Keraia
Revelation 1

Revelation 1:16

John’s Vision on Patmos · Revelation 1:9–20
Read Revelation 1

Translations

Modern
He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.
Traditional
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.
Literal
…and having in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp two-edged sword is going forth out of His mouth; and His face is as the sun shining in its power.
Latin
…et habebat in dextera sua stellas septem: et de ore ejus gladius utraque parte acutus exibat: et facies ejus sicut sol lucet in virtute sua.

Original

Greek
English
He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.

Notes

Revelation 1:16

  • The seven stars symbolize the complete church. The church is safe in the right hand of the Son of Man, which means it is under his care, acceptance, and blessing.

  • The sharp sword coming from his mouth represents his powerful message and judgment (see Revelation 19:15; Genesis 3:24; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). Jesus announces both grace and judgment, but here the focus is on his role in carrying out judgment (see Revelation 2:12, 16; 19:15, 21; compare Isaiah 11:4).

Revelation 1:12–20

John's first vision shows Christ as a wise, strong, and powerful messenger of God who always cares for his people.

Glossary

Book of Revelation King Menorah

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Appears to the Apostle John (On Patmos Island) Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Stars Stars: Seven Stars of the Seven Congregations Sun: Figurative Sword: Symbolical Sword: Two-Edged The Stars of Ministers The Sun of the Glory of Christ The Sword of the Spirit The Sword of the Word of Christ Vision of John on the Island of Patmos of Christ and the Golden Lampstands