Revelation 1:14-15
“The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.”
Revelation 1:14-15 Meaning
Revelation 1:14-15 describes the appearance of Jesus Christ in a vision to the apostle John on the island of Patmos. These verses provide a vivid description of Jesus, highlighting His divine glory and authority. The meaning of these verses is to reveal the majestic and awe-inspiring nature of our Savior, emphasizing His power and supremacy.
Revelation 1:14-15Â Commentary and Explanation
Revelation 1:14-15 provides us with a vivid and awe-inspiring description of the glorified Christ, as revealed to the Apostle John on the island of Patmos.
In these verses, John begins by describing the appearance of the glorified Christ, saying, “His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.” This imagery is reminiscent of the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7:9, where God is depicted with hair as white as wool. The whiteness symbolizes purity, wisdom, and authority. It reminds us that Christ is the eternal and all-knowing one, as affirmed in Revelation 2:18.
Moving on, John continues to paint a picture of Christ, saying, “His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace.” The fiery, glowing feet symbolize judgment and purification. This image resonates with Daniel 10:6, where a heavenly being is described with feet like burnished bronze, indicating strength and authority. It serves as a reminder that Christ, as Judge, will one day bring justice to the world.
The passage goes on to say, “His voice was like the sound of rushing waters.” This description emphasizes the power and authority of Christ’s words. In John 10:27, Jesus himself said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” His voice, like rushing waters, conveys the idea that His words are authoritative, refreshing, and life-giving.
John then adds, “In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword.” The seven stars are later explained in Revelation 1:20 as representing the angels of the seven churches. Christ holds these messengers of the churches in His hand, signifying His control and authority over them. The double-edged sword proceeding from His mouth represents the Word of God, which is powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). It symbolizes Christ’s authority to judge and discern the hearts and thoughts of humanity.
Lastly, John concludes the description by stating, “His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” This radiant image parallels the transfiguration of Christ in Matthew 17:2 when His face shone like the sun. It signifies His glory and majesty, echoing the imagery found in Psalm 84:11, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor.”
In Revelation 1:14-15, we are presented with a multifaceted image of Christ. He is the eternal and all-knowing one, the righteous Judge, the authoritative speaker, the holder of His messengers, and the glorious Son. As we meditate on these verses, let us be reminded of Christ’s multifaceted nature and His sovereignty over all creation. May this vision of the glorified Christ inspire us to worship, obey, and serve Him faithfully, knowing that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8).
Also Read: Luke 12:22-26 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Revelation 1:14-15
The book of Revelation is a prophetic revelation given to the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. This particular passage is part of John’s initial encounter with the glorified Jesus Christ in a series of visions. The purpose of the book is to reveal the end times and provide encouragement and assurance to believers.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Revelation 1:14-15
Eyes like a flame of fire: This signifies Jesus’ omniscience and His ability to discern the true nature of individuals and situations.
Feet like burnished bronze: This symbolizes Jesus’ unyielding nature, strength, and solid foundation. It portrays Him as unwavering in His truth and unshakeable in His power.
Voice like rushing waters: This represents the authority and power of Jesus’ words. It signifies His ability to bring about significant change and command obedience.
Holding seven stars in His right hand: This showcases Jesus’ sovereignty and control over the seven churches and their leaders. It emphasizes His guidance and protection over His people.
Lessons From Revelation 1:14-15
In studying these verses, we can glean several important lessons. Firstly, Jesus sees and knows everything. His penetrating gaze reveals the true nature of our hearts, thoughts, and actions. We cannot hide anything from Him. This should prompt us to live with integrity and transparency before Him.
Secondly, Jesus’ stability and strength give us a solid foundation. In a world filled with uncertainties and trials, we can trust in His unchanging character. He provides us with a firm footing, enabling us to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and faith.
Thirdly, we need to listen to and heed the words of Jesus. His voice carries great authority and power. His teachings and commandments should shape our thinking, decisions, and actions. His words have the ability to bring about transformation and renewal in our lives.
Lastly, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus holds His church and its leaders in His hand. He guides and protects His people. As members of the body of Christ, we can rest assured that He is intimately involved in our lives and is working out His purposes through us.
Biblical Translations of Revelation 1:14-15
Revelation 1:14-15 King James Version (KJV)
“His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.”
Revelation 1:14-15 English Standard Version (ESV)
“The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.”
Revelation 1:14-15 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“His head and his hair were white like white wool, like snow; and his eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters.”
Revelation 1:14-15 New King James Version (NKJV)
“His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters.”
Revelation 1:14-15 New Living Translation (NLT)
“His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves.”
Revelation 1:14-15 The Message (MSG)
“His head and hair were white like wool, white as snow; his eyes blazed like a bonfire. His feet gleamed like bright metal, as though they were glowing in a furnace. His voice was like the roar of a waterfall.”
Final Thoughts
Revelation 1:14-15 provides a majestic and awe-inspiring description of Jesus Christ. These verses remind us of His divine glory, authority, and power. As we meditate on these words, we are filled with a sense of reverence and adoration for our Savior.
May this revelation of Jesus’ true nature deepen our faith, inspire us to live with integrity, and empower us to proclaim His truth to the world. Let us always remember that our Lord is sovereign, unchanging, and actively involved in our lives.