Revelation 19:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the remnant {G3062} were slain {G615} with {G1722} the sword {G4501} of him that sat {G2521} upon {G1909} the horse {G2462}, which {G3588} sword proceeded {G1607} out of {G1537} his {G846} mouth {G4750}: and {G2532} all {G3956} the fowls {G3732} were filled {G5526} with {G1537} their {G846} flesh {G4561}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The rest were killed with the sword that goes out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

Berean Standard Bible

And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

American Standard Version

and the rest were killed with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, even the sword which came forth out of his mouth: and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:21 concludes the dramatic account of Christ's return and the final battle, vividly depicting the complete and utter destruction of the armies arrayed against Him. It portrays the swift and decisive judgment executed by the Rider on the white horse, whose authoritative word, symbolized as a sword, slays the remaining rebels, leaving their corpses to be devoured by birds, signifying the absolute triumph of divine justice over all human rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to the "Battle of Armageddon" narrative, which begins in [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Return and Final Judgment"). Following the triumphant return of Christ as the "Word of God" and "King of Kings" ([Revelation 19:13-16](/revelation/19-13-16 "Revelation 19:13-16 - Christ as King of Kings")), and the capture of the Beast and the False Prophet who are cast into the lake of fire ([Revelation 19:20](/revelation/19-20 "Revelation 19:20 - The Beast and False Prophet Cast into the Lake of Fire")), this verse focuses on the fate of their human followers. It provides the final, grim detail of the complete eradication of all earthly opposition to Christ's reign before the binding of Satan in [Revelation 20:1-3](/revelation/20-1-3 "Revelation 20:1-3 - Satan Bound for a Thousand Years").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of birds devouring corpses was a common and horrific sight in ancient warfare, signifying utter defeat, dishonor, and the absence of proper burial. This was considered a curse in the ancient Near East, often prophesied as a consequence of divine judgment against rebellious nations or individuals (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - Consequences of Disobedience")). The "sword proceeding out of his mouth" echoes Old Testament prophetic language where God's word is an instrument of judgment and power (e.g., [Isaiah 11:4](/isaiah/11-4 "Isaiah 11:4 - The Messiah's Righteous Judgment")). The gathering of armies against God's anointed one also resonates with themes found in [Psalm 2](/psalm/2 "Psalm 2 - The Reign of the Lord's Anointed").
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme is the **Divine and Final Judgment** of God. This verse underscores the absolute sovereignty of Christ and the futility of any attempt to oppose His rule. It highlights the **Power of Christ's Word**, not as a mere utterance but as an irresistible force capable of executing divine decree, bringing about total **Annihilation of Opposition**. This imagery reinforces the concept that Christ's authority is inherent and supreme, requiring no physical weapon beyond His spoken word. The grim details emphasize the **Totality and Finality of God's Victory** over all forms of evil and rebellion, fulfilling prophecies of ultimate divine triumph.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **slain (Greek, _apokteínō'_):** From G615, meaning "to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy." This word emphasizes the decisive and complete nature of the judgment. It's not merely a defeat or scattering, but a total annihilation, leaving no survivors from the opposing forces.
* **proceeded (Greek, _ekporeúomai'_):** From G1607, meaning "to depart, be discharged, proceed, project." This verb highlights the origin and emanation of the "sword." It signifies that the power to judge and execute comes directly and inherently from Christ's mouth, underscoring the divine source and irresistible force of His word.
* **sword (Greek, _rhomphaía'_):** From G4501, referring to "a sabre, i.e. a long and broad cutlass (any weapon of the kind, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it is used figuratively, representing the sharp, piercing, and decisive power of Christ's word and judgment, rather than a literal physical weapon. Its imagery emphasizes the lethal authority of Christ's decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse":** This clause identifies the victims as "the remnant," referring to the remaining human armies and followers of the Beast and False Prophet who had gathered against Christ. Their demise is swift and absolute, executed by the "sword" of Christ, the Rider on the white horse. This "sword" is explicitly stated to be from His mouth, emphasizing the power of His authoritative word, not a literal weapon.
* **"which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth":** This crucial phrase clarifies the nature of the "sword." It is not a physical blade but the powerful, authoritative, and judging word of Christ Himself. This imagery, consistent throughout Revelation, underscores that Christ's power to judge and execute comes from His inherent divine authority and truth, making His decree irresistible and final.
* **"and all the fowls were filled with their flesh":** This grim and graphic detail vividly portrays the totality of the destruction and the dishonor of the defeated. The "fowls" (birds of prey) consuming the flesh of the slain signifies a complete lack of burial, a profound curse in ancient cultures, and serves as a stark visual testament to the absolute and irreversible nature of God's judgment against those who oppose Him.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:21 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "sword" emanating from Christ's mouth symbolizing His divine word and authoritative judgment, rather than a literal weapon. This imagery reinforces the idea that His power is not physical but spiritual and absolute. The phrase "all the fowls were filled with their flesh" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the sheer number of the slain and the completeness of their destruction, while also employing vivid **Imagery** to evoke a sense of finality and grim consequence. This imagery is also a form of **Allusion** to Old Testament prophecies of judgment, particularly those found in [Ezekiel 39:17-20](/ezekiel/39-17-20 "Ezekiel 39:17-20 - Prophecy of God's Feast for the Birds"), which describes a similar scene of divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:21 powerfully asserts the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ and the certainty of divine justice. It reveals that God's patience with human rebellion has a limit, and His final judgment is decisive and inescapable. The imagery of the sword from Christ's mouth underscores the inherent power of His word, which is not only the instrument of creation and salvation but also of ultimate judgment. This passage serves as a stark reminder that all who oppose God's righteous rule will face inevitable and complete defeat, highlighting the futility of human resistance against divine omnipotence. It also affirms the ultimate triumph of good over evil, assuring believers of Christ's victorious establishment of His kingdom.

* [Isaiah 11:4](/isaiah/11-4 "Isaiah 11:4 - The Messiah's Righteous Judgment")
* [2 Thessalonians 1:7-9](/2_thessalonians/1-7-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 - Vengeance on Those Who Do Not Know God")
* [Psalm 2:4-5](/psalm/2-4-5 "Psalm 2:4-5 - God's Derision of Rebellious Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 19:21 offers a profound and sobering reflection on the nature of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ. For believers, it provides immense assurance that Christ will indeed return to establish His righteous kingdom, bringing an end to all wickedness, oppression, and rebellion. It underscores the absolute sovereignty of God and the futility of opposing His will. This passage should inspire awe and reverence for Christ's power and authority, motivating us to live in faithful obedience to Him. For all, it serves as a solemn warning regarding the dire consequences of rejecting Christ's authority and a powerful call to repentance and faith, recognizing that the very word that offers salvation can also bring decisive judgment. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we aligned with Christ, or are we, in any way, resisting His reign? The ultimate victory of Christ means that every knee will bow, either willingly in worship or forcibly in judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of Christ's word as a "sword" shape your understanding of His authority and power?**
* **What does the total annihilation of opposition in this verse reveal about the finality of God's judgment and the seriousness of rebellion against Him?**
* **In what ways does this passage encourage you to live a life of greater submission and obedience to Christ?**
* **How should the certainty of Christ's ultimate triumph influence your perspective on current global conflicts and injustices?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "sword" proceeding out of Christ's mouth?**

Answer: The "sword" proceeding from Christ's mouth ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Sword from Christ's Mouth")) is highly symbolic. It represents the irresistible power and authority of Christ's spoken word, His divine decree, and His authoritative judgment. This is not a literal weapon but signifies that Christ's power to judge and execute comes from His inherent authority and truth, rather than from physical might or conventional warfare. It emphasizes that His word is living, active, and capable of bringing about His will, whether in creation, salvation, or judgment, as seen in [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active").

**Why are "all the fowls filled with their flesh"?**

Answer: This graphic imagery, also found in Old Testament prophecies like [Ezekiel 39:17-20](/ezekiel/39-17-20 "Ezekiel 39:17-20 - God's Feast for the Birds"), signifies the utter and complete destruction of the opposing forces. In ancient cultures, to be left unburied and devoured by scavengers was considered a profound curse and the ultimate dishonor for a defeated enemy. It emphasizes the totality, finality, and ignominy of the judgment meted out by Christ, leaving no doubt about the absolute victory of God over His enemies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:21 culminates the dramatic portrayal of Christ as the victorious King and Judge, fulfilling prophecies of His ultimate dominion. The "sword" from His mouth, which brings about the decisive judgment, is a powerful reminder that the same Word who spoke creation into existence ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")) and offered salvation through His grace ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")) is also the one appointed by God to judge the living and the dead ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Appointed a Day of Judgment")). This passage foreshadows the complete eradication of all evil and rebellion, paving the way for Christ's millennial reign and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, where righteousness will dwell. It underscores that His return is not merely for salvation but also for the just and final reckoning, ensuring that His sovereignty is fully recognized and His justice perfectly executed, ultimately leading to the new heavens and new earth where He reigns supreme ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 19:11

¶ 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.

Revelation 19:15

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.

Revelation 1:16

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.

Revelation 19:17

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;

Revelation 19:19

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.

Revelation 17:16

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.