Revelation 19:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G2443} ye may eat {G5315} the flesh {G4561} of kings {G935}, and {G2532} the flesh {G4561} of captains {G5506}, and {G2532} the flesh {G4561} of mighty men {G2478}, and {G2532} the flesh {G4561} of horses {G2462}, and {G2532} of them that sit {G2521} on {G1909} them {G846}, and {G2532} the flesh {G4561} of all {G3956} men, both free {G1658} and {G2532} bond {G1401}, both {G2532} small {G3398} and {G2532} great {G3173}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of generals, the flesh of important men, the flesh of horses and their riders and the flesh of all kinds of people, free and slave, small and great!”

Berean Standard Bible

so that you may eat the flesh of kings and commanders and mighty men, of horses and riders, of everyone slave and free, small and great.”

American Standard Version

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 thereon, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, and small and great.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:18 presents a chilling and graphic prophetic vision of divine judgment, depicting the aftermath of the final battle where God's enemies are utterly defeated. It describes an angelic summons to all birds of prey, inviting them to a gruesome "great supper of God," where they will feast on the slain bodies of all who opposed Christ—ranging from the highest earthly rulers and military commanders to every individual, regardless of their social status, highlighting the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's righteous retribution against rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic final chapters of Revelation, specifically following the glorious appearance of [Jesus Christ as the Rider on the white horse](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ the Conquering King"), who comes to execute righteous judgment and wage war against the beast, the false prophet, and their allied armies. Immediately preceding this verse, an angel standing in the sun issues a loud invitation to "all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven" to gather for the "great supper of God" ([Revelation 19:17](/revelation/19-17 "Revelation 19:17 - The Great Supper of God")), setting the stage for the grim details of the feast provided in verse 18. This scene starkly contrasts with the blessed and joyous [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), which celebrates the union of Christ and His church, underscoring the two distinct destinies awaiting humanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of birds of prey feasting on the bodies of the slain was a common and deeply humiliating consequence of military defeat in the ancient Near East. To be left unburied and devoured by scavengers was considered the ultimate disgrace and a sign of utter destruction, a fate worse than death itself, as it denied the customary rites of burial and dishonored the deceased. This motif appears in various Old Testament prophecies, such as in [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - Consequences of Disobedience") as a curse for disobedience, and most notably in [Ezekiel 39:17-20](/ezekiel/39-17-20 "Ezekiel 39:17-20 - God's Feast for the Birds"), where God invites birds and beasts to a sacrificial feast after His judgment on Gog. John's audience, familiar with these cultural and prophetic tropes, would have immediately grasped the profound horror and finality conveyed by this imagery.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 19:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, vividly portraying the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's wrath against humanity's rebellion and the forces of evil. The detailed list of victims underscores the **Universality of Defeat** for those who oppose God; no one, regardless of earthly status or power—from "kings" to the "small and great," "free and bond"—is exempt from this ultimate judgment, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly authority. Finally, the gruesome imagery emphasizes the **Consequences of Rebellion**, signifying utter defeat, disgrace, and the complete destruction of those who fought against the Lamb, underscoring the futility of resisting God's ultimate plan and the finality of His righteous judgment. This judgment is a necessary prelude to the establishment of [Christ's millennial reign](/revelation/20-4 "Revelation 20:4 - The Millennial Reign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** This term, repeated seven times in the verse, literally refers to the meat of an animal or the body. In this context, it emphasizes the physical, gruesome reality of the judgment, portraying the bodies of the defeated as carrion. It underscores the complete destruction and dehumanization of those who oppose God, stripped of their former power and dignity.
* **mighty men (Greek, _ischyrós'_):** Derived from a word meaning "forcible," this term describes those who are strong, powerful, or valiant. Here, it refers to the elite warriors or powerful individuals who, despite their earthly strength and military prowess, are utterly powerless before the divine judgment. Their might proves futile against the omnipotence of God.
* **all (Greek, _pâs'_):** This comprehensive term means "all, any, every, the whole." Its inclusion before the final list of "free and bond, both small and great" emphasizes the absolute universality of the judgment. It signifies that no one, regardless of their social standing, wealth, influence, or lack thereof, will escape the consequences of aligning with the forces of evil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That ye may eat the flesh of kings,"**: This clause begins the detailed inventory of the victims. "Kings" represent the highest echelons of earthly power and authority, those who often wielded immense influence and opposed God's rule. Their inclusion at the top of the list signifies the collapse of human sovereignty before divine judgment.
* **"and the flesh of captains,"**: "Captains" (chiliarchs) refer to military commanders, specifically leaders of a thousand soldiers. This highlights the defeat of military might and strategic leadership, demonstrating that no human army, however well-organized or formidable, can withstand the wrath of God.
* **"and the flesh of mighty men,"**: This phrase expands on the military and powerful, referring to strong warriors, valiant fighters, or influential individuals. It encompasses those who relied on their physical strength or personal influence to resist divine authority, showing their ultimate vulnerability.
* **"and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them,"**: This clause specifically targets the cavalry, a crucial component of ancient warfare and a symbol of military power. The judgment extends not only to the riders but also to their mounts, signifying the complete obliteration of the war machine and the instruments of human rebellion.
* **"and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great."**: This final, comprehensive clause emphasizes the universality of the judgment. "Free and bond" covers all social strata, from the independent citizen to the enslaved. "Small and great" encompasses all levels of societal importance, from the humble and insignificant to the highly esteemed. Together, these phrases ensure that no one is excluded from this judgment, illustrating that God's justice is applied indiscriminately to all who have chosen to oppose Him, regardless of their earthly standing.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:18 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and gruesome picture of the aftermath of divine judgment. The repeated phrase "the flesh of" creates a stark and relentless visual of carrion, emphasizing the utter destruction and dehumanization of the defeated. This repetition also functions as a form of **Anaphora** or **Parallelism**, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the judgment and the distinct categories of those affected. The scene employs **Hyperbole** in its scale, as the "great supper of God" implies an overwhelming number of casualties, far beyond any typical battlefield. Furthermore, the entire scene is deeply **Symbolic**: the "fowls of the air" are not merely scavengers but represent the agents of divine wrath, executing God's decreed judgment. The detailed enumeration of "kings, and captains, and mighty men... free and bond, both small and great" serves as a **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole, underscoring that every single person, from the highest to the lowest, who opposed God, will face this inescapable fate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:18 serves as a profound theological statement on the absolute sovereignty of God and the certainty of His righteous judgment. It underscores the biblical principle that while human rebellion may appear to triumph for a time, God's ultimate justice will prevail, and all who oppose Him will face inevitable and devastating consequences. This verse highlights the finality of divine retribution, demonstrating that no earthly power, military might, or social status can withstand the wrath of the Almighty. It reaffirms God's control over history and His unwavering commitment to bringing about perfect justice, ultimately clearing the way for the establishment of His righteous kingdom. The grim imagery is not gratuitous but emphasizes the severity of sin and the just recompense for rejecting the Creator's authority.

* [Ezekiel 39:17-20](/ezekiel/39-17-20 "Ezekiel 39:17-20 - God's Feast for the Birds")
* [Jeremiah 7:33](/jeremiah/7-33 "Jeremiah 7:33 - The Valley of Slaughter")
* [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - Consequences of Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 19:18, while unsettling in its imagery, offers profound truths for reflection and application in the life of a believer and for the world at large. For the follower of Christ, this vision provides immense assurance of God's ultimate victory over all evil, reinforcing the truth that no rebellion against His authority will stand. It calls believers to unwavering allegiance to Christ, reminding us that we serve the King of kings who will ultimately set all things right and bring perfect justice. This passage should cultivate a deep sense of awe and reverence for God's holiness and power, motivating us to live lives that honor Him and participate in His redemptive mission rather than aligning with the transient powers of this world. For those who have yet to acknowledge Christ, this verse stands as a solemn and urgent warning. It compels every individual to consider their standing before a holy God, emphasizing the severe and inescapable consequences of rejecting His authority and choosing to align with systems that oppose Him. It highlights the futility of human pride and self-sufficiency in the face of divine judgment, urging all to seek reconciliation and salvation through Jesus Christ before the day of ultimate reckoning.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the graphic imagery of Revelation 19:18 impact your understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways might the world today be aligning with forces that oppose Christ, and how should believers respond?**
* **How does the certainty of God's final judgment encourage you to live a life of greater faithfulness and urgency in sharing the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Is the "great supper of God" in Revelation 19:17-18 a literal event, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While the language is highly symbolic, typical of apocalyptic literature, the event it describes is a literal, historical reality—the decisive defeat and judgment of God's enemies at the return of Christ. The "supper" itself is a metaphor for the consumption of the slain, a gruesome feast for birds of prey. This imagery emphasizes the completeness and public nature of the judgment, signifying utter disgrace and the finality of God's victory over all who oppose Him. It's not a literal meal in the human sense, but a vivid depiction of the consequences for those who stand against the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:18 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the grim reality of judgment but, paradoxically, in the glorious triumph of Christ Himself. This "supper" of judgment is the direct consequence of the [Lamb of God, who is also the Lion of Judah](/revelation/5-5-6 "Revelation 5:5-6 - The Lion and the Lamb"), returning as the righteous Judge and Warrior King. The very reason for this horrific outcome for His enemies is that they refused to acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior. Thus, this passage underscores the absolute necessity of repentance and faith in Christ; for those who believe, there is the joyous [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), a celebration of eternal union with Him. For those who reject Him, there is only the "supper of God's wrath." This stark contrast magnifies the grace offered through Christ's first coming, where He bore the judgment for sin on the cross, offering [eternal life to all who believe in Him](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life"). The finality of the judgment in Revelation 19:18 serves as a powerful testament to Christ's ultimate sovereignty and His role as the one through whom all judgment is executed, confirming that [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"), either willingly in salvation or by force in judgment.

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

Ezekiel 39:18

Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan.

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.

Revelation 6:15

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

Deuteronomy 28:26

And thy carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray [them] away.

Jeremiah 19:7

And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.

1 Samuel 17:46

This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

Jeremiah 7:33

And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray [them] away.