Revelation 19:9

KJV

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he saith {G3004} unto me {G3427}, Write {G1125}, Blessed {G3107} are they which are called {G2564} unto {G1519} the marriage {G1062} supper {G1173} of the Lamb {G721}. And {G2532} he saith {G3004} unto me {G3427}, These {G3778} are {G1526} the true {G228} sayings {G3056} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The angel said to me, “Write: ‘How blessed are those who have been invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb!’” Then he added, “These are God’s very words.”

Berean Standard Bible

Then the angel told me to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

American Standard Version

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they that are bidden to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are true words of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:9 delivers a profound divine mandate to John, instructing him to record a beatitude of immense significance: "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." This declaration, immediately affirmed as "the true sayings of God," pivots the apocalyptic narrative from the preceding judgments against Babylon to the glorious culmination of God's redemptive plan, highlighting the joyous, intimate union between Christ and His redeemed people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 19:9 stands as a pivotal declaration within the broader apocalyptic vision, immediately following the resounding pronouncements of judgment against "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 17-18](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17-18 - Judgment on Babylon") and the heavenly chorus celebrating God's righteous vindication. The preceding verses in [Revelation 19:1-8](/revelation/19-1-8 "Revelation 19:1-8 - Heavenly Worship and the Marriage of the Lamb") describe a fourfold Hallelujah chorus in heaven, praising God for His justice and announcing that "the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." This verse, therefore, serves as a direct, divinely inspired commentary on the significance of this cosmic wedding, shifting the narrative focus from the destruction of evil to the joyous, eternal destiny of God's people. The angelic command to John, "Write," underscores the absolute authority, certainty, and enduring importance of this beatitude for all who read and heed the prophecy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** To fully appreciate the imagery of the "marriage supper of the Lamb," it is essential to understand ancient Near Eastern and Jewish wedding customs. A typical Jewish wedding involved several stages: the betrothal (kiddushin), a period of separation, and then the wedding feast (nisu'in), which could last for days, often celebrated at the groom's home. The "supper" (deîpnon) was the main meal of the day, usually eaten in the evening, signifying a time of celebration, fellowship, and abundance. In this context, the imagery evokes a grand, joyous, and final celebration, symbolizing the consummation of a covenant relationship. The invitation to such a feast would be a great honor, signifying inclusion and favor. For John's original audience, familiar with these customs, the "marriage supper" would immediately convey a sense of ultimate fulfillment, intimate communion, and unparalleled joy, contrasting sharply with the preceding scenes of tribulation and judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 19:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Blessing and Eschatological Hope**, presenting a beatitude that promises profound happiness and favor to those who are God's chosen. This blessing is tied directly to the ultimate consummation of God's redemptive plan. Secondly, the central image of **The Marriage Supper of the Lamb** encapsulates the theme of **Divine-Human Union and Covenant Fulfillment**. It symbolizes the joyous, eternal union between Christ, the victorious "Lamb" who was slain ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb with Seven Horns and Seven Eyes")), and His redeemed Church, often portrayed as His bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). This theme finds its roots in Old Testament prophetic imagery of God's covenant relationship with Israel as a marriage ([Isaiah 62:5](/isaiah/62-5 "Isaiah 62:5 - God Rejoices Over His People")). Finally, the affirmation "These are the true sayings of God" underscores the theme of **Divine Veracity and Certainty of Prophecy**, assuring believers of the absolute trustworthiness and infallible nature of God's revealed word regarding future events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** This term denotes a state of profound and enduring happiness, spiritual well-being, and divine favor that is independent of external circumstances. It signifies a deep, inner joy that comes from being in a right relationship with God and receiving His approval. The blessedness here is not merely a wish but a declared reality for those invited to the Lamb's supper.
* **Called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** Meaning "to call" (properly, aloud), this word emphasizes a divine invitation and summons. In a theological context, it refers to God's sovereign act of drawing individuals to Himself, often implying an effective call that leads to salvation and participation in His purposes. It highlights that inclusion in the marriage supper is not by human merit but by divine grace and initiative.
* **Lamb (Greek, _arníon'_):** A diminutive form of "lamb," this term is used almost exclusively in Revelation to refer to Jesus Christ. It powerfully symbolizes His sacrificial death as the innocent Passover Lamb ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), His meekness, and yet paradoxically, His supreme authority and victorious power as the resurrected Lord who conquers evil and reigns eternally.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he saith unto me, Write":** This is a direct divine command to John, emphasizing the imperative nature and authoritative origin of the message that follows. It signifies that the revelation is not merely for John's understanding but for recording and dissemination to the churches, ensuring its preservation and transmission for all generations.
* **"Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb":** This is the core beatitude, declaring a state of profound happiness and divine favor upon those who have received God's sovereign invitation to the ultimate celebratory feast. It points to the eschatological union between Christ and His redeemed people, a joyous consummation of their relationship.
* **"And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God":** This concluding affirmation serves as a powerful validation of the preceding statement. It underscores the absolute veracity, reliability, and divine origin of the entire message, guaranteeing its fulfillment and trustworthiness to the reader, reinforcing the infallibility of God's prophetic word.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:9 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, particularly through the image of the "marriage supper of the Lamb." This metaphor vividly represents the intimate, joyous, and eternal union between Christ (the Lamb) and His Church (His bride), signifying the consummation of God's redemptive plan. The phrase "Blessed are they" is a **Beatitude**, a common literary form in both the Old and New Testaments (e.g., the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount), which pronounces divine favor and happiness upon a specific group or condition. This beatitude stands in stark **Contrast** to the preceding judgments, shifting the focus from destruction to celebration and eternal life. The angelic instruction, "Write," serves as a **Divine Command**, emphasizing the authority and certainty of the message, ensuring its preservation and transmission. Finally, the concluding affirmation, "These are the true sayings of God," acts as a powerful **Validation** or **Divine Attestation**, reinforcing the absolute trustworthiness and infallibility of the prophetic word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:9 stands as a theological cornerstone, linking the culmination of salvation history to the intimate, covenantal relationship between God and His people. The "marriage supper of the Lamb" is the ultimate expression of God's faithfulness to His promises, a grand celebration where the redeemed, cleansed and made ready by the Lamb's sacrifice, enter into eternal communion with their Savior. This imagery echoes the Old Testament prophetic vision of a great feast at the end of days, signifying God's abundant provision and the joyous fellowship of His kingdom. It underscores the active, sovereign nature of God's call to salvation, emphasizing that participation in this glorious future is a gracious invitation extended to those chosen by Him. The certainty of this promise, affirmed as "true sayings of God," provides profound assurance for believers across all generations, anchoring their hope in the infallible word of God.

* [Isaiah 25:6-9](/isaiah/25-6-9 "Isaiah 25:6-9 - The Lord's Feast on Mount Zion")
* [Matthew 22:1-14](/matthew/22-1-14 "Matthew 22:1-14 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast")
* [John 14:1-3](/john/14-1-3 "John 14:1-3 - Jesus Promises to Return")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 19:9 offers a profound wellspring of hope, assurance, and motivation for believers navigating the complexities of life in a fallen world. It redirects our gaze from present struggles and the pervasive presence of evil towards the glorious, certain future awaiting those who are in Christ. The declaration of blessedness reminds us that true happiness and spiritual prosperity are found not in worldly achievements or circumstances, but in being divinely called into an eternal, intimate relationship with the Lamb. This verse calls us to live with eager anticipation for Christ's return and the full realization of His kingdom, inspiring perseverance in faith, purity in life, and active participation in the mission of God, knowing that our ultimate destiny is a joyous, unending feast with our Savior. It encourages us to respond daily to God's call, preparing ourselves as the bride for her groom, living lives that reflect the holiness and love of our coming King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of the "marriage supper of the Lamb" shape your perspective on current trials and future hopes?**
* **In what ways can you live out your "called" status today, demonstrating your readiness for Christ's return?**
* **How does the assurance that "these are the true sayings of God" strengthen your faith and trust in His promises?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they which are called" in this verse?**

Answer: "They which are called" refers to God's elect, those who have responded in faith to His sovereign invitation to salvation through Jesus Christ. In biblical theology, being "called" (Greek: _kaléō_) often implies an effective, divine summons that leads to a saving relationship with God. These are the redeemed, the Church, who are described elsewhere in Revelation as the "wife" of the Lamb, made ready for the marriage ([Revelation 19:7-8](/revelation/19-7-8 "Revelation 19:7-8 - The Bride Made Ready")).

**What is the significance of the "marriage supper of the Lamb"?**

Answer: The "marriage supper of the Lamb" is a powerful symbolic image representing the ultimate, joyous consummation of the covenant relationship between Christ (the Lamb) and His Church (His bride). It signifies the final and eternal union of God with His redeemed people, a celebration of salvation, victory over evil, and the full establishment of God's kingdom. It is the fulfillment of all redemptive history, a feast of intimate fellowship and unparalleled joy, echoing Old Testament prophecies of a great eschatological banquet ([Isaiah 25:6](/isaiah/25-6 "Isaiah 25:6 - The Feast on Mount Zion")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:9 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. He is the central figure of this glorious "marriage supper," not merely as the groom, but as the sacrificial Lamb whose shed blood makes this union possible. The "blessedness" pronounced in this verse is entirely predicated on His atoning work, for it is through His death and resurrection that believers are "called" and made worthy to participate. The Lamb's supper is the ultimate celebration of the new covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")), where He, as the true bread of life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), provides eternal sustenance and fellowship. His ultimate victory over sin and death, foreshadowed by His first coming and fully realized at His second, ensures that these "true sayings of God" will indeed come to pass, culminating in an eternal, intimate communion between the Bridegroom and His redeemed bride ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem as a Bride")).

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 22:6

¶ And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

Luke 14:15

¶ And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed [is] he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

Luke 14:16

Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

Matthew 22:2

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

Matthew 22:4

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and [my] fatlings [are] killed, and all things [are] ready: come unto the marriage.

Revelation 21:5

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Revelation 19:7

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.