come and be gathered together to the supper of the great God,
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In the KJVVerse 31,035 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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Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
EXPOSITION ON THE APOCALYPSE 19:18, HOMILY 17
[The angel in the sun] is the preaching that takes place in the church.… Depending on the context, we interpret birds or beasts to represent the good or the wicked. For example, “The wild beast will bless me,” or, “The Lion from the tribe of Judah.” In the present passage the birds flying in mid-heaven are the churches that, being considered as one body, it had said was an eagle flying in mid-heaven.
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
EXPOSITION ON THE APOCALYPSE 19:17-18, HOMILY 17
We know that this in fact happens in the church. For when all nations are incorporated in the church, they are spiritually devoured. Indeed, those who have been devoured by the devil become the body of the devil, while those who have been received by the church are made to be members of Christ.
Primasius of HadrumetumAD 560
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 19:17
The angel refers to the church in her preaching. Rightly it adds “one,” for “my dove is only one.” In this manner the mystery of unity is preserved. [The angel] is “in the sun,” where it may be already brightly visible and not further hidden because of fear. “And with a loud voice it called out.” In the loud voice we recognize the liberty of a great trust.… In some contexts birds are interpreted by the qualities of evil birds, in other contexts they are interpreted by the qualities of good birds. As earlier the form of an eagle in flight was mentioned, so in this passage those who are spiritual are invited to the feast. Peter, who bore the image of the present church, was told of this feast when it was said to him, “Kill and eat.” Since they kill what they had been so that they might become what he is, that is, faithful, they are transformed into the body of the church, and having been planted with the members of the Christ, they reign with them. For whatever we eat, we bring over into our body.
Apringius of BejaAD 600
TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 19:17-18
He saw an angel standing upon the sun. The sun upon which this angel is standing is the Faith of the catholic church. Concerning this angel also Daniel spoke as follows: “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who stands before the sons of your people.” For just as then this holy archangel stood in the sight of God on behalf of the sons of the ancient people, so now he unceasingly intervenes for the people of the whole catholic church. “And there shall be a time, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time.” In the Revelation the holy John says that in that time the birds of the earth shall gather to consume the bodies of the impious.
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 19:17-18
That will of God is to be regarded as foremost which is called both his “good pleasure” and the supper most desired by him, namely, that “people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” and that they turn and live. But second, it is his will that those who have trusted in themselves suffer punishment. Therefore, Christ said that his food was the will of the Father. In this passage he calls this the “supper of God,” since each of those who are present desired through their works either the supper of the kingdom or the supper of torment. Through the eating of flesh it indicates the destruction of everything fleshly and the end of kings and rulers on the earth. It mentions horses, not because they will rise again, but through them it signifies either the excessive desire for women or those who have submitted to evil, or perhaps both. In the riders it symbolizes those who are especially wicked. A little further on it further clarifies, saying, “both free and slave, both great and small.” By the free and great it refers to those who sinned freely and willingly, and by the slave and small it indicates those who transgressed in a lesser manner, either because of their intent or because of their age or because of weakness.
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 19:17
We think that this angel is one of the highest of the angels and exhorts the others to rejoice over the punishment of the sinners and the cessation of sin. He has called the angels “birds” due to the exalted and sublime nature that they have in comparison with ours. In imitation of Christ, their food is the fulfilling of the divine will. They are “in mid-heaven” so that they might share their ascent and joy, just mentioned, with those people who are similar to the angels. For through their mediation there is a way up from the things below, and through them the saints “are caught up to meet the Lord.”
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And I saw an angel standing in the sun, etc. That is, the proclamation in the Church, which the more it is oppressed, the more it shines clearly and resounds more freely.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
Come, gather for the great supper of God, etc. Come, he says, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5), to the feast of the coming kingdom, where, with the fury of the proud subdued, you may be satisfied with the light of divine justice.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
Saying to all the birds, etc. He calls the saints birds, living in the life of heaven: Wherever the corpse is, there the eagles will gather (Matt. 24). Bringing them together into one body, he referred to them as an eagle flying in mid-heaven.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
I believe this holy angel about whom the speech now is to be some sort of military herald of the divine host. And that he commands all the holy angels in heaven, whom he conventionally calls birds because of their elevation and ability to fly through the air, to share in the slaughter against the enemies; not that a single angel were unable to destroy the whole host of enemies, for that was clearly shown by him who in one night struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand of the Assyrians (see 2 Kings 19:35), but so that all might become participants in the joy over the enemies. For I think he even says with the prophet, "Did I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and was I not hostile to your enemies? I utterly hated them; they became enemies to me." (Ps. 139:21)
And when he commissioned the angels flying in midheaven, he himself also stood in midheaven and proclaimed; for the sun is set in the midst of the seven planets, having three above it and three below it. Either therefore this, or that the proclamation was made in the light as in a spirit, and he was speaking of the doom of those murders about to be, for the spirit is an intelligible light toward God, as the prophet teaches; and making his words a father and saying, "In your light we shall behold light," (Ps. 138:21-22) that is, we will see the Spirit in the Son.
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 19:17 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 and the triumphant return of Christ as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 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 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, 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 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.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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, 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
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. 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), 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, who now returns as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, 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, 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, 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. 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).